1999 E150-F150 Rear End Interchange

[dgcontrols]

I have a 1999 E150 Van and I need to replace the rear axle. I'm having trouble finding one from a van of the exact same year. Will a rear axle for and F150 of the same year fit it? There seem to be plenty of those around. I can find one with the same gear ratio and it looks like it uses the same parts (brakes, ABS switch, U-joints, etc.) but will it mount the same as the one for the van? Is it the same wheel-base dimension? I saw in my van's shop manual that there is a mounting pin on the leaf spring assembly that mates up with the rear axle to position it for alignment and tracking. Is the mating hole the same on the F150 axle? The tag on my van's axle says it's an S746A. I was told at Pull-A-Part wrecking that a 1997-1999 van rear end will fit, but will one from a corresponding F150 fit as well?

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

Dan

[averagef250]

The vans I've been around are completely different. E series kept the old lug patterns and vans usually use a several inch wider track width than pickups do.

The interchange is probably far more range than 97-99.

[dgcontrols]

Thank you for the reply. I see now why the F150's won't work. I always thought vans and pickups were the same width. Regarding expanding the van pool of replacements, what should I look for to be sure that one will fit/function? I know to measure the width, inner drum to inner drum. I know that the Pinion Size (8.8") and the gear ratio (3.55) need to be the same. Is there anything in the mounting that I should be aware of? Will the ABS switch be the difference in some of them? If that's the case and the functionality is the same, I can rewire it. Is there a difference in the mounting of some years? One mechanic said there's no difference from '92-on. How true is that? I've also heard 96-1/2 to 99. Is there any difference in the way some of them connect to the driveshaft linkage? The brakes and shocks all seem the same. It's a confusing proposition. When I change it, do you recommend changing the U-Bolts that hold it on or will the old ones work fine if I don't have to cut them off?

Pull-A-Part has a '95 on the lot in Birmingham. I don't know if the rear end is still on it. I'll have to drive there to check. You can't get to anyone on the phone. It's all automated menus.

Thanks again. Any info on the above questions would help.

[averagef250]

Fine to re-use U-bolts if they are in good shape.

I really can't answer any of those other questions specifically. Really one of those situations where you can save a buck if you can figure it out, but your stuck if you can't.

[dgcontrols]

Thanks very much averagef250. I found one from a '98 E150 on eBay in Connecticut for $425 including shipping, so I'm going that route. Beats my original delivered quote from a local Junk yard of $800. A lot less hassle than Pull-A-Part. At least I only have to uninstall one time. The U-bolts are about $25 each, so I'll reuse as many of them as I can. Thanks again and Merry Christmas.

Dan (dgcontrols)