Handling of narrowed beams

[Jadewombat]

I need some honest opinions of what a difference the narrowed beam has made as far as handling and ride. It seems to me that cornering is compromised as you narrow the track in the front the car becomes more like a three-wheeler (i.e. like to tip over). I've also heard that turning radius is reduced with narrowed beams? I noticed this on my bus with wheel adapters, it would track about inch wider (stock beam) but I couldn't turn as well or as easily.

Is you car better, worse, or about the same after the narrowed swap?

[Jadewombat]

No one has any experience with these??

[CalLookVWs]

I'd also like to know.......how does a 5-8" narrowed beam react under drag race conditions (i.e. acceleration to braking...go really fast then nail the brakes)? Personally, I think it looks stupid having a super narrowed front end anyways, like someone kicked the wheels into the car.

[DORIGTT]

BEHOLD! The power of the search engine....

http://shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php ... highlight=

I asked this same question a bit ago. Here's the results.

[Bruce2]

I've also heard that turning radius is reduced with narrowed beams? I noticed this on my bus with wheel adapters, it would track about inch wider (stock beam) but I couldn't turn as well or as easily.

If by "reduced" you mean it turns tighter, not my car. The limit to how tight your car turns is when the tire is contacting the body at full lock. Narrow the beam, the tire contacts at a much less steering angle. Then your turning circle gets bigger.

[kptstyle423]

ive ran narrowed beams in 4 of my cars over the past 4 yrs. i had a 5 in and a 6in. it depends on what year your car is on your turning radius bc 60 and earlier have the smaller gas tank and with a 6in beam u can turn tock to lock. late models suck with narrowed beams 4in rubs the outer fender and 5 u dont have much turning radius. it depends how low u go if they would be good for racing. i wouldnt wanna be a in off the ground racing but thats just me

[Clatter]

I just did the CB 2" ball-joint beam on my oval with '70 pan.
Used the sway and dropped spindles, too.

Ths was only to get rid of the 145s in front.
Now I have some 185/60s and they fit.

The car used to plow into turns (understeer) very badly.
It would only oversteer with some brake, even, and it is higher in the back.

Now, with the better rubber, I can hang the ass end out under power.
I am super stoked to find someplace where i can go in a big circle and practice drifting to start learning to drive it right.
Before, it was a feeble plodder, and completly unsuitable for any fast turning of any kind.
THe drop spindles, plus early body/late pan combination required the 145s to not rub under normal use.

Initially, the ride was stiff because of new balljoints and shocks, but now has settled in nicely.
Still a *bit* stiffer than before, due to the shortened torsions.
Looking forward to finding some larger diameter rear torsions to match.
Hopefully, maybe some from a squareback?

Long story short, the narrowed beam was instrumental in making my car handle.
Before it was like a T-Bucket with a V8 and motorcycle tires on front.
Now, it is this total point-and-shoot machine...

Beware that the CB beam has adjusters that take the car from low to lower.
It will not raise back up to stock height.
Now, with it on the highest setting, the front apron will not clear the smallest curb or parking barrier...