Today after much thought, I was going to order a new, 2008 E-250 cargo van. I had a decent saleman who seemed upfront and honest. As I was going through options I wanted I asked him if he was sure that the rear axle had floating axle shafts like my 1985 E-350. You know the kind with hubs with two tapered bearings that the hub rides on, wher you can remove the axle shaft and the wheels stay on the spindle of the housing.
He wasn't real sure and went outside and looked at one. He came back on the line and said that no, they were semi-floating axles. He checked his books and told me that unless you ordered an E-350 extended cargo or a E-350 extended passenger van, that you got the semi-floating axles. These are nothing more than a glorified half-ton rear axle!
I was amazed, but glad I made sure. I don't want anything but a true 3/4 or 1 ton rear axle. I told him I would have to think it over. When did Ford start this ? Can you imagine spending over $25K for a cargo van and finding out later you did not get the heavy duty rear axle? Has anyone ever heard of special ordering the floating axle rear end from the factory? I am really disappointed with Ford with this cost-cutting move. I was also a little disappointed with all the plastic I saw on these 2008 E-series vans; even that new grille is all plastic. maybe I should just put my money into my 1985 E-350 which was back when they still made vans tough.I really don't know what I am going to do anymore.

 

I work for FedEx and our 3/4 E's have had the semi-floaters since I started in '86. Never heard of one failing. (Of course, with a 300 and the loads we get, there ain't much strain on 'em...) But they are over 200k in some cases.

As for plastic, my '85 has it's share, including the grill......

 

I still want one of these 2008 E-250 or E-350 vans. I'm going to make one last try and offer to pay extra to get the rear end with floating axles. Maybe I could special order it, or maybe the dealer could change out the axle after delivery. I am willing to pay more to get it how I want it. I don't want an extended van, and I want it to have the factory warranty, with 3.73s and limited slip.
If Ford won't do it, or the dealer won't do it, I'll probably turn to another brand.
I'm nobody, and there is probably no money in it for the dealer to special order it for me, they would probably rather sell their stripped down vans off their lot.
I'll let you know what happens..

 

The dealer won't be able to special order that. Ford doesn't do custom builds.
The dealer could swap axles for you after it's built, but that's going to be expen$ive.

 

Well, go to the scrap yard and try to find one of these axles that has failed. I think you are concerned about something that just isn't a problem. Plus, this type of axle is much easier and cheaper to service. I looked at our lone '90s chev 20 van today. Semifloater too.

 

Ford did this around 1999 some time in the vans and pickups in 2000 I think I remember rightly. If you order a F250 today you will get a semi float rear end. all the vans come with semi floats, yea its a cheapening of the van and its longevity, but what isn't doing that in the name of progress these days?
Andrew.

 

I am still deciding on buying the 2008 E-250. I guess I will go ahead, it's under warranty for 5 years / 60,000 mile on the drivetrain.
Shoot, I might not even be here in 5 years.

If it goes out after the warranty, I'll be looking for a floating axle with disc brakes. Anybody know of a good place to buy one besides just looking at junkyards? I wonder how much one costs brand-new.

Thanks for taking the time to respond, I appreciate the feedback.