Questions about Using Chevy 1 ton Axles (D60/14bolt) in an E350

[dbreid]

All,
I currently have a couple trucks. A 1989 V2500 Suburban (outfitted for Overland) and a Dedicated Offroad Rig (1984 K30 Chevy). My girlfriend and I have been considering "moving up" to Convert our own E350.

We would definitely want a Diesel (probably a 7.3, but the 6.0 would be OK as well) and we would want to run a non-RSC van.

Anyway, if I gave up the K30, I would have the following drivetrain at my disposal for a conversion:

Super Built D60 from the 1984 Truck. All heavy Duty Everything (shafts, spares, hubs, all of it)
Corporate 14 Bolt - 4:10 Detroit, to match the D60.
NP205 all rebuilt with Twin Stick and LoMax 3:1 gear reduction

Now, these Chevy parts are the "Wrong side" Drop. My question is, would I be able to use them with a Kit like Chris' From Ujoint? Or would I be totally on my own? Not that I can't handle that, but I am no van expert, and the more I could get in "pre-thought-out" kit form, the better.

I'd want to run 37" KM2s (Because I have a set currently on the Suburban), so enough lift to clear the Oil pan on the D60 would be part of the deal.

Also, any idea where the sticks would come up through the Floorpan in the 205? How far back is the Tranny in those things?

Thanks in advance!

-Dan

 

[dbreid]

Also

For the record, the Drivetrain would be coming out of this:

The body is beat, but the Drivetrain is perfect. I maintain the hell out of it.

 

[alexrex20]

i'm not familiar with the ujoint kit, but i don't think it will "fix" your wrong-side drop. it would be much less headache (and probably cheaper) to just run Ford axles front/rear. shop around on craigslist or your local 4x4 forums and you're bound to find a matching set that will all but directly bolt onto your van.

 

[ujoint]

There are a few issues with running the GM axles....

The spring pad width is wrong, it's too narrow. The van frame width is about 38", which is perfect for the 99-04 Ford front axle. The GM fronts are 32"? The shackles would have to sit inboard of the frame, which creates issues for the next answer...

The t-case! With a pass side drop, there's no room for the exhaust. The drivetrain on the van is already offset to the pass side, so that makes it even tighter over there. The exhaust cannot be run down the drivers side because of the fuel tank, and the diesels dump the exhaust down the pass side.

And finally...... the rear axle. Even though the 14 Bolt FF is one of the best axles ever, it cannot be used in the Ford because of the VSS sensor. The van has to retain it for the tranny to shift properly.

Hopefully this info helps!!!!!!

 

[dsw4x4]

Not to jump up and down on your parade but i was going to do the same conversion with a diesel cummins I did not for other reasons but you will find that a ford auto uses 31 spline output and your 205 does not chevy never did so what you have to do is get the input off of a ford 205 automatic c4 or c6 and install it in your 205 and it will then bolt up but it may need to be clocked.
As for exhaust a good exhaust shop can fit it in there although it may not be fun to work around after the fact.
Derek

 

[dbreid]

Ah.... VSS. That's the killer.

I can move perches easily on the D60 (outward, anyway... inboard wouldn't work, because the inner perch is part of the Diff Housing). I can deal with exhaust Routing. But VSS is a pain.

As for it being cheaper to buy new axles, I was hoping not. The Axles I have are.. well.. already mine. And I know they are stout, and they are among the most desirable axles ever made (at least for offroading).

But the VSS is a killer. Thanks for all the info!!

 

[alexrex20]

The kind of thing that would break a stock D60 is probably far out of reach of your van.

 

[dsw4x4]

The vss speed sensor is in the rear axle you could still do the chevy front axle swap you would just need to run a the stock rear axle in the van since the van comes with that axle you would maybe just need to change gearing and your good to go.