Semi floater,full floating rear axel.

LarryJM wrote:
My current Van and E-350 built in Aug 2001 came with a Semi-Float Dana 60 which really surprised me since even my 1978 E-250 had a full-float Dana 44. .......
I attended a Ford-Diesel.com ralley in 2002 where FOMCO sent a bunch of reps from various departments and engineering groups to hold seminars, etc. I attended one on Suspensions and Drivetrains and asked the question of why in the world Ford would go from a Full-Float axle to a Semi-Float axles and brought up the strength and loosing the wheel issues. The reply from the engineering rep from the Ford Suspension/Drivetrain area said detailed failure analysis had shown there were no significant differences in reliability between the two and failures of the actual axles that could result in loosing a wheel in a semi-float axle were SO RARE as to basically be a non issue and [COLOR=]the change was made to reduce the complexity, repair costs, and actually improve the overall axle reliability from things like bearing failures, fluid loss, etc.

...........

Larry

Did they forget to mention, that it also reduces production cost, so they can make more profit????

I am one that is solidity in the Full Floater camp. When looking for my hauling rigs I always made sure the they had full floaters. I find them easier to work on, and simple math states four bearings are better than two.

While I have had to replace a seal or two on my full floaters, don't recall replacing a bearing. The semi floaters I have owned cars, and 64 Econoline, and 91 Ford Ranger between four and a half dozen in total.

buddyIam wrote:
The front axles on all 4x4's are full floaters. You can pull the axle completely off and the wheel will roll and steer fine.
A full floater is mandatory with the front steering wheels on a 4x4. It's not just a safety feature. It must be there for the wheels to steer on the cv joints.

While the design maybe Full Floater, due to the CV/universal joint they usually require removal of the hub also.