New to Expedition Portal

[City Cruzer]

First let me say that I've lurked this site for quite awhile and i find it hugely interesting and full of the best Expedition/overland information around.

Proper setup for offroad/expedition use

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My rig is a 1996 Ford Fourdoor Bronco ( C350 7.3L Powerstroke). Many people mistake it for an Excursion but it is not. It's what's called a Centurion, or Fourdoor Bronco.



I bought the truck primarily for expedition travel and offroading (not rock crawling) because i needed a reliable rig, with lots of space and load capacity that has minimal critical after market mods that would become troublesome during extended travel or in foreign territory.

My main question has to do with suspension setup. I've got a Dana 60 up front with a Sterling 10.25 in the rear. not sure what springs are on it but i need a better ride without sacrificing too much of the load handling. I intend to install a popup camper, extra water, extra fuel, supplies, and 6 passengers. Would swapping out the 350 springs in the rear for 250 springs be a good idea? While mostly everyone agrees on a rear locker, there seems to be many opionions regarding the front axle e.g. locker, no locker, Detrioit exasy

Here's my upgrade plan. Please add your comments, feedback, suggestions and all:

SKY RSK 3inch
Bilstein 5100 all around
V springs upfront (with existing airlift)
Rear springs? (possibly airlift)
Custom popup camper complete with diesel appliances, internal/external shower/tolilet. etc
200 amp alternator
some sort of snorkel (ideas)
35in BFG ATs
17in rims
swap rear 40/20 bench for 3 highback seats (any ideas, what would fit?)
Custom console
GMRS/Amateur/CB radios
In motion Satellite
35 gals Aux Water
25 gals Aux fuel
Multi-source fuel system (thinking Diesel, WVO, W85 is their a system that is compatible with all 3?)
Spare parts (please list your ideas for what you wouldn't go out without)
what else?

 

[chasespeed]

FIRST, PERFECT... I LOVE Centurians!

Second... I would check with Deaver Spring, they are in Cali. Tell them what you have, and what YOUR intended honest use will be, they will take care of you.

Other than that, its(will be) perfect.... I would kill to have a rig like that... I wouldnt even hesitate giving up my Cummins...

I have, only been jealous a few times in my life... and right now is one of them....

Chase

 

[Duder]

Do you live in Torrance by any chance? There is a white Centurion just a few blocks from where I live. If it's yours, cool! If not, sweet rig anyways!

 

[ExpoMike]

Cool rig. I see them every so often.

Personally, one of the first things I would do it go get it weighed (get the per axle weight) and see where you are at. My guess its heavier than one might think. Then I would start making plans trying to stay within a GVW with all the passengers that will be traveling with you. You might find things like less water onboard or not doing a multi fuel conversion (which most all the WVO systems require a seperate tank for WVO). You definitely have a tall order to fill. Not impossible but you really need to know what you are working with before you end up with a 15,000 lbs. beast.

I would also shy away from a multi fuel setup. They are great for long drive pickups where you can have a large dedicated tank but I think in a rig like yours, the benefit really won't pay off. It's all about space and though your rig is big, there is not as much space for everything you want as you might think. Heck, even in my Ram and FWC, I am running into space issues. Also, my guess is in other countries, you are not likely to find WVO that available.

Well, that's my opinion. Definitely interested to watch the build and post up some pics!!! BTW, welcome to ExPo!!!

 

[roostercruiser]

I like those alot. There's a couple around the the Denver area I see sometimes.

 

[Little Red]

I love those Centurion trucks. I looked at one of these before I bought my suburban, they wanted more than twice what I paid for my truck and it had a gas engine so I did not get it.
If it was the F350 based conversion with a 7.3L diesel I would have been all over it though. Very nice truck. Any pic's?

 

[City Cruzer]

Thanks everyone for the comments regarding my rig.

I was very lucky to find this one without rust, with a 7.3 PSD, no problems, mostly stock with just a few upgrades e.g. rebuilt trans with upgraded triple billet torque converter, air lift up front, good interior, etc. It's in very nice condition and was a fantastic drive back from TX where I got it. It's only lived in New Mexico and Texas so it was spared from rust.

Since then, I've taken it on a camping trip to Big Sur and on a trip to Sedona AZ this summer. Both times, it performed flawlessly. I love the diesel and can't get over the fact that I'm getting nearly 18 MPG in CA (always above 70). I've been told that once I get 35s on it, that will help with the 4:10s and i'll get even better. Also, with the 35 gallon tank I can easily go 500 miles.

First thing is a suspension upgrade. I don't expect it to every ride like my 100 Series Land Cruiser, but it's a "purpose" tradeoff. Even the land cruiser was too small for 5, and the 3rd row was often left at home to carry more cargo. During our last trip to AZ, we packed everything behind the 3rd row and still had limo-like legroom.

I've got to get rid of these auto-lcoking hubs because I really don't trust them and i'm still building my trust up with this rig. I mean beating the reliability and offroad capability of a 100 series is a Tall Order.

More to come and thanks again for the nice comments.

I will post pics soon!

 

[City Cruzer]

Do you live in Torrance by any chance? There is a white Centurion just a few blocks from where I live. If it's yours, cool! If not, sweet rig anyways!

Nope, don't live in Torrence. thanks!

 

[City Cruzer]

Good advice! Thanks I will. I think I'm at about 6200 Lbs now and I believe the GVWR is over 10,000 mayby even 12,000. I can see how it could add up quickly. Honestly, depending on how easy the pop-up slides in and out, I may consider going the way of a trailer.