Solid front I beam axle E series,whe did they quit making them?

[ben2go]

I looked at a 1992 Ford E350 work van/cargo van.It had a solid I beam front axle not the twin traction beam front axle.I search for signs that it may have been changed.All the OE rivets were there holding the brackets on.Could this van be something special?I thought the solid beam axle went out in the early 70's when Ford did away with the solid beam axle on the F series.I ask,because I am searching for a complete front solid I beam suspension, from a van or truck, with disc brakes.I know very few of the solid I beams came with disc brakes.The van I looked at recently had at least 11 inch disc brakes.The brake caliper almost rubbed the rim on the 15x8 chrome bullet hole wheels.

 

[toddz69]

I don't know that I've ever seen a van of that vintage with a solid beam axle. As you noted, those disappeared with the ending of the first-gen Econolines in the late '60s. Perhaps Ford sold a few for extremely high GVW applications. You're probably aware they did that with some of the commercial chassis trucks prior to '99. They were labeled as Super Duties.

Todd Z.

 

[ujoint]

Yea the only I've seen are under the E550s that Ford made for (2?) years.

 

[ben2go]

I may have read the fender emblem wrong.It could have been an E550.It was a little longer that the usual 3/4 or 1 ton van.The length seem to be in the center of the van, and not in the rear, like most extended vans.It had 8 lug hubs and a full floating rear end.I only got a quick look at it.The owner was on his way out.It appeared to be all original with white paint and gray interior like most of the work vans I have seen.The front axle is what got my attention plus it sat up a lot higher than most vans.At first I thought it was a 4x4 conversion,until I go a look under it.I'll do more research.Thanks for the help.

Chris,do you know if those E550's were made around '92?

 

[ujoint]

Only 2002 - 2003.

 

[ben2go]

I looked at the wiki and it was a '91,based on the grill.Could it have been a body swap?

 

[IdaSHO]

I seem to remember my dad's '89 E350 having such an axle.

May be wrong though..... its been a long time :sombrero:

It was a "club-wagon" if that means anything.

 

[ben2go]

That year should have been a twin I beam suspension.Much like a solid I beam,but there's two,one left and one right.

http://assets.hemmings.com/story_image/119312-500-0@2x.jpg?rev=1

 

[ben2go]

I found there is a E450 made through the 80's+ that may have had a soild I beam axle.I think It would have been under cutaways and 1 or 1.5 ton cargo vans.Ford really did some crazy stuff with their front suspensions during that time.