Link Pin 65 Front end..

AZ65CalBug · Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:13 am Post subject: Link Pin 65 Front end..

I can get a new 2" narrowed adjustable beam for my 65. Right now it has like a 5.5 narrowed and the shocks will not fit. That is not my style anyways. I don't want it slammed.

So if I order this new beam.. how hard is it to remove and install the torsion arms and spindle assemblies from my old beam?

I've never taken apart the front end before. Is it pretty simple.. some tricks to it? I've been searching on here but not found something that says how hard it is.

Last time I just ordered a spindle to spindle.. but if I can save some money I will use my torsion arms and spindle assemblies.

Thanks everyone!
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drscope · Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 10:28 am Post subject:

It's a piece of cake. Just messy.

You won't be able to use your torsion bar leaves - they will be too short. But the rest will transfer over.

If you have a roll around engine stand, you can mount the beam up in the stand. This makes it a lot easier to deal with and work on.

Put down card board on the floor to catch the old grease that drops out. Have the trash can RIGHT there with plenty of paper towels to wipe things as they come out of the beam.

Then have either news paper or card board so you have a clean place to lay the pieces down after they are out.

Since you can't re-use your old torsion leaves, don't take them out.

Once the old beam is naked, cover the ends with plastic and tape to keep to keep the grease in and dirt out.

Then put the new beam up in the stand.

Clean everything up. Then start smearing on NEW grease and loading the pieces in the new beam.
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AZ65CalBug · Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 10:52 am Post subject:

Thank you DRScope!

That is what I want to hear. I guess I have to find a beam that has the torsion bars. I totally spaced on that of being too short. I knew I had to already purchase new tie rods.

Good tips on changing that stuff over too! I will take those ideas to the garage!

Thanks again!
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smitty24 · Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 4:53 pm Post subject:

Arizona, I will attest to you that there will be a night and day difference between the two beams. The 2" is nice...depending where you get it, and will use shocks. My advice, get a nice 2" CB swaybar. Makes a big difference. CB compensator on back also helps. I have had multiple beams on different cars...so far the 2" CB (USA) beats everything else! I never liked how any of my 4-6" beams handled; too many limitations even when dialed in. CB setup is well worth the money. My beam had dead on tolerances as well. Id get on it and dont look back. Well worth the effort.

AZ65CalBug · Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 5:10 pm Post subject:

drscope · Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 7:31 pm Post subject:

It is REALLY important on a king & link pin beam to have perfect tolerance on the cuts.

You know about the shim chart for shimming the link pins? The deal there is to measure the difference in the faces of the trailing arms and shim accordingly.

If the beam builder was sloppy, and didn't take care when welding up the beam, they can be way off the shim chart. At that point you can't get the link pins shimmed correctly.

It's not such a big deal on a ball joint beam, but it's really important on a link pin beam.

Point is, stay away from the cheap crap beams! CB has a very good reputation and while you may pay more, it will probably be spot on when you assemble it.

You should be able to get new torsion leaves from CIP1. CB may have them as well. You will still need to drill the stack for the dimples for the trailuing arm grup screws, but thats pretty easy.
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AZ65CalBug · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 6:19 am Post subject:

I called a few places and they had the torsions for like $200? I think.. can't remember now. Thought it was somewhat high.. They said they were cut for the 2" beam.

I've never torn into a beam so I am not aware of the shim chart but I do know the A arm is suppose to move on it's own with little force.

Seen a video of that on Airkewld.

Maybe I will see about trying to find a good used one in the up coming PHX BOR.
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Snydr · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 7:31 am Post subject:

AZ65CalBug · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 7:46 am Post subject:

I think I'll just get my entire set up from CB.
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drscope · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:05 am Post subject:

AZ65CalBug · Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:07 am Post subject:

I'll probably hold off and see about how poorly I did my taxes. Hopefully I did it right and get a fat refund.

Then I will order an entire front end from CB.

Beam, TBS, Sway bar, tie rod set and front disc brakes. Be a nice little upgrade for sure.

Sure I can sell my current beam for about $75.. help recoop some of that CB spending spree! haha
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pOrk · Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:13 am Post subject:

AZ65CalBug · Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:17 am Post subject:


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