Posting an update!

[beejaytx225]

One thing that bothers me a bit is this mounting point for the passenger side I beam.

IMG_29042020_080822_(1050_x_1400_pixel).jpg

Do you see how it angles back a bit? I don't know if that is normal or if something hit it in the past and bent it back. I can't find another truck to compare it to.

[sargentrs]

Nope, not normal. Mine were straight and vertical. A few photos of mine, before and blasting my frame are toward the bottom of the first page in my build thread in my signature. Here's a couple of shots I just went out in the garage and took.

[beejaytx225]

Oh boy... Thats kinda a bummer. But! I do appreciate the help sargentrs! I guess I'll dive in and see what my options are

[beejaytx225]

Looks like I'm gonna have to pull the bent bracket off and either straighten it or replace from a donor truck. After installing new I-beam pivot bushings and radius arm bushings the driver's side beam no longer clears the bracket. Diving into some heavy metal tweaking

[JoshT]

Don't know how much of a restoration you are planning, or if you are willing to use fabricated aftermarket parts. If you are you might want to check this out:

https://autofab.com/i-22828666-65-79-f- ... pivot.html

My truck is a 4x4 and I haven't used them. Little expensive, but it's probably stronger than the original and its available if you can't find used.

I happened upon their beam pivots for the I-beam Rangers when searching for something else. I've got a stalled 86 Ranger project truck and one of its beam pivots is worn due to loose pivot bolt. When I found them I saved the link and will be ordering a set for the Ranger if I ever resume that project.

[beejaytx225]

That is absolutely outstanding!!! Thank you so much JoshT! I was having no luck finding an aftermarket bracket till now

[beejaytx225]

After a thorough review of their website and the Google reviews....part is ordered will post pics and updates when I get it

[JoshT]

Please do! I know it isn't the same part I need, but still interested in seeing what you receive and think about it.

Like I said price is a little high IMO, but they are the only ones I've found offering it. If word on the interwebz can be believed, imagine you'll be getting what you paid for.

[jzjames]

Yep. That was a life saver.

[beejaytx225]

Received the bracket from AutoFab today. Have to say it's a pretty solid piece. Good welds, thick metal.

IMG_14052020_170846_(1050_x_1400_pixel).jpg

IMG_14052020_170832_(1050_x_1400_pixel).jpg

IMG_14052020_170811_(1125_x_1500_pixel).jpg

[beejaytx225]

Got the new bracket cleaned, primed and painted. Will be removing the bent bracket tomorrow

[sargentrs]

Can't wait to see how it works out! Good luck!

[beejaytx225]

Got the new AutoFab bracket mounted. Holes lined up "okay" I'll probably end up welding it to the frame. But super stoked that I can finally get the front axles back on

IMG_31052020_190206_(1050_x_1400_pixel).jpg

IMG_31052020_190214_(1050_x_1400_pixel).jpg

[popeyes71]

Those brackets look great! Looks like assembly of the front end is in the near future.

[bellamor]

I can see progress with every update that you create on this thread. It seems like the modification process is going well on your end and I can't wait to see how it goes.