Narrowed Front Beams (I need basic answers)
 

How does a narrowed beam affect the driveability of a car? (I thought it was advantageous to have a wider track.) Please steer me in the right direction. :D :rolleyes: :o

2 main reasons for using a narrow beam

1. to have a real narrow front track width for drag racing

2. to use wider wheels on the front and still keep the track the same width

You see it is advantageous to have a wider track, but with that you face two problems if you dont narrow your beam.

1. you have to use wider fenders

2. use loose some of your turning radius

Also note that the ride will be stiffer because of the shorter torsion leaves ... not sure if it is a noticable amount though.

Sandeep

That's not a concern for me.
Is that what you did with your '71?
I was planning that.
Hmmm, makes sense. Is any amount lost due to loss of turning the steering? How much is lost if one were to use 16x6½-et42 wheels? How much is lost if one were to use 17x8 fronts & 17x9 rears (unknown offset at this time)? I realize your answer may be a guesstimate.
Excuse me for being a dunderhead but I assume the shorter torsion leaves are part of or necessary with the narrowed beam. I am also assuming you did not go this route since you state you are not sure how much stiffer. That leads me to ask: Why did you not use a narrowed beam.

(General note: I always assumed narrowed beams were for dragsters considering what I saw in magazines. My intent is an 8-10k mile per year car driven in all conditions and sometimes called upon to be driven hard. I appreciate all opinions and replies.)

keeping your beam stock and running wider wheels and wider fenders will effect your steering in two ways.

First, you will increase the diameter or your turning radius
Second you will most like have to adjust your steering stops using wider wheels with a deep offset to reduce the amount of rubbing on your suspension

on my 71, I used narrow struts. this doesnt narrow the front end like a narrowed beam, just allows you to use wider wheels with a deep offset.
I still had to adjust my steering stop so I lost so of my turning radius.

I believe most people do not use narrowed beams because it is usually cheaper to buy wider fenders.

Wider fenders cost around $250 to $300 per pair
Narrowed Beam around $400
Narrowed Tie Rods around $100
Narrowed Sway Bar around $100