We decided to purchase a 'jig built" narrowed beam from the
competition. We are doing a complete analysis on it to show you the
difference so you the consumer are more educated on these. Narrowed
beams can come in several different configurations. A German beam EMPI
adjusters (China) are welded in at the same time to give you adjust
ability. Some companies retain the factory bearings and bushings others
use urethane bushings from either EMPI (China) or Bug Pack (China).
Another version is to buy new materials including mild steel tubing
boxed tubing split in half for beam supports EMPI (China) adjusters
urethane bushings (China) and plasma cut shock towers that bend around
the body. The last possible application is to use all new components
only using product machined or made in the USA. We will break down each
possible alternative. GERMAN BEAM - Using Original Beams-
This is in-expensive but to ensure a good beam make sure they hot tank
the beam remove any and all bearings and bushings jig build the beam
re-enforce the shock towers use quality hardware check the torsion for
wear or weakness. If all these aspects are done a German beam can be
great. Empi Adjusters $12.95 Core beams $100 NEW MATERIALS including EMPI (China) Parts Mild Steel Tubing - Inexpensive and not always a true due to it having a seam. Cold Drawn Welded (CDW)
Produced from a steel strip by cold forming electric resistance welding
(ERW) and cold drawing to finished dimensions CDW is the most versatile
and widely sold mechanical tubing grade. A variety of thermal
treatments can be applied to alter the mechanical properties and
machinability. CDW is used for a tremendous variety of machine parts
where close tolerances and higher mechanical properties are needed.
58000 PSI tensile Typical Applications: Automotive components shock absorbers hydraulic cylinders sleeves bushings axles and shafting. Wikipedia Price per foot $5.17 Empi Adjusters (China) $12.95 Empi (China) Urethane Bushings $30.95 Shock towers plasma cut & broke in two places $12 each $24 total Upper Shock bushings $7.50 each $15.00 Parts Total $126.87 EST Welding a total of 22" = 30 minutes Prep & paint 20 minutes Install Bushings 5 Minutes Retail Price $300 EST plus fees NEW COMPONENTS MACHINED IN THE USA DOM Tubing
Drawn-over-mandrel tubing is made from cold-drawn
electrical-resistance-welded tube that is drawn through a die and over a
mandrel to create such characteristics as dependable weld integrity
dimensional accuracy and an excellent surface finish. This process
called cold drawing may be repeated more than once to reach the planned
OD ID or wall dimension. Multiple draws can also be used to increase the
strength or improve the surface finish of the tubes. During the drawing
operation the tubes may be process annealed to increase the ductility
of the material. Lower cost alternative to CDS with equal or superior
physical properties. Compared to structural pipe DOM Round Tubing is
produced to more exact OD and ID tolerances and better finishes without a
seam. Ideally suited for a wide range of structural and bushing
applications. Widely used in stressful applications requiring higher
quality uniformity strength and soundness. 80000 PSI tensile. Wikipedia Price per foot $9.94 Chromoly Broached Adjuster centers $22.50 each $45 total Slider bracket $6.75 each $13.50 total Billet Slider $ 4.75 each $9.50 total Zinc plated hardware $5.00 total Zinc plated zerks $4.00 Laser cut bent & welded beam supports $17.50 each $35.00 total Body bungs $2.75 each $5.50 total Delrin Bushings $25.25 each $101 total Steering dampener bracket $6.50 Laser cut bent & welded shock towers $24.75 each $49.50 total Parts Total $334.14 EST Welding a total of 52" = 1 hour 25 minutes Prep & counter sink shock tower holes 30 minutes Install Bushings drill & tap for zerks 20 Minutes Retail Price $415 EST
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