4x4 swap from old van to Ambo. Do able?

[Groobie85]

Hay guys I was wondering if any of you have found a old or rolled 350 or 450 van 4x4 and swapped the components to a type lll ambulance?

The reason I ask is I’m finding them from 3-6k which seems a lot cheaper than 11-14k for a new set up (Quigley or U joint) and I’m trying to save some coin

Are there only certain years that work for this? Does it need to be the same year as the ambulance swapping too? Does it need to also be from a diesel truck?

 

[Len.Barron]

I'm not a ford guy but you are going to need to add a lot more detail if you want useful feedback.
What year/model ambo do you have?
what year/model donors are you considering?
what is your level of fabrication skill/capability?
what kind of budget are you working with?

 

[Groobie85]

I'm not a ford guy but you are going to need to add a lot more detail if you want useful feedback.
What year/model ambo do you have?
what year/model donors are you considering?
what is your level of fabrication skill/capability?
what kind of budget are you working with?

For sure. It’s a 1998 Ford 450 type lll ambo. 7.3 l. Dwr 2wd

Donor isent picked out yet. That why im asking. Any beta would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bikersmurf]

You’d need the same transmission so that the transfercase would be compatible. You’d want at least a Dana 60. I’d think you’d also want new springs to match you vehicle’s front end weight.

It has been done... there are threads in this forum about it. However, unless someone gave you the donor, and it was in excellent shap, you’d be better off doing a Ujoint conversion yourself. The spring brackets are something like $650... you’ll want new springs and shocks anyway. So how much do you think you can save vs buying a wrecked F series or parts from someone privately.

If I were to do it, I’d want the best performing conversion I could afford... so I’d not want to cut corners. For the cost I’d go Ujoint and not look back.

 

[Groobie85]

You’d need the same transmission so that the transfercase would be compatible. You’d want at least a Dana 60. I’d think you’d also want new springs to match you vehicle’s front end weight.

It has been done... there are threads in this forum about it. However, unless someone gave you the donor, and it was in excellent shap, you’d be better off doing a Ujoint conversion yourself. The spring brackets are something like $650... you’ll want new springs and shocks anyway. So how much do you think you can save vs buying a wrecked F series or parts from someone privately.

If I were to do it, I’d want the best performing conversion I could afford... so I’d not want to cut corners.

Thanks for the Info. I thought the parts were a lot more than that...I’s most of ujoints cost labor?

 

[Bikersmurf]

Labor is a big chunk, but the other big chunk is: the axle, transfer case, new front brakes, new springs, new shocks, etc.

I think what Chris is asking for the mounts is very reasonable... it wouldn’t be worth making your own for the price.

 

[Bikersmurf]

http://www.ujointoffroad.com/leafconversion.html

Looking again it’s $600 for the spring mounts, $200 for the jig, etc. It certainly adds up quick.