Are there any engineers here?

[luke-ao]

I've spent the past three weeks researching frontends for my 68 F100. Actually I've been looking into it for many years now. I have a pretty good idea of all my options, from a Crown Victoria, Fatman MII, Heidts MII, (Plus the countless others) AIM drop beams, X2 beams, DJM, or even modifying the OEM beams. In the end it's either spend a small fortune, spend a ton of time looking for used parts CV parts (without any transportation except a motorcycle) or use an inferior drop beam. I've read to many horror stories about the drop beams currently on the market to even consider that route. In the end I'm not interested in any of it.

I have a Haas VF2, knee mill and a full welding shop, CAD software and the time so it just makes more sense for me to make my own Drop Beams to the exact specs I want.

Design, machining and fabrication is the least of my concern, where I need help is with choosing the correct materials for the beams and king pin housing. I was hoping there was someone here that could help me out with choosing the correct materials.

My plan is to go with a boxed configuration following the OEM geometry as much as possible, any insight to the correct materials would be much appreciated.

[SuperDodge]

I'm a licensed engineer.

You'll have a hard time getting an engineer to give you guidance for no compensation because if that beam fails and there is any investigation that engineer has left themselves open to lawsuits and possible loss of their license. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, I just think the general public doesn't usually understand the risk engineers take with their livelihood if they provide design assistance to anyone.

Do you have any friends who are engineers? That might be an easier route.

[SuperDodge]

And for what it's worth, I used DJM drop beams.

[luke-ao]

And for what it's worth, I used DJM drop beams.

For what it's worth, after the research I did on the DJM drops beams I wouldn't trust them as far as I could toss them. I'll take my chances on my fab and machining skills first, been doing it for years anyway.

[SuperDodge]

Then why even ask for an engineer's help? Sounds like you've got it figured out.

[luke-ao]

Only responding to your post. This forum is only a single source for information, the internet is full of people willing to help with just about anything. If I can't get input here or any place else I will wing it, wouldn't be the first time...

[luke-ao]

Not to mention, no one is asking you to stamp a set of prints anyway...

[67 StylesLide]

What are the horror stories? Or where can I read them.
What happend to your DJM drop beams?

If you are going to fab with steel plate and tubing I would personally use minimum T-1 steel and seamless tubing.

[luke-ao]

I never used any after market drop beams, but through all my research I found forum post after post of failed units and a number of horror stories of one kind or another. If your truck does not see many miles it may not be a problem, however I'm my truck is my transportation not a show truck. I've read enough that I don't trust the current manufacturers so I've decided to design my own.

I'm currently in the middle of installing new springs and bushings so I can see where my current ride height and caster/camber is so I have an accurate starting point.

[Ranchero50]

I would go CV before playing with drop beams. You'll gain so much for so little effort it's hardly worth powering up the equipment to do the work.

[Canonman67]

I'm not defending drop beams but I am curious about the horror stories you heard about DJM could you provide a link to the information? When I was considering dropping the front end I was going to go with DJM cause I didn't find much, if any bad press on them.

[tnab1970]

I am NOT an engineer , but, If you want to build it. BUILD IT. Been in a FAB shop myself for most of my life. I would suggest using 4130 material "chrome Moly" It can be purchased in flat sheets, DOM etc. You probably know that though. We used it exclusively , on rail cars, and rear end housing for years when I worked in a chassis shop. Cut plates to your shape needed, box'em up and weld it. And have fun doing it!

[luke-ao]

I'm not defending drop beams but I am curious about the horror stories you heard about DJM could you provide a link to the information? When I was considering dropping the front end I was going to go with DJM cause I didn't find much, if any bad press on them.

I don't have any of them book marked. I spent weeks researching and ran across enough feed back on them to steer me clear of them. Just google drop beams and start reading.

[luke-ao]

After considering the cost of a disc brake conversion and power steering up grades I think I'm going to put the drop beams on hold and see if I can scrounge a CV front end. I priced the parts at the salvage yard and its only a few hundred dollars, much cheaper than I originally thought. I just need to figure out how to haul the parts on my Harley . It could take more than one design to get the front end aligned properly with drop beams and after considering it it's just not worth it...

[Ranchero50]

Told ya.

Go to Lowes, buy a sheet of OSB for $10 and rent their truck for a half hour. Stop at the yard and have them set the CV parts on the wood so it doesn't ding up the truck or make a mess.