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For what you are spending on wheel spacers, you could have almost had updated 05+ axles...
Thanks for the insight. As I am not aware of all the work, time, material, cost involved in replacing the axles, I will take your word for it. I should have done some more research on replacing the axles, but that was never in the plan. As you must have realized from this thread, I had to stop the research and make a decision within 20-30 minutes. For now, I have invested
Full 05+ axles with EVERYTHING but the hardware to replace the rivets on the radius arm brackets and coil buckets are running $1800-2000 down here right now. That includes stock F250/350 springs front and rear, 05+ steering gear box, all steering components attached to the front axle, 05+ updated sway bar (mounted to the front of the axle), P/S return line to the hydro-boost, brake lines on rear axle, emergency brakes still attached to the rear axle (worth a pot of gold right there!), a set of stock wheels, all brake components intact...including hoses, 05+ 4x4 hubs still installed in the Dana 60 front axle.
They can be installed in a weekend if you dedicate 8 hours a day to the job. The benefits are huge.
I plan on buying a set, and I will just have to buy bolts, shocks and a steering stabilizer to complete the parts requirements. I will, of course, have to change fluids in the axles, brake lines and power steering system as well. I will do a complete write-up when I do it to go with the ones that have already been done. Can't have too much info out there when doing major surgery like this.
Mike
Looking forward to the write up and good luck with your swap!
I have nowhere near the time & skills required to do all this work and would end up having a shop do this work. So, $$ wise, it will not make me feel good I don't shy away from getting my hands dirty, but I'd rather not do something incorrectly and would pay to get it done right. OTOH, I do need to chat with you about the powered mirror wiring. I have most of the parts procured. Just haven't gotten around to do the work.
Maybe I should just take a couple of weeks off, grab some $$ and head down to TX to buy and install new components on the X. Part & labor here in NE make things difficult.
Originally Posted by Nicmike
Full 05+ axles with EVERYTHING but the hardware to replace the rivets on the radius arm brackets and coil buckets are running $1800-2000 down here right now. That includes stock F250/350 springs front and rear, 05+ steering gear box, all steering components attached to the front axle, 05+ updated sway bar (mounted to the front of the axle), P/S return line to the hydro-boost, brake lines on rear axle, emergency brakes still attached to the rear axle (worth a pot of gold right there!), a set of stock wheels, all brake components intact...including hoses, 05+ 4x4 hubs still installed in the Dana 60 front axle.
They can be installed in a weekend if you dedicate 8 hours a day to the job. The benefits are huge.
I plan on buying a set, and I will just have to buy bolts, shocks and a steering stabilizer to complete the parts requirements. I will, of course, have to change fluids in the axles, brake lines and power steering system as well. I will do a complete write-up when I do it to go with the ones that have already been done. Can't have too much info out there when doing major surgery like this.
Mike
Looking forward to the write up and good luck with your swap!
I have nowhere near the time & skills required to do all this work and would end up having a shop do this work. So, $$ wise, it will not make me feel good I don't shy away from getting my hands dirty, but I'd rather not do something incorrectly and would pay to get it done right. OTOH, I do need to chat with you about the powered mirror wiring. I have most of the parts procured. Just haven't gotten around to do the work.
Maybe I should just take a couple of weeks off, grab some $$ and head down to TX to buy and install new components on the X. Part & labor here in NE make things difficult.
Sounds great! When you coming? The guest house is free the next couple of months while the MIL is in Europe.
I made the same mistake of buying a set from Ebay last week for very cheap. They did not work for my 2000 7.3. On the rear, the hub centric rings did not clear the lip of the axles.
The 2nd problem that I faced was with the shank of the lug bolts that came on mine. Most of these spacers come with a 1.25" shank that is not enough to get the lug nuts to seat securely. You will need a minimum of 2" shank.
I ended up ordering a set of spacers from Fred @ wheeladapter.com. I spoke with them over the phone to make sure that these 2 issues were addressed.
Can I put a 285/75/16 tire on the spare 16" wheel that comes with the EX? I have switched to 18" wheels and need a spare. I can't seem to find a 18" spare for under $100 in this area The height will be a few inches less, but I am hoping this will be used sparingly anyway and maybe never.
I hope you were able to return those ill-fitting spacers.
It'll be a squeeze under the stock spare tire cover, but she'll fit.
After paying for return shipping I'd have been left with a few $$ to get a latte from Starbucks. Figured I'd just sell it myself and they went to CL and sold faster than they'd have reached the seller.
I don't shy away from getting my hands dirty, but I'd rather not do something incorrectly and would pay to get it done right. OTOH, I do need to chat with you about the powered mirror wiring. I have most of the parts procured. Just haven't gotten around to do the work. 
