04 SMB w/our 4x4 conversion - Page 2

UJOINT · 07-14-2015, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadScience

Quote:

Originally Posted by UJOINT

When we add the RSC parts to a non RSC equipped van it does't add the electronics, just the hard parts.

I'm curious why I'd want to do this. Is this basically future proofing the axles for a newer van?

Love the van, as usual! Not sure it's understated either.

Bigger brakes, elimination of unit bearings (99-04 axles only) larger stub shafts.

E350 · 07-14-2015, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UJOINT

Bigger brakes, elimination of unit bearings (99-04 axles only) larger stub shafts.

(Talk about burying the lead...)

What are your thoughts about the benefits and detriments (if any) to "eliminating the unit bearings"?

UJOINT · 07-14-2015, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E350

Quote:

Originally Posted by UJOINT

Bigger brakes, elimination of unit bearings (99-04 axles only) larger stub shafts.

(Talk about burying the lead...)

What are your thoughts about the benefits and detriments (if any) to "eliminating the unit bearings"?

Unit bearing get a bad rap, worse than they deserve in my opinion. Failures aren't as frequent as you'd think, and they're easy & cheap to replace. But, the cheap ones are what they are. Cheap. They certainly don't help the reputation.

JoeH · 07-14-2015, 01:46 PM

Ah yes, you have to replace the steering knuckles. I'm still considering this upgrade. Here's Oldbonesclimber's excellent write-up of the big brake conversion he did on the Dynatrac axle. viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6647&hilit=brake+upgrade

Viva · 07-14-2015, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rallypanam

Not sure a 6" lift with 35s is "understated", but it looks good..

Ha ha, fair enough! I guess it's the combination of "slightly restrained" Aluminess bristling, dark wheels, and the van colors.

Truly understated is my former '97 striped 2WD

(Of course if there isn't anything to downplay, maybe it's not understated...)

UJOINT · 07-14-2015, 07:36 PM

Here's a walk around

[youtube:1mlm7qwp]

BajaSportsmobile · 07-15-2015, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UJOINT

Rotors are 02-04 F450/550. Calipers are 08/up E series. This kit pictured is from when we used to do both 8 on 6.5 and 8 on 170mm patterns. We just do 8 on 170mm now so the replacement parts are an over the shelf item.

Are you using the ~13 inch rotor or the ~14.5 inch rotor?

carringb · 07-15-2015, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UJOINT

Unit bearing get a bad rap, worse than they deserve in my opinion. Failures aren't as frequent as you'd think, and they're easy & cheap to replace. But, the cheap ones are what they are. Cheap. They certainly don't help the reputation.

I agree with all that. I think the real bad rap comes from people ignoring all of the obvious warning signs, sometimes for thousands of miles, then get P.O'd when it locks up away from home.

UJOINT · 07-15-2015, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

Quote:

Originally Posted by UJOINT

Rotors are 02-04 F450/550. Calipers are 08/up E series. This kit pictured is from when we used to do both 8 on 6.5 and 8 on 170mm patterns. We just do 8 on 170mm now so the replacement parts are an over the shelf item.

Are you using the ~13 inch rotor or the ~14.5 inch rotor?

14.5's

UJOINT · 07-15-2015, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carringb

Quote:

Originally Posted by UJOINT

Unit bearing get a bad rap, worse than they deserve in my opinion. Failures aren't as frequent as you'd think, and they're easy & cheap to replace. But, the cheap ones are what they are. Cheap. They certainly don't help the reputation.

I agree with all that. I think the real bad rap comes from people ignoring all of the obvious warning signs, sometimes for thousands of miles, then get P.O'd when it locks up away from home.

True!