Making a Ford, fordable?

[Mister D]

Hi Guys,
I just wanted to say this forum is awesome! I've been lurking for a while, but now I'm in the planning stages for my next rig. I would like to buy a Ford F-350 because it will serve many more pruposes than my Dodge Durango, that I will trade in. I have seen Fords in Offroad Mag that have the TJM snorkel and I love how it looks and I have had bad experiences with water in the past.

The truck I'd like must be a diesel preferably with a crew cab, short box. I'd like to set up for some long trips to Alaska and out West to the Rockies. (I live in Wisconsin) Have any of you set up a rig like this? I love input to help me plan. Thanks.

Questions:
What do I have to do to a Super Duty diesel to make it fordable? Should I be concerned about the ECM? Is it high enough. What about "Stacks" like the big rigs? What other Components that need protection?

Off Topic: Has anyone had a Hanson Enterprises front and rear bumper?

Thanks,

Brian

 

[Bella PSD]

The ECM is on the firewall just to the right of the clutch...or brake. Its sealed up real good. "I" think its pretty high. If I had water up that high I would worry about other things!! You will need to move the diff breathers up higher than stock too.

Louie

 

[OutbacKamper]

Brian;

This is my truck crossing a shallow creek in Australia

There are only 2 makes of snorkle available for F250/350's, that I am aware of. They only work for 7.3 liter diesels, so if you are planning on buying a newer (6.0 liter) diesel or a gasser you are out of luck.

TJM: http://www.tjm.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=61

This is mine

Safari/ARB: http://www.4wdmegastores.com.au/products_lz2/snorkels/safari
http://www.arbusa.com/snorkels.php

ARB catalog photo

Other than the snorkle, diff breathers and transmission breather I have not done any other mods for water crossings. I have had no electrical issues and I have ESOF (electronic shift on the fly) as opposed to manual 4x4 shift lever, but I have never had water higher than the top of the tires.

Cheers
Mark