getting dropped front beams fabbed... any interest?

Hey all,
So i've been doing a lot of research on getting my front beam dropped 3", and seems as though no one will touch it. One of the last guys doing dropped beams will only do a 2" drop, and is booked out 12-14 weeks (Sid's in OK). Sooo, I happen to be close friends with a fabricator that for years has built custom suspensions for long travel buggies, 4x4's and other performance vehicles. He is interested in building a limited number of replacement axles for Early Econo's that would provide a bolt in drop of 2, 3, or 4 inches, and narrowing of any amount desired. He will be doing the R&D on my van, and will be fabbing a jig to do the first couple of axles in the coming weeks. Im pretty sure he's going to be using all 1/4" wall DOM tubing and whatever size matches stock for the kingpin bosses. I think he's going to offer a couple of different options for shock location, but sounds like it will have some nifty bracket/ support plates that will be drilled to accept a shock or air shock. I'm going to buy the first one, and told him I'd post this up here to see if there is any interest. I'll put up some pics of the final product in a couple of weeks when the prototype is available:)
Thanks

What price range.

Dunno yet, but I'm guessing in the low $400 range. It couldn't be much more than that. I think he's going to offer a steering kit too that will compensate for the oil pan clearance and keep the drag link horizontal as well. That is an option that would raise the price for sure, but axle only should be reasonable.

cool - interested-let us all know-Thanx

tattoomark wrote:Hey all,
So i've been doing a lot of research on getting my front beam dropped 3", and seems as though no one will touch it. One of the last guys doing dropped beams will only do a 2" drop, and is booked out 12-14 weeks (Sid's in OK). Sooo, I happen to be close friends with a fabricator that for years has built custom suspensions for long travel buggies, 4x4's and other performance vehicles. He is interested in building a limited number of replacement axles for Early Econo's that would provide a bolt in drop of 2, 3, or 4 inches, and narrowing of any amount desired. He will be doing the R&D on my van, and will be fabbing a jig to do the first couple of axles in the coming weeks. Im pretty sure he's going to be using all 1/4" wall DOM tubing and whatever size matches stock for the kingpin bosses. I think he's going to offer a couple of different options for shock location, but sounds like it will have some nifty bracket/ support plates that will be drilled to accept a shock or air shock. I'm going to buy the first one, and told him I'd post this up here to see if there is any interest. I'll put up some pics of the final product in a couple of weeks when the prototype is available:)
Thanks

I am interested. Please keep me posted. I do not check this all the time, but would love an email if this happens. I am pretty much ready for the axle, so let me know.

Brian
HauntRod@gmail.com

My fabricator buddy is working on the jig and prototype right now. It will probably be a couple of weeks before he has a couple of these axles to sell, but I think it will be worth the wait. We're going to test fit the first one in my van. I'll put pics up as soon as we get to that point! I'm also thinking about getting the ball rolling on having a set of dropped spindles prototyped for production as well, by a company local to the phoenix area. I won't be making any money on either of these production projects, but I am more than glad to try and help get us old school vanners closer to the ground!

Sweet, I am ready for an axle. I would like to be considered for one of the first ones. I would take a 4" drop and narrowed a bit. Please keep me posted so I can get my Van in the weeds.

Brian in Saugerties NY

ill be interested in a 2-3" drop!

Cool, he's got my axle out, building a jig around it so the spring plates line up. His machine shop is going to be lathing brand new bosses and setting the inclination exactly to stock. Im pretty stoked on the axles getting made! But on a down note, the company that was interested in doing the drop spindles got back to me and say that it can't be done safely with a factory spindle setup. Basically we'd have to convert to model A spindles, so im just going to scrap that, that's been done...

So we"ll still be able to drop the axle a few inches? Right?

score602 wrote:So we"ll still be able to drop the axle a few inches? Right?

x2

yeah, it will be bolt-on drop of 2, 3, or 4 inches. He's starting with the 4 inch dropped axle for my van, but the jig is adjustable, so he'll be able to do 2, 3, or 4 inch lower than stock axle drops, and I think 2 different narrowing options. Im having him do mine 2" narrowed to help clear the inner fenders.

But if you're running stock wheels, I would do a 3" dropped axle, so if you ever have a blow out, your axle won't touch the ground!

Very cool. I am excited about the axle. I would like a 4 inch with 2 inch narrow, just like the one you are getting.

Thanks

I dont know if I would need it narrowed or not, Ill have to wait and see pics of the proto and take it from there, I'm so excited!!

hey mark any update on how the axle is coming? hoping some good progress is being made!

score602 wrote:hey mark any update on how the axle is coming? hoping some good progress is being made!

X100...keep me posted. Im ready.

Brian

I'd have em done but there is a hold up at the machine shop fabbing the kingpin bosses. they are being done on a cnc lathe, but the dude is super backed up with a priority project. The jig is built and the first axle is pretty much done other than the ends. Its looking awesome so far. Its all 2x2 .120 wall DOM box, with 1/4" gussets and spring plates.

tattoomark wrote:I'd have em done but there is a hold up at the machine shop fabbing the kingpin bosses. they are being done on a cnc lathe, but the dude is super backed up with a priority project. The jig is built and the first axle is pretty much done other than the ends. Its looking awesome so far. Its all 2x2 .120 wall DOM box, with 1/4" gussets and spring plates.

Cool. Keep us posted.

Brina in Saugerties NY

Count me in.

also intrested in drop axle any update on availability

Any updates on these axles?

I might be interested in a drop axle too. Any updates?

so where are they ? thanks

I have the van up on stands, and time to do the suspension. I am sending mine to Sids...300 bucks. Gotta get it done. Let me know if there is any chance of one in the next few weeks.

Brian in Saugerties
1966 Econoline