Why did Ford stop using twin I-beam?
The front suspension Ford moved away from is the twin I-beam design—Ford eventually retired it in favor of independent front suspension (IFS) for most of its modern vehicles. This shift happened gradually through the 1990s and early 2000s as Ford updated its lineup to meet evolving ride, handling, and packaging expectations.
Historically, the twin I-beam layout was chosen for its durability and simplicity. Two I-shaped beams carried the wheels and allowed a straightforward coil-spring setup, which made it inexpensive to manufacture and relatively rugged in duty. As automotive dynamics, safety standards, and consumer preferences evolved—especially with larger wheels and tires, stronger braking systems, and more sophisticated steering—the limitations of that design became more apparent. Ford, like many automakers, began replacing twin I-beam with independent front suspension to improve ride comfort, handling accuracy, and overall packaging efficiency.
What the twin I-beam suspension is
The twin I-beam front suspension is a type of independent-looking setup used on many Ford trucks and some cars in mid-20th-century designs. In essence, each front wheel is mounted to its own I-shaped beam, and the two beams are connected to the frame so that each wheel can respond to bumps independently. The arrangement was simple, robust, and relatively inexpensive to produce, with coil springs and a link/arm geometry directing wheel motion. While it offered good load-carrying capability and straightforward maintenance, it also limited camber control, steering feel, and overall ride quality compared with later independent designs.
Why it faded from use
Below are the practical factors that pushed Ford away from twin I-beam in favor of more modern suspensions.
- Ride quality and handling: Independent front suspension provides better wheel control, reduces camber changes during cornering, and smooths out road imperfections more effectively than a rigid twin I-beam setup.
- Camber control and tire wear: With true independent motion, each wheel maintains more stable alignment across a wider range of inputs, leading to more even tire wear and predictable handling.
- Compatibility with modern brakes and wheels: Modern braking systems, larger brake rotors, and wider wheels require packing space and mounting geometry that are easier to accommodate with independent layouts.
- Packaging and aerodynamics: IFS can offer more interior and engine bay packaging flexibility, which helps with aerodynamics and overall vehicle efficiency.
- Maintenance and reliability expectations: While twin I-beam was durable, independent designs reduce steering and alignment quirks, making service and warranty outcomes more straightforward for consumers and shops.
- Industry trend and safety standards: As rivals adopted independent suspensions and safety regulations evolved, Ford followed the broader market direction to stay competitive in ride comfort and handling.
In short, the move away from twin I-beam was driven by a desire for better ride quality, more predictable handling, and improved packaging that aligned with modern braking systems and industry standards.
Timeline of Ford's transition
The transition did not happen overnight. The following points sketch the broad arc of the shift from twin I-beam toward independent front suspension across Ford’s mainstream vehicles.
- Mid- to late-1990s: Ford begins phasing out twin I-beam on new light-truck designs as independent front suspension becomes the standard for improved ride and handling.
- Model-year 1997 and onward: All-new or redesigned Ford light-truck platforms adopt an independent front suspension layout, marking a turning point for the division.
- Late 1990s to early 2000s: Other Ford passenger and light-truck models follow the trend, with most mainstream vehicles no longer using the twin I-beam design.
- Post-2000s: Twin I-beam remains in historical or legacy contexts, with modern Ford platforms featuring independent suspension across the board.
The shift reflects Ford’s response to consumer expectations, regulatory demands, and the competitive landscape, which favored independent suspension for better ride quality and handling dynamics.
Current status in Ford’s lineup
Today, Ford’s mainstream passenger cars and light trucks no longer rely on the twin I-beam front suspension. The design survives primarily in the historical record and in very limited or specialty applications, while modern Ford vehicles use various independent front-suspension configurations tailored to each model’s needs. The company’s ongoing product development emphasizes ride comfort, weight efficiency, and the ability to integrate contemporary chassis technologies.
