Full float rear end RSC swap

[Pilgyfish]

I'm finding that 2006-2008 passenger vans have full float rear ends that are compatible with RSC.

I've got a 2012 EB with a semi float rear end and would like to upgrade. Any one done it? Or any info?

Thanks!

 

[JoeH-SMB]

Lots of us have done it. Maybe do some research and then get back with more specific questions. It's a big project with many questions to answer. For example, with a D60 FF you will still need your wheel spacers. Source a D70 if you can.

The search function works pretty good on this forum but here's some light reading for you:
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f33/finding-a-full-floater-7175.html
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f33/not-fun-6746.html
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f10/fat-gal-needs-a-new-rear-end-8925.html
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f33/time-for-a-new-rear-axle-help-me-decide-12683.html
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f33/best-rear-differential-for-4x2-or-4x4-6206.html
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f12/2-wheel-spacers-pros-and-cons-10051.html
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f33/rear-wheel-adapters-spacers-1632.html

 

[Pilgyfish]

Hey joe!

Appreciate the response, and maybe I wasn't specific enough with the details in both the title and the body of my post, but my question is specific to vans with RSC, found mostly after 2006 and in passenger van setups. My year, 2012, only came in semi float as an option but after doing all my research, 8' finding that some of the first years of RSC in the vans that they came with a full float axle.

I appreciate the search links, all posts I've found along with others across the internet, but nothing I've found is specific to RSC equipped vehicles.

 

[JoeH-SMB]

Hey joe!

Appreciate the response, and maybe I wasn't specific enough with the details in both the title and the body of my post, but my question is specific to vans with RSC, found mostly after 2006 and in passenger van setups. My year, 2012, only came in semi float as an option but after doing all my research, 8' finding that some of the first years of RSC in the vans that they came with a full float axle.

I appreciate the search links, all posts I've found along with others across the internet, but nothing I've found is specific to RSC equipped vehicles.

Cool! My van was older so not sure about the RSC but somebody will chime. Carringb will know.

 

[carringb]

2005-2008 wagons were full floats and RSC equipped, 5.4L only (v10s weren't RSC until '09, diesels never got RSC). However 2008 was the first year for the bigger brakes. If you put a '05-'07 axle in your '12, you'll be slightly downsizing the rear rotors and pad size. But the pistons were bigger with the older brakes, so overall braking force is probably similar, but the newer brakes will reject heat better and last much longer.

 

[Flux]

I could be wrong here, but I am thinking that the older RSC axles are not compatible with the newer RSC axles. I thought that was kind of the conclusion we came to that issue in another thread. I could be dead wrong about that, but I also inquired about this when I had my conversion done and the known RSC axle that would work was off an F Series truck. I do see full floaters on SRW Box trucks, but I am thinking they are not RSC as they are aftermarket builds. There was a change in the RSC sometime around 2009-2011??

I am also under the impression that the newer Semi Floaters has bigger bearings and are rated up to 6400 lbs. In checking parts diagrams, the Full Floater is rated at 7800 and is not RSC.

 

[Pilgyfish]

2005-2008 wagons were full floats and RSC equipped, 5.4L only (v10s weren't RSC until '09, diesels never got RSC). However 2008 was the first year for the bigger brakes. If you put a '05-'07 axle in your '12, you'll be slightly downsizing the rear rotors and pad size. But the pistons were bigger with the older brakes, so overall braking force is probably similar, but the newer brakes will reject heat better and last much longer.

2008 is the Unicorn, when I pull up the rear axle in car-part.com its a 1 year only. Found one in LA for $400.

Still interested if what Flux says is true with the older Full Floats not being compatible with the newer models. My 2012 there is no full float RSC option in any model.

The biggest reason I'm interested is so if I do have an axle failure, I'm not up the creek without a paddle. I've lost an axle on a full float and was able to get myself help and not be stuck.

That and who doesn't like heavy duty.

 

[carringb]

The only difference with RSC and older non-RSC axles is speed sensor placement, and independent brake lines. So beside the smaller brakes theres no other compatibility issues.

To install an F-series axle in your RSC van, it does have to be from and RSC equipped donor truck. RSC got phased in much slower in the trucks, and non-rsc trucks still have 1 sensor and one brake line.

Starting with 2008, all E-series got outboard rear wheel speed sensors and independent brake lines (for 4-channel ABS and brake assisted traction control), making it compatible with RSD. So you can stuff a 2008+ cutaway axle under your van. Only caveat is the single-rear-wheel E350 cutaway full float axle is wider than the van axle. I find that desirable but if also means adding bolt-pattern adapters would make it too wide.

 

[Pilgyfish]

The only difference with RSC and older non-RSC axles is speed sensor placement, and independent brake lines. So beside the smaller brakes theres no other compatibility issues.

