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Old 01-19-2013, 07:42 PM   #1
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Rear axle leak/blowout on E350

I just repaired another issue with my BEAST, yet again, on a trip. Last trip was the brakes and vacuum. This time I found my drivers side rear axle seal leaking, actually spewing! A trip to ford in Vegas, because my friends recommended shop could not accommodate the size of the van, ended up costing me 1700 to replaced the axle and seals. Luckily the gears were not affected!

Anyone else had this wonderful experience?

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Old 01-19-2013, 09:30 PM   #2
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Re: Rear axle leak/blowout on E350

Full Floater?
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Old 01-19-2013, 10:28 PM   #3
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Re: Rear axle leak/blowout on E350

That is not a common problem. On full floats, probably wouldn't happen unless the vent tube is plugged. It can happen on a semi-float though if the bearing goes out (which can happen if the axle is pushed to its limit).
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Old 01-20-2013, 11:06 AM   #4
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Re: Rear axle leak/blowout on E350

Don't think it's a full float. It's a 2005 and my limited understanding is that it was not available then????
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Old 01-20-2013, 12:26 PM   #5
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Re: Rear axle leak/blowout on E350

Quote:
Originally Posted by jeepone007
Don't think it's a full float. It's a 2005 and my limited understanding is that it was not available then????
Full float still ended up on some EB vans, but it was rare (mostly Wagons, if not exclusively).

Have you ever weighed the van to get your axle weights? Not unusual for SMB to overload the Semi-float once packed up and ready to go.
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Old 01-20-2013, 12:32 PM   #6
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Re: Rear axle leak/blowout on E350

The semi-float rear axle is marginal for a loaded SMB. Which is why some of us have upgraded to a full floating rear axle..

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Old 01-20-2013, 02:15 PM   #7
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Re: Rear axle leak/blowout on E350

I think if you don't overload your SMB and don't tow heavy, a semi float should be fine. I stayed at or below GVWR and only towed my SMB trailer on occasion and didn't have any issues w mine. I did install new rear bearings around 80k miles, but only as preventative maintenance, not because I had problems. I paid special attention to weight when I spec'd out my first rig. I'll be doing the same with my next one.

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Old 01-20-2013, 07:21 PM   #8
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Re: Rear axle leak/blowout on E350

Semi float? What's that. The Ford LS diff stock rear end?
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Old 01-20-2013, 08:03 PM   #9
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Re: Rear axle leak/blowout on E350

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffrey
Semi float? What's that. The Ford LS diff stock rear end?
A high price upgrade, right Jeffery?
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Old 01-20-2013, 09:27 PM   #10
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Re: Rear axle leak/blowout on E350

Quote:
Originally Posted by carringb
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeepone007
Don't think it's a full float. It's a 2005 and my limited understanding is that it was not available then????
Full float still ended up on some EB vans, but it was rare (mostly Wagons, if not exclusively).

Have you ever weighed the van to get your axle weights? Not unusual for SMB to overload the Semi-float once packed up and ready to go.
Does anyone know of places to weigh my van in the Los Angeles area? Preferably by LAX. It looks like I have a semi floating so I guess that was the problem!

Thank you to everyone for the info.
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