So, I've been considering a 4wd conversion of my 1999 van, but in the interim, and also to bump up the axle ratio from 3.73 to 4.10, because I plan at some point in the future (maybe after the world settles down a bit from the current pandemic) to use it to tow. I've been reading up on doing axle swaps to later F-series, and particularly 2008+ because of the uprated brakes. Part of the problem is that if I put an F-series front end on, then I have to use the 8x170 bolt pattern, which means using spacers at the rear in order to have the same wheels front and back. That or use some up front to run the older 8x6.5 pattern wheels I already have. Though then I have an even larger disparity between front and rear widths, and there is some question about whether 16" wheels will fit over the later calipers and rotors on the later wheels.

I know a lot of people end up swapping out the rear axle for an F-series SRW, but then have to relocate the spring perches. The supposed reason to do this is the heavier rear end that came in the Superduty trucks (Sterling/Visteon 10.5" Ring Gear and 35 spline axles). However, in looking today I see the 08+ vans came with a 10.5" ring gear. So, my questions are:

1. Is that the same rear differential and same basic axle as used in the Superduty trucks, but with the older hub for the vans, which continued to use the 16" wheels?
2. If it is, then is it possible to swap out the hubs for the Superduty Hubs to match the fronts and have the same wheels all around (rather than having to modify the spring perches)?
3. Is there any reason why an 08-12 E350 rear axle couldn't be used on my 99 E350?
4. Does anyone know whether the 16" Alcoa wheels used on the 90s F series and on vans will fit over the 08+ calipers with the 13.5 or 14" rotors?
5. Is there a way to back-date the modern front hubs to accept 16" 8x6.5 lug pattern while still retaining the later brakes, or is there an alternative aftermarket brake kit that will equal the Ford kit in stopping ability?

The last two questions are because I have a set of the Alcoas on my van right now and I rather like them. If keeping them poses too much difficulty, though, then I would want to swap them for a forged 17" wheel of equivalent or better load capability .

Thanks for the information.

 

Using what donor vehicle?
That is news to me, where did you see that? AFAIK the only rear axle ever used in the E series cargo was the Dana 60 in semi and full float versions, the cutaway cab and chassis versions did use different axles though.

 

It was news to me, too. I saw a few different ads today for the vans 08+ with axles listed as 10.5. One had a picture of the door tag showing axle code C2, which is a 4.10 ratio but I cannot determine from that whether it was a Dana or Ford Sterling.

 

I take it you'll be using a f-350 front axle. So did they have a brake change in '08 also or was it earlier?

 

Yeah... used car salesmen. I'd bet that is a case of them not knowing any better.. just like all the ads I see for vehicles with cruise or power windows and locks that the included pictures clearly show do not exist.

 

seems to my recollection,rear axles have to be from certain years to work properly with the ABS and/or TSC systems.As far as front axles are concerened, look for a dana 60 from a pre 98 F series with the van bolt pattern or maybe just use the hubs if they interchange, I think Quigley machines the front rotors for the van bolt pattern. . You may be able to get a local machine shop to machine a newer hub to the older pattern.Still have the ABS/TSC issue though.

 

This is correct---there are three channel ABS and four channel ABS sensors depending on the axle year. The way to best tell is the three channel ABS use the center differential speed sensor where the four channel use wheel speed sensors mounted near the brake rotors. These features are easily seen with a visual inspection.

 

According to Dana/Spicer website, my '79 E350 Cargo has a Dana 70B rear axle.

 

Have a look at the axle itself for the model number cast into the web as indicated in this picture..

 

Axle tag

housing