So, Im still contemplating differant solutions for a locking/limited slip rear end before winter.
As of now, the easiest would be to add a Sprtan Locker.

I can also pick up an older Dana 70 or something from a pick up for about half the cost of and Spartan, possibly even having a LS in it, but would need to fab up mounts and then theres the drum vs disk problem..Id also have a full floater.

Another option is to get a GM 14 bolt....but they seem to be a bit costly....

Im looking for other suggestions or options, but i keep coming back to the Spartan Locker.

 

Look around in the junkyard and have one rebuilt or look for a new one, rock auto is always good and they sell Eaton diffs last I checked.

Shivvy? Get a good Dana axle if you want an HD set up.

No mucking about with the leaf spring mounts, and beefier than a longhorn steer.

 

IMO a locker is way too abrupt for winter driving; they are suited for rock crawling when one rear wheel is off the ground completely. But for snow and ice you should seek a limited slip unit. Either stock Ford, or change over to a Dana axle, etc. A locker will cause major problems on a crowned road glazed over with ice, around off camber icy corners, etc. You could certainly survive with it if you were really wary but if you let anyone else (wife, girlfriend, family member) drive your van in the winter, a locker could be fatal...

Getting dedicated snow tires may actually be more useful than going the route of a differential change.

I had an Eaton Posi put in my van when it was new (bought from dealer stock with an open rear end) and it has been great in Michigan winters.

George

 

If it has a Dana 60 full floater now,just put in a dana Trac-Loc. It will be the cheapest and easiest.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.
I have thought of just putting half ton of sand bags in it and some good snow/off road tires on it for the season.
It has a Dana 60 semi floater in it now.
I just dont want to spend a hugh amount on it and cant find any what seem to me, reasonable options.
I can pick up dana 70s from ford trucks for about half the cost of the Spartan which is one of the least costly route.

 

Have you thought about a junkyard full floating limited slip axle? Not sure where you're located, but they are a dime a dozen around here. Would bolt right up.

 

There are only a few salvage yards within a couple hrs drive of me.

If I'm correct, the axle would have to be from a van as the trk axle spring purches are didferant widths.

If I Use a trk Adel, it would have to be from 98 or older to keep the front and rear wheel bolt pattern the same.
If I do that, then there is the brake issue going from disk back to drum.

If I use a newer gm 3/4-1T axle it would have disk brakes and the correct lug pattern. A dodge axle would work as well.

 

Where is that?

 

Yea,my thought too!All the ones I can find are in the $1000 range....and that's an open diff. I just picked up a Dana 60 from a 99 e-350 diesel w ful float to replace a semi float in my 2002 e-350. I got it for $150. It needs rotors and calipers but has the correct ring / pinion.Getting back to topic...I don't know if the Chev or dodge rear axles will have the correct sensors for the ford computer in the van.That may be another facter to take into consideration.I still think the fastest/easiest way to go is to put a TracLok into your existing rear axle. Just my 2c.

 

Sacramento, CA area

 

I guess I'll look around there for one. Thanks.

 

Dana 70 truck rear end

I can find these, but just to much hassle right now.
I did spy a van in a field close by with a roll float rear.
How long has Ford been using disk on the rear in the vans???

I hadn't thought of the sensor issue...

 

Well, I was on a delivery in KY toady and stopped by a junkyard that has a single Ford E350 van with a full floater in it.
That also had a couple of rims.
I'm still on the fence as to if its worth swapping in a full floater and putting a LS in as my semi float only has 53k on it....