Front beam - which one to buy? (Updated with Pics)

[cunning plan]

Nearly got the beam off last night, the bolts all came undone supprisingly easy. Started hammering in turn each side of the beam and it is slowly working it's way down the chassis. Then stopped as I had to do some other stuff :|

So, I am thinking, if it is THIS tight to get the beam off - how do you get it back on?

I am planning to fit the Red9 kit before it goes back on so there is going to be quite some weight there. I am also planning to put down a bit of protection paint - but won't this make it even harder to get back on, even 1mm of paint is going to make it tighter!

Or am I over thinking it and a newly welded, powder coated and Red9'd beam will slide up just fine on a 3 tonn jack :roll: :msn4:

 

[Clem]

My beam came off pretty easy, but even on the last UK van I lowered that we had to fight the beam off tooth and nail, after being cleaned and greased it slipped back on a treat.

 

[outlaw]

Hi iam currently getting mine ready to refit clean all of the chassis rails and the inside of the beam grease it up and slowly push it back up in place

 

[cunning plan]

Okay cheers guys. Will give that a go when it comes to refitting.

However, I think I want a new beam!

You can see on the towers someone has been welding. But it looks like the welds are coming apart. The beam is pretty solid really, it is easially repaireable but....

:roll:

THINK I may go for the Red9 beam as it is a stock size (not that keen on narrowed stuff) plus rather than messing around with another second-hand beam, restoring it and getting it powder coated - it may just be quicker and work out a hundred quid difference or so when you factor in devliery etc. Also new bushes I think will be a good plan.

Okay, a few questions.

1. Has anyone got any comments or thoughts on the Red9 beam? It should be the best option as I have a Red9 kit to fit to it already.

2. Are the new beams any lighter than OEM ones?? I know it has to be solid but wow it is heavy, especially when you add drum breaks ontop of that. With modern fabrication techniques I would assume that new beams would be as strong as old ones but lighter?? (maby a question for Red9...)

ARRR. So much money. :sign0001: :facepalm:

 

[cunning plan]

Anyone? oke:

 

[gorr2000]

so helpfull :lol: (i dont know nothing sorry)

 

[gninnam]

Your existing beam is repairable - to be on the safe side, remove your old end plates with some new ones.
I think the new beams are not much different in weight than the original ones (unless someone knows different)

A bit of grease helps a lot when sliding on the beam (use copper grease as it will also protect) back on.

End plates can be bought from quite a few places and will be cheaper than buying another beam (need good welding techniques though!!)

Good luck with your choice

 

[cunning plan]

Cheers for thoughts gninnam