Differential, rear axle, locker for 5.4l EB

lashidalgo · 12-10-2018, 03:21 PM

Hi guys, I've been considering some upgrades for my 5.4l EB 350 and I need some guidance on how to address each one.

1) Bigger tire. Right now I'm running 245/75r16 high way tires. I wanted to upgrade to 265, which I know don't fit in the stock wheel well, that's why I'm considering a:

2) Lift, the weldtec octillo cruiser looks like a solid option for a 2wd. I think 4" is enough.

3) My van came with a semi-float axle, DANA 60HD 606845-1. 3.55 and 35 spline. -4.10 carrier
https://www.crawlpedia.com/dana_60_bom.htm

I was thinking about adding an Eaton e-locker, but I don't know if is a good idea with big tires and semi-float.

- Is it a good idea to keep my current rear axle setup and just swap the locker in? or should I start looking into getting another axle?
- Which gear should I use with a 5.4l and 265tires?

carringb · 12-10-2018, 04:03 PM

265's fit the E350 fine if you upgrade to a higher spring rate, like the 4400# or 4600# springs. This generally lifts the front by 1.5". Add-a-leaf is a simply route to match the rear.

As for gearing... How heavy is your loaded ready to go? Do you tow?

BTW - have you weighed your van by axle? EB's certainly have the potential to overload the semi-float...

Bbasso · 12-10-2018, 05:13 PM

265/75-16 BFG A/T on 3 of 4 of my vans (E350) with stock suspension.
Ever so slight rubbing at full lock, nothing a BFH can't fix.
Pictures are available in my profile garage.

larrie · 12-10-2018, 05:21 PM

We run an ARB locker and 4.10 gears in the semi float that is in our van. Seems to work OK.

lashidalgo · 12-10-2018, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carringb

265's fit the E350 fine if you upgrade to a higher spring rate, like the 4400# or 4600# springs. This generally lifts the front by 1.5". Add-a-leaf is a simply route to match the rear.

As for gearing... How heavy is your loaded ready to go? Do you tow?

BTW - have you weighed your van by axle? EB's certainly have the potential to overload the semi-float...

I don't tow and my rig is probably a bit more than stock since I've gutted it out and have a very minimalistic setup. I'd guess somewhere between 7k -7.5k pounds, I wonder where can I get it weighted

lashidalgo · 12-10-2018, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bbasso

265/75-16 BFG A/T on 3 of 4 of my vans (E350) with stock suspension.
Ever so slight rubbing at full lock, nothing a BFH can't fix.
Pictures are available in my profile garage.

Are those the ko2? that's awesome news !

carringb · 12-10-2018, 09:23 PM

For your weight, and not towing, I'd leave in the 4.10s you have in there now. You can easily make up for the loss of torque of the slightly taller tires by adding a programmer like the 5-Star.

Likewise, at under 8,000 pounds it's probably unlikely you're overloading the rear axle.

I'm not a huge fan of lockers on semi-floats, but as long as you don't try engaging it will a tire spinning, you're probably fine, especially since you don't have 4x4-low.

PS - 265's is within the range you can re-calibrate the PSOM (programmable speedometer odometer module), however that requires a trip to the dealer for the most part. An aftermarket programmer won't do it, for your year van, because the PCM and PSOM are separate modules.