Ford EconolineThere's more to the Econoline's staying power than Ford simply sticking with a product that has been the No. 1-selling full-size van since 1980. The Econoline has received only minor changes over the years. The result is a cargo van that looks different, but is still very much the same. For many E-Series customers, that is the best news of all.
Hi All,
I have a 1999 E-250. The van is new to me and I'm bothered by it's lack of some type of limited slip differential in the rear. It's just take a little wet grass to get just one wheel spinning.
Does anyone have experience with upgrading the rear axle to limited slip?
I have access to a fairly large salvage yard. How interchangeable are the axles?
Thanks
Axles are very interchangeable .... from another Econoline.
If you can find the exact manufacturer and model axle from say an F-Series pickup, the differential should be is interchangeable. Find a shop that specializes in rear ends and ask them.
__________________ Peace, it's our only chance
1998 E150 Club Wagon, 4.6L Modular, E4OD
2007 Milan. 3.0L Duratec, Aisin 6 speed AW-F21 others I look out for
2007 Escape 2wd (the mini Pumpkin), 3.0L Duratec, CD4E
2008 Mazda3 5 door, 2.3L, 5 speed manual
Tell the junkie what you want to do, he'll be able to set you up. He'll have a book on CD for all interchangeable parts.
If things go well, two men with air tools should be able to sawp out the entire rear in a few hours. It takes two men to lift it out, and put a new one in place.
__________________
BroncoJoe19
2006 Alt Fuel Jeep (electric)
'98 windstar 3.8L
'99 Crown Vic 4.6L
'90 Full Size Bronco 5.0L
I'm not a professional mechanic, take my suggestions with a grain of salt, or a cup of coffee
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No Joy.
Just got off the phone with my local salvage yard.
They looked it up and said that no truck axles will interchange with a 1999 Ford van. It has to came from either a 1999 or 2000 van. They didn't have any and none were in the system.
Rats.
Plan B. Hit the lottery and get a Quigley 4x4. That's the ticket.
No Joy.
Just got off the phone with my local salvage yard.
They looked it up and said that no truck axles will interchange with a 1999 Ford van. It has to came from either a 1999 or 2000 van.
Correct. No other complete axle assembly will swap in.
That does not mean that the differential (just the center guts) from an F-Series can not be swapped in ! You need to talk to someone who is an expert in repairing rear ends !
__________________ Peace, it's our only chance
1998 E150 Club Wagon, 4.6L Modular, E4OD
2007 Milan. 3.0L Duratec, Aisin 6 speed AW-F21 others I look out for
2007 Escape 2wd (the mini Pumpkin), 3.0L Duratec, CD4E
2008 Mazda3 5 door, 2.3L, 5 speed manual
That does not mean that the differential (just the center guts) from an F-Series can not be swapped in ! You need to talk to someone who is an expert in repairing rear ends !
Good point Oldwizard.
This being a small WV town my pickin's in that department are kind of slim. I'll just have to start casting a bigger net.
Update: Asked around and the local transmission place will also do rear ends. Stopped in there this morning. The owner ballparked a price of $1000 with possible swing of $200 either way. That would include all new bearings. He explained the different kinds of differentials available and for my application (not heavy-duty hauling - a camper van) would use parts from a company in Washington state. He said the name but I didn't catch it. I'll drop off the van next week so he can get numbers off the vehicle and then consult with the supplier. After that will give me an exact quote.
I've dealt with him before over the last 15 years, 2 transmissions and a transfer case, and he's always done right by me.
That price is for a new differential. You might be able to find a used one for a lot less and then have him rebuild it.
Also, a lot of folks expect "too much" from a limited slip differential. Some will not transfer torque if there is zero traction on one wheel (ice on one side, dry pavement on the other).
There are electric or air "locker" axles that actually lock the axle at the flip of a switch.
Do your research. Know the differences.
__________________ Peace, it's our only chance
1998 E150 Club Wagon, 4.6L Modular, E4OD
2007 Milan. 3.0L Duratec, Aisin 6 speed AW-F21 others I look out for
2007 Escape 2wd (the mini Pumpkin), 3.0L Duratec, CD4E
2008 Mazda3 5 door, 2.3L, 5 speed manual
If you have a 10.5" or 10.25" Sterling axle. Any LS from either one 10.5 or 10.25 ("F" or "E" series) will bolt right into your axle housing. All you do is swap your ring gear onto the LS carrier. You re-use the carrier spacers that came with your differential. That's it....no measuring, no set-up, no pinion depth to worry about or any other parts are needed unless the LS carrier bearings are shot ($60 installed)
This is truly one of "Fords Better Ideas". All Sterling carriers have the same measurement from carrier bearing to bearing. The shims are specific to each housing.
BTW: If you can get a 3 pinion LS from a Super Duty....even better. It's very heavy duty and easy to rebuild. I installed one in my 96 F350 w/10.25" Sterling, it came from a 2001 10.5" Sterling.
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Limited slip differential upgrade? 
Hit the lottery and get a Quigley 4x4. That's the ticket.
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