E-150 front and rear track

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Jun 23, 2011 | 06:37 PM

ydaveitsu

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Joined: Feb 2005

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E-150 front and rear track

Well, here's another question? I never knew there was such a difference between the front and rear track on these Ford vans. But, come to find out there is a 2-1/2" difference between the front and rear. On the back roads of Maine, the wheels like to follow the ruts. The rear is back and forth like your on snow or ice. Which is the best way to go here, different off-set wheels or wheel spacers? I'm thinking of wheel spacers because of the cost of buying wheels with different off-sets and also I just refinished my Ford OEM wheels that came on the van. I have heard bad things about the spacers with studs breaking and causing the axle bearings to burn up
Need some input as to what you guys think. Thanks !!

Jun 25, 2011 | 07:11 AM

SilverE350

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I don't understand why people are so adamant that the front and rear tracks need to be the same width. It has obviously been engineered that way for a reason. Many if not all cars are built this way, have you ever looked at a Chevy pickup? Huge difference.
The reason your van feels so loose in the rear has nothing to do with the different track widths. It's all in the tires and suspension.
Some aftermarket wheels, spacers the convert from hub centered to stud centered, that's deficient engineering.

Jun 25, 2011 | 07:47 AM

Killer RC

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From: SW Ohio

Actually, wheels would be cheaper than spacers. Good spacers are about $350 a pair. My aftermarket wheels are $112 each.

Jul 12, 2011 | 08:31 PM

76Chateau

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From: New Port Richey

8 Lug 6.5" To 8 x 6.5" Wheel Adapters / Spacers 2" | eBay

This is the set that I bought back in December, have had no problems with them.

Jul 12, 2011 | 09:05 PM

Killer RC

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From: SW Ohio

Got pics of your van? How close is the tire to the fender now?

Jul 12, 2011 | 09:18 PM

76Chateau

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From: New Port Richey

I'll get some pics. tomorrow and post then

Jul 13, 2011 | 04:18 PM

76Chateau

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From: New Port Richey

Here are some pics. with the spacers on the rear.

<a href="http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/soldirscreed/?action=view&current=DSCF4915.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/soldirscreed/DSCF4915.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/soldirscreed/?action=view&current=DSCF4918.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/soldirscreed/DSCF4918.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/soldirscreed/?action=view&current=DSCF4913.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/soldirscreed/DSCF4913.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/soldirscreed/?action=view&current=DSCF4914.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/soldirscreed/DSCF4914.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

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Jul 13, 2011 | 04:37 PM

76Chateau

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Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 41

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From: New Port Richey

but I still have fun with it. It seems to always get stuck when I stop. But someday I will have me a 4 X 4 van.

Jul 14, 2011 | 05:54 AM

#10

JWA

Fleet Owner

Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

I'd be interested to know where you got the step tubes!

Jul 14, 2011 | 07:28 PM

#11

76Chateau

Freshman User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 41

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From: New Port Richey

I got them through AutoAnything, but don't see them listed anymore. They are still available from Waag. Part # 24922B
WAAG : Application Guide : Sidetubes

Jul 23, 2011 | 10:07 PM

#12

ewired

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Joined: May 2011

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What size are the firestone's?

Jul 24, 2011 | 05:34 AM

#13

76Chateau

Freshman User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 41

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From: New Port Richey

LT265/75 R16

Oct 6, 2011 | 11:56 PM

#14

E350John

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Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 81

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From: West Linn, Oregon

You'll hear a lot about turning radius loss with spacers, I would rather have more stability. I went with spacers (adapters) from wheeladapter.com (Fred Goeske, the old drag racer). This guy really knows his stuff and produces the only spacer I will use. Most of his propaganda is about the rollover risk, I just wanted a more stable van in the corners.

I used his 2" adapters which are machined steel with hardened steel studs. I used red thread locker to bolt the adapters on, along with the lug nuts provided in the kit. I didn't use any thread locker on the wheel lugs. I pulled the wheels and checked the torque at 100 miles and they hadn't budged.

The van now handles great in the corners, turns really level (flat), no lean! Feels a lot better to me!

Here's a few pics:

Attached Images