micklongley
Observer
Hello Everyone, I have my Fuso FH for sale but I've been pondering whether I should just convert it to 4x4 or just leave it 2x4. Has anyone had success with converting ANY cab forward truck to 4x4. I have a rebuilt Dana 60 in the garage just waiting for the conversion but thought I would see if it sold before I undertook this project.
Here are the minor/major hurdles I see (I would love some input):
- The spring perches are 1.5" further out on the Dana 60, which means a .75" difference on each spring pad
- The brake fitting threads are bound to be a metric thread on the fuso and likely an American standard on the D60 (anyone know?)
- The front will effectively be lifted about 5". The rear will need either lift springs or spring blocks. I plan to use 4 inch blocks by removing the overload leafs and using the existing spring U-bolts. Even when loaded, the back is an inch or two higher than level - remember that the FH is an 18,000 GVWR truck!
- The U-joints on the driveline are HUGE. I will need an adapter or different yoke for a divorced NP205 that I plan to use if I go through with this. Does anyone know what U-joints are in these trucks? Anyone know how to find out?
- The transfer case will need to be shifted from outside the vehicle until a cable/servo/electronic shift mechanism is invented for this vehicle.
- The D60 uses 8x6.5 bolt pattern and the Fuso rear uses 6X8.75", unless I swapped a rear axle as well the front and rear bolt patterns would be different. As of right now I just carry a spare tire - not wheel/tire. I have beadlock wheel which allow me to unbolt the outer ring, remove the tire, and place a new tire on the beadlock. Its slightly more time consuming but its nice not having to remove the wheel from the Fuso to do this. I think I may just keep carrying spare tires without the wheels if I switched the front axle out.
- Small things like shock mounts will be needed to extend the stock shocks, or be replaced with longer travel shocks. I think I prefer stock for replacement purposes when on expedition.
It is currently on 37x12.50 tires and only rubs slightly at left full lock. I actually really like the lower center of gravity of the FH, versus the FG, and the 2 wheel drive traction has been surprising with my camper loaded. Without the camper it's a little too light to do anything too muddy or technical. One thing I absolutely love about the current front axle is the turning radius. Compared to American trucks, this thing turns hard! Turning radius would be diminished if swapped to a Dana 60. I've never needed 4x4 for the trails that I frequent in New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah, but it sure would be a nice addition for security/redundancy - and it would probably add to the overall value.
It's a real toss up for me. I can see value being added in certain ways, but lost in others. I would love to hear everyones input. You can see my ad here: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/85353-Expedition-Mitsubishi-Fuso-FH-Travel-ready-and-in-Durango-CO-25-000-obo
Thanks All,
Mick
(I know I have a low post count but I have loved being a part of this community (at least in a lurker sort of way!), and would love to contribute in the future. I'm just weird about testing and knowing what I'm talking about before giving advice)
Here are the minor/major hurdles I see (I would love some input):
- The spring perches are 1.5" further out on the Dana 60, which means a .75" difference on each spring pad
- The brake fitting threads are bound to be a metric thread on the fuso and likely an American standard on the D60 (anyone know?)
- The front will effectively be lifted about 5". The rear will need either lift springs or spring blocks. I plan to use 4 inch blocks by removing the overload leafs and using the existing spring U-bolts. Even when loaded, the back is an inch or two higher than level - remember that the FH is an 18,000 GVWR truck!
- The U-joints on the driveline are HUGE. I will need an adapter or different yoke for a divorced NP205 that I plan to use if I go through with this. Does anyone know what U-joints are in these trucks? Anyone know how to find out?
- The transfer case will need to be shifted from outside the vehicle until a cable/servo/electronic shift mechanism is invented for this vehicle.
- The D60 uses 8x6.5 bolt pattern and the Fuso rear uses 6X8.75", unless I swapped a rear axle as well the front and rear bolt patterns would be different. As of right now I just carry a spare tire - not wheel/tire. I have beadlock wheel which allow me to unbolt the outer ring, remove the tire, and place a new tire on the beadlock. Its slightly more time consuming but its nice not having to remove the wheel from the Fuso to do this. I think I may just keep carrying spare tires without the wheels if I switched the front axle out.
- Small things like shock mounts will be needed to extend the stock shocks, or be replaced with longer travel shocks. I think I prefer stock for replacement purposes when on expedition.
It is currently on 37x12.50 tires and only rubs slightly at left full lock. I actually really like the lower center of gravity of the FH, versus the FG, and the 2 wheel drive traction has been surprising with my camper loaded. Without the camper it's a little too light to do anything too muddy or technical. One thing I absolutely love about the current front axle is the turning radius. Compared to American trucks, this thing turns hard! Turning radius would be diminished if swapped to a Dana 60. I've never needed 4x4 for the trails that I frequent in New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah, but it sure would be a nice addition for security/redundancy - and it would probably add to the overall value.
It's a real toss up for me. I can see value being added in certain ways, but lost in others. I would love to hear everyones input. You can see my ad here: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/85353-Expedition-Mitsubishi-Fuso-FH-Travel-ready-and-in-Durango-CO-25-000-obo
Thanks All,
Mick
(I know I have a low post count but I have loved being a part of this community (at least in a lurker sort of way!), and would love to contribute in the future. I'm just weird about testing and knowing what I'm talking about before giving advice)
