AIM or DJM I-beams; which is better?

[69timemachine]

My next plan for my '69 is 3" drop I-beams, but I've been cruising the forum and have sensed mixed reviews. Is one brand truly better than the other? I know to go with AIM on the tie rod relocators, but what about the beams themselves? I tend to lean toward AIM because of their better tie rod relocators. Wouldn't it stand to reason that they would therefore build better beams too? Also, I've always heard that you should stick with one manufacturer when doing modifications to minimize headaches. Any opinions out there? FORDification = best site ever!

[F100builder]

I got the DJM's because of more positive feedback and to me, they do look like a better piece. I've also heard the same about the AIM tie rod relocators and would like to get them too. I have yet to install them however because I'm still gathering a few parts for a disc brake upgrade. I've got everything but new pads and brake hoses. The spindles are from a '78 so I had to get the DJM beams for a '78 (different kingpin length and diameter). This is something to consider before you buy your beams if you hope to upgrade to disc in the future. The kingpins are the same from '67 to '74 on 1/2 tons.

[69timemachine]

Yeah, I've seen some pics of the DJM beams on the forum and they do look like quality pieces. I haven't been able to see very good pics of the AIM beams though. The online dealers' pics of them are poor. I'm just trying to get a few opinions to finish swaying me one way or the other. I'm definitely going to get the AIM tie rod relocators, even if I decide on the DJM beams and it means mixing parts from different manufacturers. I went ahead and ordered the DJM rear shackle & hanger kit because it looks like a very high quality kit to me. In fact, it arrived today. That's cool that you're going to disc brakes. I'm going tomorrow to pull the power disc setup & I-beams out of a '74 F100. Yes, I'll be sure to get the '67-'74 beams when I do order. That's good info to have.

[427blackpearl]

i have the whole djm kit front back and the tie rod relocators, no problem at all with any of it. the relocators were a little hard to put on but i like them

[convincor]

i have the whole djm kit front back and the tie rod relocators, no problem at all with any of it. the relocators were a little hard to put on but i like them

Were's the pics??? Inquiring minds would like to see..

[F100builder]

i have the whole djm kit front back and the tie rod relocators, no problem at all with any of it. the relocators were a little hard to put on but i like them

Were's the pics??? Inquiring minds would like to see..

[FordHam]

I have purchased the AIM rear shackle hangers and the full rear shackle kit from DJM. Both products are similar, but the AIM product is finished much nicer than the DJM. The DJM finish has a speckled pattern with what looks like pitting, though I assume this is the way they designed it. Their literature states it is powder coated. It looks as if it had been painted then sanded with the black paint left in the pits. I suppose this would only be an issue if you were going for a higher quality look, as these areas would require some filler to smooth them out. Another small pint is they come with red bushings. I would say the DJM hangers look beefier. I spoke with an AIM rep who told me their tie rod relocaters would not work with other I-beams. I also have noticed that neither of these products will work with the flex-o-matic spring, as the rear of the leaf is already to the bed crossmember. Any feedback is appreciated.

[F100builder]

I have purchased the AIM rear shackle hangers and the full rear shackle kit from DJM. Both products are similar, but the AIM product is finished much nicer than the DJM. The DJM finish has a speckled pattern with what looks like pitting, though I assume this is the way they designed it. Their literature states it is powder coated. It looks as if it had been painted then sanded with the black paint left in the pits. I suppose this would only be an issue if you were going for a higher quality look, as these areas would require some filler to smooth them out. Another small pint is they come with red bushings. I would say the DJM hangers look beefier. I spoke with an AIM rep who told me their tie rod relocaters would not work with other I-beams. I also have noticed that neither of these products will work with the flex-o-matic spring, as the rear of the leaf is already to the bed crossmember. Any feedback is appreciated.

The DJM hangers are powdercoated with a sort of textured powder some people call 'hammertone' (I believe DJM calls it 'silver vein'). The steel underneath is flat. These could be blasted bare or even hit with a grinder with a soft, flexible, sanding disc and painted or re-coated if desired but perhaps not worth the effort to some. I will most likely just paint over my DJM beams with the same color as ther rest of my suspension (semi-gloss black).
I find it hard to believe that AIM's relocators would not work with DJM beams. Geometrically speaking, the two beams are nearly identical and the relocators do not connect to the beams at all. They connect the tie rod to the steering arm on the spindle. This steering arm should end up in the exact same location in space with either of the two beams, yes? I can't be absolutely sure whether they will work or not but it seems I remember people on this forum have mixed the two brands. It doesn't surprise me that AIM would say that as they would much rather sell you their beams than have you go buy a competitor's!
The shackle kits will NOT work with the Flexomatic as they are longer eye-to-eye than the standard leaf pack. I would like to get the full DJM kit and will probably get some standard springs from the wrecking yard but for now, I'm just flipping my front hangers for a 3-5" drop. Although this won't be as aesthetically pleasing, it's no $$$ and less work!

[prostreetf100]

the aim tie rod relocators will work fine with the the djm beams as they have nothing to do with the beam itself as stated in above post. I just installed a set with some old school cast beams that were built years ago. i have used both and feel that the djm beams are better built.

[trickf100]

I bought DJM beams and had to return them. The king pin bore was .008-.010 over size from factory specs. I could not even get a shop to touch them because they said that the tolerances were dangerous. A machine shop quoted me $250 per beam to ream them out and put in bushings to get them back to what factory specs would be. I know a few others in this forum have had the same problem and have to find either expensive or extremely creative ways to fix the problem. I even called DJM and they told me to just crank down the king pin retaining pin to hold it in place. Wrong answer. Needless to say my truck is going to have a stock suspension put back into it and my next one will have a MII in it. What ever route you go good luck because it seems like a crap shoot as far as how the quality goes on any of the brands.

[MadMaxetc]

If you are going to drive this a lot then don't cut the coils, your tires will wear out a lot faster and it will cost you more money in the end.

IMHO, cutting the coils make the front end look broken (ie. stupid).

If you HAVE to cut the coils, cut 1/2 ring at a time.

You don't even have to take them all the way off the truck. Just unbolt the holder on top (under the spring tower) and jack up the frame so the suspention drops a little. Cut off 1/2 ring and turn it so the end lines up and set it back down. Do this untill you get the drop you want.

[kilog55]

yeah it will be a driver/cruiser so guess i wont do that then. i was looking at the bag kit but it doesnt list what other parts you need. plus i dont want to hack up my inner fenders as i just bought another set

[kilog55]

yeah i have seen his truck i like the stance on it IIRC he took out 2 coils


how bout some pics to get an idea on the drop from the AIM or DJM beams

[convincor]

just came across this pic by accident. http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... 0&pos=-817

[kilog55]

looks like it was cut and welded back together to achieve the drop, and man he's got some meat on those rims