Brake upgrade fitting Ujoint as well as MGmetalworks 4x4 kit?

[E-350]

Dear all

I’m currently running a Weldtec Grocery Getter on 35s with 17x8.5 wheels with 4.75 backspacing.
As some brake component are leaking I’m planning to upgrade at least the whole front system and I recall I can go one size bigger in terms of discs with the 17” wheels. I also know there are some threads about brake upgrades.

And I’m talking myself in and out a 4x4 conversion, final decision would be between Ujoint and MGmetalworks.

So my main question:
Getting one of the proposed upgrades for my current setup, can I swap it later on to a possible 4x4 conversion of Ujoint or MG’s?

Is there a specific part number that would work best or doesn’t matter?

And last but not least: what else should I replace having the brake system open beside disc/ pads, calipers, related hoses?

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by E-350

And last but not least: what else should I replace having the brake system open beside disc/ pads, calipers, related hoses?

Is your van Pre-2008? ...or newer? 2008+ have larger brakes and updated calipers.

I'm no expert but I doubt that the 2WD stuff will readily swap over unless somebody sells a caliper stand that uses the same calipers.

[E-350]

Oh sorry! It’s a 2006 5.4!

I was imagining I can replace the caliper + holder on the same knuckles. But not sure…

Just want to avoid investing x $ and then buy it again in case I go 4x4

[E-350]

[Lilnuts2]

You have a couple options.

1. Upgrade your stock brake parts (they will not fit a 4x4 axle) $
2. Buy a 2008 or newer van twin I-beams, hubs and brakes (larger from the factory.
Your Weldtec lift prolly won't work with the new I-beams, but I don't know that for sure. $$
3. Buy a MG kit and only install the front axle and just call it a work in progress. Your current wheels will not fit the 2005 and up 4x4 bolt pattern, the newer the 4x4 axle the bigger the brakes, They are all bigger then what you have now. But you already have the rear lifted $$$
4. Buy U-joint kit and go full in for a 4x4, your wheels will work but the biggest $$$$

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by Lilnuts2

You have a couple options.

Buy a MG kit and only install the front axle and just call it a work in progress. Your current wheels will not fit the 2005 and up 4x4 bolt pattern, the newer the 4x4 axle the bigger the brakes, They are all bigger then what you have now. But you already have the rear lifted $$$

Ford van bolt pattern are all 8 x 6.5".......later model year F-series truck axles are 8x 170mm.....you can buy wheel spacers that convert one to the other.


Some of us have older F series front axles that are 8 x 6.5".....

[Lilnuts2]

My point being the MG kit is designed for the F series coil spring axles that use the newer 170mm bolt circle. Wheel adapters on the front of vans is not recommended due to the already cramped wheel well and the wide front wheel spacing compared to the rear. If you bought wheels with spacers in mind you can change the wheel offset to compensate for the spacers. The OP already has wheels and they don't seem to have the more offset.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by boywonder

Ford van bolt pattern are all 8 x 6.5".......later model year F-series truck axles are 8x 170mm.....you can buy wheel spacers that convert one to the other.

Originally Posted by Lilnuts2

Wheel adapters on the front of vans is not recommended due to the already cramped wheel well and the wide front wheel spacing compared to the rear. If you bought wheels with spacers in mind you can change the wheel offset to compensate for the spacers. The OP already has wheels and had no reason to buy them with the more offset.

Yes I should have added "for the rear wheels" above.

So, usually 4WD conversion requires 8x170 unless you go with an older front axle then you can keep your 8x6.5. In my case my van has an older kingpin D60 so I'm running 8x 6.5. I added rear wheel spacers to get the rear width similar to the front.

[carringb]

Going with an older front axle for 4x4 pretty much prevents any sort of easy big-brake upgrade.

[E-350]

Thank you guys. Means I‘m going with option 1 for now.

Let me dig a bit deeper and get back with my ideas.