Differentials, adding a full-floater

[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.