Q. I want to lower the van while being better off for towing, is it feasible to have the best of both worlds or is it more of a one or the other? I was thinking about just planning on flipping the axle with the new one in since the perches would have to welded on I can just get them put on upside down.
What do you guys think?
Reason is that I recently pulled something I probably shouldn't have, 35 miles home;
I am now getting some rear end wheel bearing noise and thought it wouldn't hurt to upgrade (I know changing rear wheel bearings isn't too hard of a job). There is a local performance shop that makes custom rear ends, I have done some reading on what I should replace with. However, I would like some advice on which axle to get or if I should go another route. I was looking at a Ford 9", Dana 60, and GM 12 bolt. These are all in close proximity to each other price wise from Moser, but I haven't looked into aftermarket support for each specific axle.
Thanks to share this problem it's helping me to understand the things i joined the towing company Rite way towing as a truck driver but i am newbie in this field now a days i am learning things and its helping me to understand.
After some thought I should be able to tow the same with lowered suspension as stock, since the flip kit reuses the original springs.
I have another question though, about my axle. I pulled it apart and you can tell where the bearing was riding, but there is no discernible groove. It's just smooth and then rough where the bearing wasn't. I should be fine to reuse the axle right?
Personally, I don't think lowering the van will be a "significant" advantage. Stock height vehicles can be excellent tow vehicles with the right or upgraded suspension. I personally think your biggest advantage will come from strong firm springs, good firm shocks, and good sway bar will be your best towing options. Don't forget LT tires too!
Certainly the stock hangers are a poor design and there is certainly room for improvement here!
I would weld them up or eliminate them.. which is what I plan to do with mine.
Regarding different rear ends.. bear in mind that our vans utilize an offset due to the fuel tank.
Not sure what can be substituted.
Your axle looks fine to me. Just be sure to used top name bearings like Timkin.
1st,you broke many laws towing that,and was very dangerous. But, I understand, things happen. 2nd, bigger, stronger rear end is always nicer, bearings are almost always the first to give out. 3rd, height of towing vehicle is not that important,and many different hitch adapters are made for this purpose. And,lower to the ground, and weight of the towing vehicle, is your friend. Just my 2 cents.
You would lose some suspension travel with stiffer HD springs. Would you be using adjustable shackles to lower even further, or to gain some height back from the axle flip?
The S10 springs are actually rated for 100lbs less than stock astro springs.
To raise it back up. The flip kit actually comes with a lifting shackle, but its not adjustable.
MechBob said:
3rd, height of towing vehicle is not that important,and many different hitch adapters are made for this purpose. And,lower to the ground, and weight of the towing vehicle, is your friend. Just my 2 cents.
I am planning on putting a fuel cell in the spare wheel area. I don't like how the tank hangs below the body. With it being lowered is where my concern stems from. That being said, you think I could put a centered rear end in without the tank being there?
"Regarding different rear ends.. bear in mind that our vans utilize an offset due to the fuel tank." Really? I have worked on quite a few,over the years, but, will admit, never really noticed if the driveshaft is offset to one side.Pictures would help.As a general rule,manufacturers build stuff cheaply,with less chance of a problem.(although,Ford did some strange driveshaft things,years ago).
"Regarding different rear ends.. bear in mind that our vans utilize an offset due to the fuel tank." Really? I have worked on quite a few,over the years, but, will admit, never really noticed if the driveshaft is offset to one side.Pictures would help.As a general rule,manufacturers build stuff cheaply,with less chance of a problem.(although,Ford did some strange driveshaft things,years ago).
I was under the impression that the entire drivetrain is offset.
Check Music's last Engine pull R&R - he has a great photo w/o the grill - really shows up.
I am planning on putting a fuel cell in the spare wheel area. I don't like how the tank hangs below the body. With it being lowered is where my concern stems from. That being said, you think I could put a centered rear end in without the tank being there?
With a lowered vehicle.. your springs will NEED LESS TRAVEL! (to prevent severe bottoming out)
I think you need to go with HD Astro springs (not S10) with the highest load capacity.
It will ride firm.. but will be necessary for towing, especially lowered.
Yes.. remove the fuel tank and offset will no longer be an issue.
You might be able to put a tank where the spare tire is.
Everything is a compromise...
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