I was one of the early purchasers of Chris' van 4x4 kit. I've been very happy with it, but I've run into some engine problems that are forcing me to evaluate which way I want to go and I'm looking for some imput.
My van is a 2000 E350 with the 7.3l diesel engine. It was formally the Château Passenger version of the van. I regeared the van 50k ago with 4:10 gears. It has the Dana 60 front axle and a full float Dana 60 rear. The transmission is ford factory remanufactured with 40k on it and the transfer case is a BW1356 (I believe). Here's where the problem comes in. About 13k ago I had some engine problems and I decided it was probably the best coarse to put a new engine in it. I bought a longblock from South Houston Engine Builders, but the van broke down at an inconvenient time so I decided to have the dealer put it in. They screwed up and messed up the gear that drives the HPOP when they were putting it in (I believe). They want way too much money to investigate if they caused the problem (though I wouldn't have to pay if it was there fault (as if they would ever admit that)). They've agreed to let me pull the engine myself and have an independent auditor figure out whose fault it is. I'm not happy with it, but its the best I'm getting.
The problem is that I really like my van, but its a little small for what I use it for. I wish I had bought the extended model so that my surfboards would fit better, it has too many windows, I would prefer have a topper on it so that I could stand up in, the paints pealing in places, and I wish that I had configured the interior differently but everything is welded in. I can envision turning this into an opportunity to fix these problems.
With the way that diesel prices are going up I've thought about parting it out or selling it as is, but I'd rather not go this way since I've really enjoyed my van. The 3 options I've come up with are to purchase an extended van and put all the diesel parts on it, convert an ambulance, or buy a small motorhome and transfer the parts. The ambulance would be relatively easy because I could find one that already a 7.3, but the other two offers problems. All my parts are for a diesel van. I doubt the California DMV would like the gasser changing fuels. What issues are involve with switching things over (legally), and what do you think would be the best way to go?
My van is a 2000 E350 with the 7.3l diesel engine. It was formally the Château Passenger version of the van. I regeared the van 50k ago with 4:10 gears. It has the Dana 60 front axle and a full float Dana 60 rear. The transmission is ford factory remanufactured with 40k on it and the transfer case is a BW1356 (I believe). Here's where the problem comes in. About 13k ago I had some engine problems and I decided it was probably the best coarse to put a new engine in it. I bought a longblock from South Houston Engine Builders, but the van broke down at an inconvenient time so I decided to have the dealer put it in. They screwed up and messed up the gear that drives the HPOP when they were putting it in (I believe). They want way too much money to investigate if they caused the problem (though I wouldn't have to pay if it was there fault (as if they would ever admit that)). They've agreed to let me pull the engine myself and have an independent auditor figure out whose fault it is. I'm not happy with it, but its the best I'm getting.
The problem is that I really like my van, but its a little small for what I use it for. I wish I had bought the extended model so that my surfboards would fit better, it has too many windows, I would prefer have a topper on it so that I could stand up in, the paints pealing in places, and I wish that I had configured the interior differently but everything is welded in. I can envision turning this into an opportunity to fix these problems.
With the way that diesel prices are going up I've thought about parting it out or selling it as is, but I'd rather not go this way since I've really enjoyed my van. The 3 options I've come up with are to purchase an extended van and put all the diesel parts on it, convert an ambulance, or buy a small motorhome and transfer the parts. The ambulance would be relatively easy because I could find one that already a 7.3, but the other two offers problems. All my parts are for a diesel van. I doubt the California DMV would like the gasser changing fuels. What issues are involve with switching things over (legally), and what do you think would be the best way to go?
