What Axle ? 9.75 or 10.5 Full Float, went with Sterling - Page 5

smugdoug · 06-29-2012, 03:08 PM

Thanks guys!

Ultrasport, that pallet is not patented so go for it, in my case I came up a little short(story of my life), I mean the diff. was hitting in the middle so build your pallet a little taller at the ends to make sure the axle rests on the axle tubes.

There was no issue loading it, the guy who did the welding had a nice portable lift to get it in. I just tried to think ahead so that when it came to sliding it out there were no sore backs to hear about. I learned from when I went through this with the front axle. I wish I could take credit for the welds.

Anyway the fun continues today cleaning things up getting it painted. Probably going to stick with the stock Diff Cover for now since the one I was looking at is a little spendy. It's kind of a bummer that these yards think they need to paint things to make them look nice, they painted over gear oil, LOL. It just makes cleaning things up harder.

BIGVANS · 07-01-2012, 11:10 PM

I know exactly what you mean! Well, at least you know the better you clean it up the better the paint will stick, not to mention hold up longer and look better.

smugdoug · 09-29-2012, 11:53 AM

Well it's been a while and I'm getting real close with having the new axle rolling under the van. I have some pics I will get up shortly.

I have a quick question about the difference in sensors between the D60 and the Sterling. The D60 sensor is on the right and the one from the sterling is on left. Both are from 2006 models if that matters. But does anyone know if I can just put the one from the D60 in the Sterling? They're just magnets, right? Same height, different connectors, and the pattern of the magnet is different!

Ford_6L_E350 · 09-29-2012, 02:20 PM

It looks like the biggest difference is the connector. They appear to have the same depth in the housing and the same spacing to the hold down bolt. I would try it and see if it works. If it doesn't, it may be a back sensor anyway. My used axle upgrade came with a bad sensor.

Mike

smugdoug · 10-15-2012, 01:05 PM

Well I just found out the hard way that my 16" wheels are not going to be going back on my van. It turns out that in 2005 Ford increased the size of the brakes on the Sterling axle and went to a 17" rim. Isn't that just wonderful.

I am now looking at a new wheel set and tires. Does anyone have feedback on General tires all terrain? The tire I'm looking at is the 35/12.5/17 General Grabber. Should I be concerned about the load range of D instead of E?
Load range was I think 2998 lbs. Reason I'm looking at this tire is that I may be able to score a great deal on a set.

Oh and soon to be for sale a set of (4) 315/70/16 BFG TA KO's with at least half of their tread sitting on American Eagle 100's in all Black. I think their are some decent pics in my gallery that show them from a distance.

BajaSportsmobile · 10-15-2012, 01:10 PM

Look for Ford F250/350 takeoffs on Craigs List and other places. I've bought new Ford Aluminum wheels and tires for 400.00 for a set.

carringb · 10-15-2012, 07:49 PM

Be sure you look specifically for F-series rims. Not all 17" wheels will fit because the F-series axle has the metric bolt pattern, not the 8x6.5" pattern that the vans (and Dodge and Chevy trucks) have.

smugdoug · 10-16-2012, 11:06 AM

Thanks for that input. I've been looking for 2004 Super Duty Rims in a 17" X 8". Been finding a few on CraigsList but nothing that really works for me. Chris at U-Joint has told me to look at something with 4.5" of backspacing.

I noticed some steel rims that look OK from Pro Comp but only rated at 2000 lbs.. I wouldn't mind going steel this time around but have to find something that can handle the weight.

BajaSportsmobile · 10-16-2012, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smugdoug

Thanks for that input. I've been looking for 2004 Super Duty Rims in a 17" X 8". Been finding a few on CraigsList but nothing that really works for me. Chris at U-Joint has told me to look at something with 4.5" of backspacing.

I noticed some steel rims that look OK from Pro Comp but only rated at 2000 lbs.. I wouldn't mind going steel this time around but have to find something that can handle the weight.

17" wheels didn't come on SuperDuty trucks until 2005.

Here are some 16" off a 2004 F250 - available as of now: http://www.race-dezert.com/classifie...tails&id=31669

These 315s in 18" are 8 on 6.5" and a great deal: http://www.race-dezert.com/classifie...tails&id=33635

Here is another option, 05 and up Ford: http://www.race-dezert.com/classifie...tails&id=33494

and these: http://www.race-dezert.com/classifie...tails&id=33140

smugdoug · 10-17-2012, 10:45 AM

Thanks Baja, yep they switched to the 17's in 2005. The new to me Sterling that I slung under the van is from a 2006 Super Duty. That's why my 16's won't work. The Axle is great because I don't need spacers anymore, have the gearing that I wanted, 4.30's, plus can handle much more weight because it is a Full Float, and was very low mileage but this was a killer when I went to put the wheels back on.

I'll check out some on the links you posted, the other thing is I will need a 8-170 lug pattern. Any opinion on what I should ask for my current set of wheels and tires? I was thinking of ~$800 for the set, figuring on about $300 for the wheels and $500 for the tires. I don't know if I should try to get more since there is some value in the fact they're already balanced and mounted.

Later