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Hello all, this forum has been great in the past and I'm prompted to start my journey out officially with a question I am finding mixed information on.
I have a '98 E350 mini RV that has been converted to 4WD. The rear axle is the dually dana 70, and specific offset wheels made combined with 2.5" spacers on the rear to get the tires to sit where I want them.
Therefore there is quite a bit of distance from the hub face to the center of the rear wheels. The rear bearings are brand new, however my concern is something like the below happening. (see greatwhiteroamer instagram page for his current situation) That F550 had 22k miles on it when the axle failed. I have a feeling it was due to SRW conversion/spacers/distance from wheel center to hub face, and although he's at 18k lbs and I'm at 10,900lbs, I am wondering if there is a better axle that Ford made that would fit my truck better (wider) and handle the weight. I wouldn't need disc brakes and re-gearing is not an issue. Besides the $8k dollar aftermarket products, anyone know if there is a viable option for a heavy duty, SRW, wider rear end for an econoline van?
Many thanks!
So did his axle fail or the bearing? Could you just UG bearings and/or axles to a more severe service type over factory? 18k is a bit of weight to haul around all the time even for a 550 series. Wonder what type tire he's running to do SRW. Was his a dana 70? Van chassis has a different offset on the pumpkin then f-series. Your best bet would be to talk with an axle specialist at a medium duty truck shop. He may have gotten a bad bearing/axle from the factory.
Well then another option is to find a dually van Dana 70. I put one in the rear of one of my dually trucks and it was the same width as the pickup truck dually axle. Offset may have been different but I feel no vibrations from it
Thank you, I will look into that axle option and see if it fits the bill. I'm curious if the leaf hangers are in the correct location, we'll see.
Thanks!
So did his axle fail or the bearing? Could you just UG bearings and/or axles to a more severe service type over factory? 18k is a bit of weight to haul around all the time even for a 550 series. Wonder what type tire he's running to do SRW. Was his a dana 70? Van chassis has a different offset on the pumpkin then f-series. Your best bet would be to talk with an axle specialist at a medium duty truck shop. He may have gotten a bad bearing/axle from the factory.
The earthroamer is still not fixed and he has not posted the full story yet. Thank you for the rec as well. I thought about aftermarket UG bearings and I'll ask a specialist about options there.
Thanks!
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