98 Ford E250: Can I use 2008+ Ford brakes on front?

[BrianW]

I have a 1998 Ford E250 2WD van. A local guy is selling more-or-less a complete set of front-end parts pulled from a 2011/12 Ford E250 that underwent 4x4 conversion. Brake calipers, discs, ball joints, ibeams, etc., for a very good price ($325). I know the newer 2008 vans have upgraded brakes from my year, with thicker discs and calipers to match. The seller claims all the parts are basically bolt-on to my 1998, although in some instances things will have to replaced in sets (e.g., calipers and discs).

My 98 E250 has 73,000 miles on it, and needs at least one new front caliper. I also assume it will need ball joints at some time in the future. So, if all the parts are compatible, this is a really good price and will get me basically a brand-new front end.

The big question: do the newer parts fit the older vans without modifications, or is it something that I'll need to take to a specialty suspension shop rather than my normal mechanic?

Thanks!

[carringb]

It is bolt on. Only thing not compatible is the sway bar. That will need upgrading too because the new setup has end-links. You will also need longer brake hoses if the seller does not include them. If I remember right, I believe you do need to transfer your existing ABS sensors to the new brakes, because the connectors are not the same.

[BrianW]

Thanks Carringb!

So, brake-wise, sounds like bolt-on, but need to pay attention to the hoses and swap over the ABS sensors. Will there be any master cylinder issues?

I'd probably save the suspension parts upgrade to down the road, as the brakes are the immediate need.

[BroncoHauler]

Depending on your rims, you may need larger rims though. I think you'll need 18" rims if I'm not mistaken.


Herb

[BrianW]

I have 16" rims, and the new donor van has 16" rims, too, so I imagine they will work ok as is. Note this is a 2WD van.

[Skywagon]

My van is a 2008 and came with the new bigger brakes. I had to go to 17 inch wheels to clear the calipers.
Bill

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by BrianW

I have 16" rims, and the new donor van has 16" rims, too, so I imagine they will work ok as is. Note this is a 2WD van.

Interesting. I thought all the new vans had the bigger rotors/calipers that necessitated 18" rims. Maybe it's just the E350 and above that have the rotors/calipers I'm thinking of.


Herb

[Skywagon]

Mine's an '08 E-350 with 17's
Bill

[BrianW]

Hmmm, looking at specs on the Web shows that 16" was the standard wheel size in 2008 and even in 2011 for the E250.

http://www.cars.com/ford/e250/2011/specifications/
http://www.cars.com/ford/e250/2008/standard-equipment/

Am I missing something?

[Ford_6L_E350]

Originally Posted by Skywagon

Mine's an '08 E-350 with 17's
Bill

Vans still use 8X6.5" bolt pattern and 16" wheels.

Yours has 17" wheels because of the 4x4 conversion. None of your front end came factory installed from Ford.

Mike