We like our van. Really, we do. It could stand a little maintenance here and there, mostly to correct some bizarre decisions made earlier in its storied life. Like the Driver's side front axle, which doesn't match the Passenger's side front axle. Evidently, at one time, both were 4050lb axles. Now the driver's side seems to be a lighter-duty unit.

Now my question: are the geometries the same? Should I be looking for a 4050lb axle, or can we continue driving this for now?

 

How are you determining one side is lighter duty? Any photos you can post?

 

I could see where this is possible.

I had to replace a right beam and radius arm years ago after "that fool" turned left in front of me, and took the right side fender and axle out.

But then again, I made sure the correct axle was from a 250/350 van from the junk yard, from a mid 90's era van.

Oh, and he was in much worst shape that me, them Dodge pick-ups just fall apart when touched..........

As Mr. JWA asked, Pictures???

 

What would the lighter duty axle be from? I don't think one from a 150 would fit.

 

Good questions, all. I don't have pictures, but I can describe. The two axles look different. The passenger side axle is beefier. The van is rated 4050 lbs on the front axles, so it had the medium duty axles from the factory.

The 3900 lb light duty axle (light duty for an E-350, that is) is compatible with the standard (non-heavy duty) steering box. This is the steering box with which our van is equipped.

I suspect the lighter duty axle came off another E-350, but I haven't researched E-250s to see how they're equipped.

There's some paint overspray on the driver's side, and the front edge of the driver's door is a little chewed upon. Could have happened any number of ways, but I'm picturing a deep entry into a right sweeper, late braking, and contact with the curb. The lesson here: don't autocross with your factory E-350. Leave that to the AWD Sportsmobiles and Quigleys.

 

Unless you're Sabine Schmitz. Then you can autocross anything you'd like:

 

Great video. I am now a big fan of Sabine Schmitz...

Around SE Michigan we've got a drag racing van--coming down from a wheelie hard could also be tough on an axle.
George