Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="96Mattman, post: 1569012, member: 41592"] Hey Guys, I have a 1996 SRW 7.3 F250 sitting on a D60 Kingpin and SRW Sterling 10.25 (4.10 gears). Both axles are actually swapped from a SRW bricknose f350. This is my currrent brake setup: [LIST] [*]F-Superduty Hydroboost [*]F-Superduty Master Cylinder and Brake Pedal [*]F-Superduty Power Steering Pump [*]Rear Disk Brake Conversion using El Dorado calipers [/LIST] I recently decided I want to swap to a dually axle to make haulling my heavy camper safer and more comfortable. I am running 19.5 singles right now, and the unloaded ride is terrible. I figure going to a DRW axle allows me to go back to using LT tires for a much better ride since I daily drive this truck. My first thought was to find a DRW Sterling 10.25 for a direct bolt in, but then I am back to having drum brakes that are not compatible with my F-Superduty master cylinder. I refuse to do another disk brake conversion with the el dorado calipers - it's too expensive and the e brake is terrible. So what are my options? It seems every direction I turn there are issues. Some non-negotiables: I want to keep my lug pattern at 8x6.5, and have rear disks with a TRUE ebrake. Axle must also have a VSS speedo sensor compatible with OBS trucks. [U]Option 1:[/U] 1999-2003 F350 Pickup DRW Dana 80 I figured this would be a slam dunk. Just redrill the hubs to 8x6.5, move shocks mounts, figure out driveshaft/yoke, etc. But I then realized the SD Dana 80 doesnt use the axle mounted VSS. So this killed my plan here. [U]Option 2:[/U] E-350/E450 Dana 70/80 I am still researching this possibility, but there seems to be a ton of variables in the different axle configurations. And I am still not 100% sure if these Dana axles use the VSS. But the Van's 8x6.5 lug pattern would be taken care of. I am also not sure about the E-brake. It seems some E-series used a driveline ebrake instead of a integrated drum/hat within the rotor. Then there is the issue of finding the correct width axle. I dont mind using a narrower axle since I only have a 7ft wide flat bed. Less tire sticking out would be nice. And I dont mind moving the spring perches if there is room to do so on the axle. Are there certain years/configurations to look for that use an axle mounted ebrake? I would probably avoid the Dana 70 unless it is HD. It seems to be a lesser axle compared to the sterling 10.25. [U]Option 3:[/U] Use a DRW Sterling 10.25 and convert to e350 brakes. This is an unlikely route for me to choose because I dont have access to a machine shop to fab the new flanges required to mount up the e350 backing plates. Is there anyone making these brackets for sale? [U]Option 4:[/U] Find a DRW Disk brake axle from either Dodge or Chevy. I have the least amount of time researching this route, but it would solve the lug pattern issue I think. No idea on the VSS or other fitment issues. [U]Option 5:[/U] Use dually conversion adapters. This is something I intially considered since it would be the least involved. But my understanding is this would actually increase loading on the wheel bearings, and the SRW housing is not as strong as the DRW. And it doesnt fix my terrible e brake.... No go. Are there any other options I am missing? What years and vehicles should I be looking for? How would you solve this riddle?! [/QUOTE]