The New Owl Sprinter Axle and E-Locker Upgrade [PART 1] 

MPG is different for every setup, but if you are running larger tires, then the proper gearing will improve both MPG and performance. These vans are governed to 80mph so no effect on top speed.

I wonder whether the governing is only on more recent models? I have a 2020 Storyteller and have been over 80 on long flat highways.@@owloffroad

@@clayjames2461 With larger tires, the van can travel faster because the van thinks you're going slower due to the slower rotation of the larger tire.

We can ship to Europe. You would need to get a freight forwarder and we can ship it to them. Email support@owlvans.com

Yes, but currently nobody makes them. They would be very expensive. I’m sure as this segment continues to grow someone will start making them

Sprinters are odd and already have different gearing in the front and rear. I know it doesn’t make sense but they have something in the transfer case that allows this

Makes perfect sense to worry about. Turns out the Sprinter uniquely has different front and rear gear ratios from the factory. Front is 4.15 rear is 3.93. So different gearing front and rear is not an issue for the Sprinter.

@@owloffroad I did some more research on this and you're right, the front diff always has the same ratio (4.2). But turns out Mercedes makes 6(!) different transfer cases, each for a different rear axle ratio. So they match the front/rear by adding some type of reduction gear inside the transfer case. The six transfer cases you can order from Mercedes (maybe not in the US, but in Germany for sure) are for the following axle ratios: 3.69 (48:13), 3.923 (51:13), 4.18 (46:11), 4.36 (48:11), 4.73 (52:11) and 5.10 (51:10). With the transfer case being an "open style" differential, of course you're going to be able to run mismatched front/rear axle ratios (that's the whole point of a differential), but the gears inside the transfer case are going to be spinning constantly when engaged in 4WD. I know Agile Offroad also does this with their ARB locker, and apparently it doesn't cause any issues. But I'd be curious to hear a long-term review of someone who has changed their rear axle ratio, NOT changed their transfer case accordingly, and also runs 4WD for extended periods of time (for example someone that lives in a harsh snowy environment, requiring 4WD to be on all the time). If 4WD is only used for short sections on technical trails here and there, I can see how there's "no problem" in running a different rear axle ratio without the appropriate transfer case. The part number for the 3.92 transfer case is 9072800500, whilst the part number for the 4.18 transfer case is 9072800600. I'm sure if it was truly "ok" to run a different rear axle ratio, Mercedes wouldn't have made these different transfer cases. Curious to hear what you think!!

Proby not. I have a 3500 Super Single, and Owl advised it will not work. The frame is going to be different from 2500 to 3500, and thee are essentially build for the 2500s that everyone seems to buy. The SuSi is not available in 4x4, so 2500 is the popular choice.

I agree, 2500 are popular but these vans gets heavy when fully built out and reaches the max payload of the vehicle real quick. If owls can develop a rear axle for 3500 which also allows to covert it to super single (they just have to move the shock mount and leaf spring location to match 3500 on their 2500 axle they already developed, assuming it is beefier enough to carry extra 1000lbs of weight) I think it opens up a new market, many will buy 3500 sprinter and owl axles which allows them to carry more payload. Front axles on 3500 are same as 2500 if the factory spacer is removed, it has the same bolt pattern as 2500. Makes the e-locker axle perfect and safe choice to covert 3500 sprinter to super single

Some people are but mainly this upgrade is for the locker, gearing and much more robust axle shafts