Just in case anyone was wondering I can tell you for sure this will work. I put the entire axels, hubs, shocks, brakes etc, front and back along with the steering gear box and tie rods from a 2007 E 350 under my 1997 E 350.

Now from the frame down I have less than 100k miles on my ride and I have nice heavy disk brakes front and back.

The newer stearing gear box had bolts that were about 1/8" larger in diameter than the 1997 so I had to drill out 3 holes. Other than that everything just bolted right into place!!! My 97 rims fit right on the 07 hubs.

Both vans were single wheel, 2 wheel drive regular cargo vans, the 07 was 4.6 gas and 97 is 7.3 diesels. I did keep my front springs because I figured they were stronger for the weight of the 7.3.

 

This is good to know so thanks for posting!

I was considering swapping out my '03 front end bits for new take-off parts of a '12, told by a knowledgeable source it was a direct swap, minor differences only such as different flexible brake hoses. Radius arm brackets are a bit different but still mount to the frame exactly the same.

Thanks again!