Can I swap E350 axles onto an E150?

[SteelheadJones]

The 350 is a '99; the 150 is an '01.

Has anyone done it? Is it even possible?

In case you're wondering my thinking behind the swap, I want to do a 4x4 conversion on the 350 using a 2016+ front axle and a Sterling rear. That will leave me with a set of stock 350 axles that need a home. Why not throw them on the 150 to beef up its capacity?

[86Scotty]

I'm 99% sure you can do this very easily.

Are the gear ratios different or both 3:73?

MGmetalworks, Jeremy with Weldtec, or John at Agile would certainly know the specifics.

[TheLetterJ]

Yep, my good friend did that with his E150, and will soon be moving the same E350 parts over to the E150 high top conversion van that he recently picked up. You'll need to swap the I-beam's up front too since the 8 lug outers/knuckles won't fit on the 150's beams. The rear is pretty much a straight up swap, biggest difference being that the E150's springs are narrower than the 250/350, but that only matters if you were intending to swap all of the suspension too.

[SteelheadJones]

Thanks guys.

J, swapping the suspension too sounds like a good idea. I know I wouldn't have a true 350 with the smaller frame modulus, but something more capable nonetheless. Maybe a 250ish?

[JWA]

I've always thought the E150's of those years were slightly different from the E250's up through the E350's? The E450's and above being another different frame in web thickness and frame rail height---I could be mistaken though.

If the rear spring hangers are different they're easily replaced with the correct type although you'll need to drill out the attaching rivets. Most are replaced with grade 8 bolts and nuts when a spring shop does this.

Good reuse of parts though---check the radius arm and axle pivot bushings while its all apart---somewhat easy replacement there too.

Good luck with this---please keep us up to date on your progress.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by JWA

I've always thought the E150's of those years were slightly different from the E250's up through the E350's? The E450's and above being another different frame in web thickness and frame rail height---I could be mistaken though.

Me too.....frame cross section different....There is a Ford tech document that listed the differences somewhere online..

[86Scotty]

Didn't Jsweezy do this recently? His E150 was newer though I think.

Sweezy, where are ya?

[carringb]

Yes, the axles are swappable. However the E150 of that year I think used 2.5" wide leaf springs, vs the 3" springs on the E250/350. Not sure if that would cause any interference with the perches. But locations of everything else will match. Might have to swap over the companion flange attached to the U-joint as well.

[TomsBeast]

Originally Posted by TheLetterJ

Yep, my good friend did that with his E150, and will soon be moving the same E350 parts over to the E150 high top conversion van that he recently picked up. You'll need to swap the I-beam's up front too since the 8 lug outers/knuckles won't fit on the 150's beams. The rear is pretty much a straight up swap, biggest difference being that the E150's springs are narrower than the 250/350, but that only matters if you were intending to swap all of the suspension too.

Is the driveshaft length, E150 5lug non-floater to E350 8lug Sterling or Dana 60, something to be concerned about when doing that swap?



I'm thinking the lighter duty axle *might* have a shorter pinion and 3rd member housing, and need a longer driveshaft...

[carringb]

Ford 8.8" used in the E150 of those years has a pinion length of 11-5/8"

Dana 60 pinion length = 13-5/16". There's a far bit of extra plunge in the transmission output shaft. Probably would have to unbolt the driveline and just try it, to see if there's enough. Or swap over the driveline too.