Differentials, adding a full-floater

[Jakey]

If I'm familiar with what Quadvan uses, it more than likely is 2005+ style F250/F350 Axle up front.
You will want a 2005+ F250/F350 Rear Axle to match the width of your front axle.
The 1999-2004 F250/F350 10.5 are narrower due to the near center[+.250"] wheel offset unlike the 2005+ wheels with even more positive offset.

[ujoint]

The 99-04 Sterlings are 68.5" WMS to WMS, 05 up is 70.5.

[djm68]

If I'm familiar with what Quadvan uses, it more than likely is 2005+ style F250/F350 Axle up front.
You will want a 2005+ F250/F350 Rear Axle to match the width of your front axle.
The 1999-2004 F250/F350 10.5 are narrower due to the near center[+.250"] wheel offset unlike the 2005+ wheels with even more positive offset.

Yes, Quadvan uses the later style f250/f350 gear up front.

Thanks for the info...now I know what years to look for.

Cheers,
DJM

[djm68]

The 99-04 Sterlings are 68.5" WMS to WMS, 05 up is 70.5.

Thanks for the info, Chris. One more question: will I need your Sterling adapter kit to mount a 10.5" axle on my '09 e350, or is this a bolt in operation?

Cheers,
DJM

[ujoint]

Not a bolt in deal, and my kit will make it simpler/easier

[notmiller]

I would recommend Chris' kit. He didn't quite have it yet when I started my swap and it was pretty time consuming piecing it all together and modifying hard lines, etc. The kit will save you a lot of time and headaches.

[djm68]

I would recommend Chris' kit. He didn't quite have it yet when I started my swap and it was pretty time consuming piecing it all together and modifying hard lines, etc. The kit will save you a lot of time and headaches.

Thanks for the tip. So, if I were to buy a complete 2005+ Sterling 10.5" (including brakes) and buy Chris' kit, will I need other parts to adapt this axle to my 09' E350? Clearly, the new spring perches will need to be welded on; but what other parts of mods will need to be performed? I am trying to scope the scale of this project as I'd like to do some of the work myself -- I have quite a bit of experience working on braking systems, but will likely leave the welding to a pro.

Thanks,
DJM

[notmiller]

Besides spring perches, the shock mounts and brake line tabs (all part of Chris' kit) will need to be welded on. You'll also want the e-brake cables from the donor vehicle as the Sterling cables differ from the van's stock rear cables. I think Chris' e-brake adapter is meant for the Sterling cables, as well. I'm not sure, but I would think the speed sensor connector should plug right up on the pumpkin. At least it did for a 2003 Sterling into a 2003 van. And of course, gearing should match front and rear.

A question for Chris: Does your install kit include the brake line coming down from the frame with the T-block on it? If not, DJM, you will need to get one.

[ujoint]

No, the install kit doesn't include that line because it comes in the brake line kit. Not a problem to get one line for jobs like this though.