2000 Ford E350 Micro Bird school bus

M

MicroBird

Adventurer
I posted to another section but I think this might be a better home for my project. I bought a mini school bus. I still need to fly back east to pick it up. This is a smaller mini bus with single rear wheel. I don't much care for duallys? Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated. The picture is of a similar bus but with an extra window. As soon as I get mine, I will post pics.

'00-'02_Ford_E-350_School_Bus.JPG

This is the spec sheet for a current model but it is still close. The 4 window is like mine.

http://microbirdbygirardin.com/MICROBIRD/MBII_SCHOOL_TEXT_files/SPEC_SHEET_SCHOOL_MBII_FORD.pdf
 
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M

MicroBird

Adventurer
Which axles and from what trucks can be used with the U-Joint kit? I am finding some axles but from so many different years and vehicles.
 
ujoint

ujoint

Supporting Sponsor
Here's the breakdown of D50 vs 60.

99-02 Everything was a D50 except the DRW trucks. Some 02's are D60's, so I always check the BOM #
03-04 Everything was a D60.
Excursions are D50's, every year.

The D50 is a good axle, it just has a smaller ring gear & the axle shafts taper down. I've never seen a broken ring gear, and I've only seen broken axle shafts on big trucks with big tires. There are limited L/S and locker options for the 50, so that can be a problem depending on what you plan to do.
 
R

r_w

Adventurer
Looks like it is about the same dimensions as an EB van, but you have straight(er) walls, flat floor, and a raised roof. Should be a really good camper base. :drool:

Do you know the rear end ratio? You will want to know, as finding the right ratio in the front donor is usually cheaper than having to to rework it. But if it is too low, you may want to pick up the matching front and rear from the donor--that will get you matched gear ratios AND wheel lugs. Rear spacers are expensive, a good way to the price of a whole rear axle. And you may even get 4wheel discs in the process.
 
M

MicroBird

Adventurer
r_w said:
Looks like it is about the same dimensions as an EB van, but you have straight(er) walls, flat floor, and a raised roof. Should be a really good camper base. :drool:

Do you know the rear end ratio? You will want to know, as finding the right ratio in the front donor is usually cheaper than having to to rework it. But if it is too low, you may want to pick up the matching front and rear from the donor--that will get you matched gear ratios AND wheel lugs. Rear spacers are expensive, a good way to the price of a whole rear axle. And you may even get 4wheel discs in the process.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing 4.10. I asked the dealer and he said he thought 4.56. I doubt that. I hope it's a 3.73, but I know that's not the case.
 
MadChad

MadChad

Observer
I'm putting a 10.5 sterling in the rear which seems to cheaper than regear just more labor intense. And I did get a matching set with 3:73 in them.
 
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M

MicroBird

Adventurer
What does a 10.5 sterling come out of? Is it as strong as a Dana 50 or 60? What axle do you think is in a 2000 E350 cut-away?
 
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ujoint

ujoint

Supporting Sponsor
It's been in the SD truck since 99, great axle. Stronger than a 60 for sure. Your cutaway most likely has a D60 or 70 full floater. The 70 has the same ring gear diameter as the Sterling, but the Sterling has more options for limited slips/lockers. If you're planning the 4x4 swap with my kit (hopefully!!) the Sterling is a good idea. No wheel spacers needed.
 
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