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Swapping a full floating rear axle into my '05 E350 extended body originally fitted with a semi-float axle. I desperately want to keep running the dog dish wheel covers but my donor axle doesn't seem to like them. Using stock 16" steel wheels when placed and torqued down the axle hubs protrude too far out that the wheel covers won't snap into place. So far I find no information if another wheel cover was used for full float vs semi-float so I'm slightly lost what's "wrong".
A bit of experimentation shows using a 1/2" or 13mm spacer will work but I'm concerned whether those push the wheel too far out to be safe---I simply will NOT run unsafe. Here's two photos showing a before and after spacer install.
No spacer:
w/ 1/2" spacer:
I've found a vendor who has the 1/2 hub centric spacers which I think would be the best bet here. Please know by "spacer" I mean the flat washer-style pieces, not adapters with captive lug studs to change bolt pattern etc. Also my experimental spacers are simply hardened flat washers stacked up to 1/2" thickness.
Would love to know any real-world hands on experience with high quality wheel spacers.
that is fine. as long as the lug nut is completely on the stud, you are good to go.
ford did make the "dog dish" cap for the full floating axle, they are just hard to find.
Any idea how to go about tracking down at least a part number and approximate year they would have been used? I've talked with my local Ford parts guy and he doesn't know---young man he is. I created a post calling upon NumberDummy aka Bill but he must not have seen it.
I've found a vendor who'll custom make spacer plates for me, seems highly experienced with this very issue I'm having. I do hope to "solve" this mystery one way or another.
Bill has been on "vacation" for the past two months.
he got overwhelmed with requests and decided he needed time away from the full time job he created here after retiring from ford dealership
they were used on 250-350's from the mid 70's to mid 90's on plain jane trucks and vans.
they pop up every now and then on evilbay.
Is there any specific way to ID them or do we have to search for years?
And yes evilbay is a nightmarish site and yet it does deliver more often than not.
Bill is a tremendous resource here---I can completely understand his taking time for himself. Not too many with his knowledge and experience in any endeavor let along obscure Ford parts from days gone bye. Hope he's getting much needed and deserved time away from FTE.
what i would do is measure what you need for depth of dish and go from there. most advertised claim for 150-250-350, but then go on to say they are 2 1/2 deep.
if i remember correctly the full float axle caps are either 3 1/2 or 4 1/2 deep
what i would do is measure what you need for depth of dish and go from there. most advertised claim for 150-250-350, but then go on to say they are 2 1/2 deep.
if i remember correctly the full float axle caps are either 3 1/2 or 4 1/2 deep
Correct on the FF axle caps--mine are just at 4 1/14" deep as measured outward from the brake rotor.