To install an F-series axle in your RSC van, it does have to be from and RSC equipped donor truck. RSC got phased in much slower in the trucks, and non-rsc trucks still have 1 sensor and one brake line.

Starting with 2008, all E-series got outboard rear wheel speed sensors and independent brake lines (for 4-channel ABS and brake assisted traction control), making it compatible with RSD. So you can stuff a 2008+ cutaway axle under your van. Only caveat is the single-rear-wheel E350 cutaway full float axle is wider than the van axle. I find that desirable but if also means adding bolt-pattern adapters would make it too wide.

That's what I like to hear! I'm sure there are plenty of Cutaway axles lying around here in San Diego, so to confirm if I read it correctly -

2008+ Full Float rear axles have the required wheel speed sensors and independent brake lines to make it RSC compatible.

I'm not worried about width, as I'll be running the stock 8 x 6.5 pattern even after moving to 4x4 by Agile.

Thanks!

 

[Flux]

Thanks for setting that straight carringb!!

I opted not to pursue it when I got the conversion, but somebody has an SRW cutaway that drives by my office window every day and it drives me nuts. Plus there's a little jealousy when I see anyone with a FF on a van or truck. Maybe some day...

 

[Jsweezy]

Something like this?

2009-2014 FORD E350 SUPER DUTY REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY #1490673 | eBay

 

[Pilgyfish]

Something like this?

2009-2014 FORD E350 SUPER DUTY REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY #1490673 | eBay

Looks like it. I found one in Arizona for $650 so definitely not a deal...

 

[Jsweezy]

Oh ya, definitely not a deal...

 

[JoeH-SMB]

Just for comparison I found my E350 FF D60 w/ brakes and 4.10 gearing at a salvage yard in Phoenix for $500.

 

[dieseldawg-SMB]

D60 upgrade

I had my D60 semi float axle break on my E350 on I-95, lost the left rear wheel and skidded down the highway for 1000 ft or so on the brake drum. Lucky for a lull in traffic, I had no collision with another vehicle. Been trying to find a D70 to replace my D60, none to be found anywhere. Having an axle custom build by East Coast Gear Supply, guys who are very familiar with these axles. Only way I found to get an upgrade.

 

[wingate]

Maybe a little late to be helpful to the OP, but I was in a similar situation here:

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f33/full-floater-swap-tone-ring-issue-19456.html

Although the 2008 FF had RSC, it has 60 tooth tone rings that are incompatible with the 2009 RSC. In short, I had the 54 tooth rings off my semi-floater machined to fit the FF hubs in place of the 60T rings. Everything works fine now.

I hope this helps someone else looking to do the same swap,

Robert

 

[dieseldawg-SMB]

Full Float D70 upgrade on E350

I just completed an upgrade to a ff D70 on my 2012 E350 van converted to a motorhome. The conversion was accomplished with all new Ford parts, except for the differential gears, custom from West Coast differential, maintaining the 3.73 ratio. Load rating of the new axle is 7700lbs, and the wheel spacers are no longer needed. Upgraded tires to Continentals, rated at 3950lbs load. Email if you are interested in details, gregswetzel@gmail.com.

 

[Highplainsdrifter74]

I'm currently trying to find a FF to swap on my 2014 RSC rear axle. Just had seal and bearing replaced on my semi. I wanna confirm if I'm reading my research correctly. It's possible a 08 e350 SRW with same 9.75 ring gear RSC and advanced track might possibly have the upgraded bigger brakes of a 2014? Making the less "stressful" swap possible on my 2014? I could swap out my 4.56 gears to FF? The bolt pattern would be the same as well?Getting the VIN from yard can confirm if the brakes are the same? Thanks

 

[carringb]

Yup! You got it right, and found the magic year with both!

 

[theDudeAbides-SMB]

The only difference with RSC and older non-RSC axles is speed sensor placement, and independent brake lines. So beside the smaller brakes theres no other compatibility issues.

To install an F-series axle in your RSC van, it does have to be from and RSC equipped donor truck. RSC got phased in much slower in the trucks, and non-rsc trucks still have 1 sensor and one brake line.

Starting with 2008, all E-series got outboard rear wheel speed sensors and independent brake lines (for 4-channel ABS and brake assisted traction control), making it compatible with RSD. So you can stuff a 2008+ cutaway axle under your van. Only caveat is the single-rear-wheel E350 cutaway full float axle is wider than the van axle. I find that desirable but if also means adding bolt-pattern adapters would make it too wide.

Just want to verify. A 2011 full floater out of a cutaway would be compatible with the RSC in my 2013 E350? Is it basically a plug and play? Need better gearing than 3.73 for towing and 4.10 is better than nothing. Quotes to put 4.56 in my SF are around 3k locally.