I-Beam Swap

Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels & tires

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bumt72
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I-Beam Swap

Post by bumt72 »

Ok, hope noone minds but I am posting this here, though it is not strictly a 67-72 question. I recently purchased my eldest daughter, 15, a 61 f-100 stepside, and am wanting to replace the front end with something I can get disk brakes and power steering for. I am down to an Aerostar front end or installing twin I-Beams. From what I have read they are the easiest options, plus both give a 2-3" drop. What I am wondering is if anyone has their truck at a state (cough cough Keith) where I can get detailed picture of the I-Beam set up, and maybe some measurements, I can get some of the BUMT but... Also does anyone know if one of the Ford manuals, and which one, goes into the I-Beam setup. Or if anyone knows of anyplace I can get detailed information about them.

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bryantracing460
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re: I-Beam Swap

Post by bryantracing460 »

Well not that I have any personal experience, but I knew a guy that had a mustang IFS with a 460 in his truck. He said the only problem was that he couldn't get headers on it.
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bumt72
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re: I-Beam Swap

Post by bumt72 »

Thanks, I'll have to look into the subframing, the mustang front end runs a tad bit expensive for my budget.

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willowbilly3
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re: I-Beam Swap

Post by willowbilly3 »

Maybe it would be easier to just find a 65-72 truck to get the whole frame. Swapping out the cab and bed would be WAY easier than front stubbing the frame. Then all you need is the disc brakes off the plentiful 73-79 100-150. Also this is a great time to add power steering with plentiful stock parts. Without it your daughter may end up with arms like Arnie if you plan to run anything wider than 5-6 inch tread width for front tires.
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re: I-Beam Swap

Post by cobraF100 »

You spoke of the Aerostar front end. Do you have any of the Info on this swap because I'd herd about it but could never get the Info to look at...
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re: I-Beam Swap

Post by 71sportcustom »

speaking of I-beams does anyone know if 89 beams will fit my 71? just curious
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re: I-Beam Swap

Post by willowbilly3 »

Pretty sure not, 79 is the last year for compatibility. But then I don't know anyone who has tried so maybe they will fit with some modification.
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re: I-Beam Swap

Post by FORDification »

willowbilly is right...the '79 models are the last year that can be used on our trucks.
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re: I-Beam Swap

Post by bumt72 »

The Aerostar swap information I got was from

Slick60s - LINK 1 - LINK 2

And at The other site

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showt ... p?t=193210
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Re: re: I-Beam Swap

Post by morganater »

bryantracing460 wrote:Well not that I have any personal experience, but I knew a guy that had a mustang IFS with a 460 in his truck. He said the only problem was that he couldn't get headers on it.
That is ridiculous I would never let a trick suspension setup interfere with HEADERS :lol: Although I too am looking for a drop kit for my truck.
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