Summary
Ford’s retirement of the twin I-beam suspension was part of a broader industry move toward independent front suspension. The twin I-beam offered rugged simplicity but limited camber control, ride quality, and packaging options compared with later IFS designs. Through the 1990s and into the 2000s, Ford progressively adopted independent front suspensions across its lineup to deliverbetter ride comfort, handling, and compatibility with modern braking systems and wider tires. The result is a modern Ford lineup that prioritizes refined on-road dynamics over the vintage, if durable, twin I-beam architecture.
Is twin I-beam suspension good?
Twin I-beam suspension is good for a comfortable ride and durability, especially in a two-wheel drive truck, but its handling is less precise than modern suspension systems and it can be challenging to align and modify. While it provides a smoother ride than a solid axle by allowing each front wheel to move independently, it can have issues with camber changes during suspension travel and does not perform as well as A-arm or other more modern designs.
Pros of Twin I-beam suspension
This video explains what a Ford Twin I-Beam suspension is and why it was considered a comfortable ride: 30sDentside DepotYouTube · Jan 14, 2024
- Comfortable ride: The independent pivoting beams isolate the truck from impacts on one side, leading to a smoother ride compared to a solid axle.
- Durability: The design is simple and robust, with good load-carrying ability, making it suitable for trucks and vans.
- Good for 2WD: While sometimes criticized for its 4WD version, the 2WD Twin I-beam is considered a reliable and comfortable setup for everyday driving.
Cons of Twin I-beam suspension
- Poor handling and geometry: The design can have poor handling during cornering, and the camber angle changes significantly with suspension travel, which can negatively affect handling and lead to tire wear.
- Difficult to align/modify: Adjusting and maintaining the suspension can be challenging, especially if a lift kit is installed, as it can lead to camber issues that are difficult to correct.
- Outdated technology: It has been largely replaced by A-arm suspension systems in modern vehicles, which are lighter and offer better geometry for handling and fuel efficiency.
What year did Ford come out with twin I-beam suspension?
1965
In 1965, Ford introduced a novel and interesting independent front suspension for trucks known as the Twin I-Beam.
Is Ford cancelling the lightning?
Ford is reportedly considering canceling the F-150 Lightning, but the decision is not final. Production was paused due to an aluminum supply shortage, and ongoing EV losses have led Ford to evaluate the future of the electric truck. While production is temporarily halted, there is no official announcement of cancellation yet.
- Production is paused: The F-150 Lightning assembly line at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center is currently on hold, and Ford will not say when it will restart.
- Supply chain issues: A fire at a key aluminum supplier's plant caused a shortage, and Ford is prioritizing its more profitable gas and hybrid F-150s.
- Financial losses: Ford's electric vehicle division has been losing a significant amount of money, and the F-150 Lightning has been a major contributor to these losses.
- Uncertain future: The Wall Street Journal reports that Ford executives are in active discussions about ending the truck's production.
- Potential replacements: If production were to end, the F-150 Lightning might be replaced by a new vehicle built on the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, according to MotorTrend.
Does Ford still use the twin I-beam suspension?
No, Ford does not still use Twin I-Beam on its current light-duty trucks; that suspension was phased out in the late 1990s for the F-150 and replaced with A-arm suspension. However, the rugged Twin I-Beam system is still used in two-wheel-drive versions of its larger, heavy-duty Super Duty trucks, such as the 3/4-ton and 1-ton models.
- Light-duty trucks: Ford replaced the Twin I-Beam with a more modern A-arm suspension in the F-150 and other lighter models to meet fuel economy standards and for improved handling.
- Heavy-duty trucks: The Twin I-Beam design is still used in the two-wheel-drive versions of the heavier Super Duty pickups, including F-250 and F-350, because of its durability and load-carrying capacity.
- History: The Twin I-Beam suspension was first introduced in 1965 and was a hallmark of Ford's trucks for decades. A four-wheel-drive version, called the Twin Traction Beam, was also developed and used in 4x4 models.
