Bent Traction Beams

[mrboyle]

Is anyone here (except Gloria's EB) running cut front axles in their 4x4? Has anyone heard anything (good or bad) about Autofab? I just (finally ) graduated from college and after securing a real job I am going to start the buildup of my Explorer. One of the last things will be the lift, and I want to do my homework before I start the purchasing frenzy. I don't really want to do a stright axle (that's why I am building my '61) and I'm not really fond of the drop bracket style lift. I know the cost difference between the bent beams and the other lifts is significant, but price aside which is better? Is the diference in price justified? Any input anyone can give me would be appreciated.

P.S. Gloria, if you read this, do you still have the jigs your husband made when he did the lift on your Explorer? If so are they available (rent, buy, borrow..?)

Thanks in advance!
MikeB.

 

[Extreme4x4]

Do understand that the bent beams only make up 4" of the lift. You really cannot do any more than that safely. The rest of the lift still comes from drop brackets. Of course, we made our own, so they will NEVER bend.

Another thing. Before you tackle a job like this, make sure you have a good understanding of suspension geometry. If things get messed up, you will end up with a vehicle that is very unsafe on the road.

If you do not feel comfortable with all the precise measuring...... and remeasuring..... and then measuring again for safe measure.... then buy the Autofab kit. With that you know that it will bolt on and work great..... the first time.

Yes I still have the jigs. I would not sell them, since you never know if they may come in handy. I would borrow them out, as long as I knew FOR SURE that I would get them back. Hmmmmm, may hold a small child hostage till they are returned. ) j/k

Anyway, do your homework and figure out what you want to do. You know where to find me.

Gloria
93 EB Explorer, 1000 RTI
94 F150 Lightning

 

[mrboyle]

Gloria,
Thanks for the info. It works out that I am only interested in lifting my Explorer 4". My plan is to build it as a daily driver/ weekend toy, so I am not going to get too serious (you know how that goes though). My other plan is to use a James Duff 2.5" kit and a 2" body lift, but like I said before, I'm not too fond of the drop brackets used in these kits. My goal is to run 31's and be able to gain as much flex as possible. I currently don't have any kids, will a sibling work?

 

[MW4HD]

Mr Boyle, check out Camburg's page on the web...http://www.camburg.com/
They carry the cut and welded axle housings also, and a lot cheaper. They do VERY nice work, so no worries about quality, it's all there...

 

[mrboyle]

MW4HD,
Thanks for the lead. I have checked out their sight before, I am still trying to decide which way to go. I was just curious if anyone had heared anything about Autofab as their kit appears to be fairly complete minus drive lines. But at $2200 I want any info I can get before I decide to cut a check.

 

[JAY]

I have delt with John at Autofab several times over the past few years. His work is arguably the best around. You are right though, he is very expensive. You are not only paying for his work, but also his reputation. He will however stand behind his work 100%, and that includes years down the road. John has built Autofab around his reputation for quality work, and it shows.