The Cal-look Lounge

Cal-look/High Performance => Cal-look => Topic started by: marcd on September 26, 2008, 03:39:04 am



Title: Beam narrowing; steering box location issue?
Post by: marcd on September 26, 2008, 03:39:04 am
Hi guys, I've already looked through the forum at narrowed beams and the question I have I couldn't quite find an answer to.

I am looking to narrow my beam only 2" to compensate for disc brakes, and give me more room to try different wheels.

I have seen lots of ways to narrow a beam, but in all/most cases, I don't see any mention of the steering box location moving and if this is an issue. If the beam moves in by an inch on one side, doesn't that move the steering box in by an inch also? Is there anything more to consider than I am aware of?

Thanks guys!


Title: Re: Beam narrowing; steering box location issue?
Post by: Chuck Fryer on September 26, 2008, 04:22:04 am
I had the same problem, could not find a place to mount the steering box?????????


Title: Re: Beam narrowing; steering box location issue?
Post by: Neil Davies on September 26, 2008, 12:44:03 pm
Nice one Chuck... :D

Marc, where are you taking material from? If you're cutting from the ends of the tube and welding the towers back on, you won't need to move the steering box at all - it should be located in exactly the same position as stock. If you're taking material from the centre and welding adjusters in at the same time, you'll need to move the lugs over by an inch.


Title: Re: Beam narrowing; steering box location issue?
Post by: Rennsurfer on September 26, 2008, 14:15:51 pm
Best narrowed front beam picture EVER. Hopefully, you have access to a proper metal chop saw for the leafs.
(http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6732.0;attach=21388;image)
Well done, Chuck.


Title: Re: Beam narrowing; steering box location issue?
Post by: marcd on September 26, 2008, 17:17:42 pm
Thanks Neil!

I have access to all the right tools/fab equipment to do the work, just wasn't sure about the box mounting. I planned on cutting from the center,  as I have been told it's stronger and a better way to do it. The towers might be easier to do, but since I'm putting in adjusters I figure I might as well take the beam apart.


Title: Re: Beam narrowing; steering box location issue?
Post by: Lee.C on September 27, 2008, 03:26:38 am
this might be an easy option  :)

http://www.cbperformance.com/catalog.asp?ProductID=1329


Title: Re: Beam narrowing; steering box location issue?
Post by: marcd on September 27, 2008, 08:29:20 am
Purchasing a beam would be more appealing if I had no fab experience and didn't know any good welders. :)

I'm just doing it since my old man had the beam laying around; I like fabricating stuff. I was thinking about making the beam from scratch, but that will have to wait until next year.