WanderingPeso
New member
Hi,
We have been working on the van for the last couple months on and off between work. We had most of the mechanical work completed in August and have a few stragglers to follow up with, but for the most part Peso is mechanical sound and purrs like a cougar. We would love some feedback on a couple items below and any thoughts or recommendations. This is our first overland conversion and hopefully not our last! =)
Here is what we did with Butch at CVI:
1. Replaced ball joints & CV's (OEM)
2. Adjusted torsion bar 1.5" to level out front to back
3. Re-greased every thing
4. Replaced timing belt, water pump and all respective belts
5. Replaced alternator and AC belts
6. Engine tune
7. Replaced brakes
8. Complete radiator flush & cleaning
9. All fluids replaced
10. All hoses replaced (OEM)
We have also been working on a few other little projects:
1. Insulating - (www.wanderingpeso.com/insulation) We have not finished the sides yet since we are still working on the build out on the interior.
2. Hydronic Heater - More information soon.... This one is taking forever. It has required a lot of fabrication and custom parts. Basically we are tying in the hydronic heater to the engine block for cab heat and hot water.
3. Upgraded wheels and tires -
(www.wanderingpeso.com/wheels-tires) We are really happy with the size we chose. Overall 1" lift from wheels and tires. We wanted more at first, but didn't really want to deal with adverse effects on the suspension and drive train. #compromises 
4. Added a pyrometer and boost gauge - (www.wanderingpeso.com/pyrometer) Just a note... We hate the Autometer Gauge Pod and we would love to change it, but it's there for now.
5. Built an aluminum auxiliary fuel tank with 23 gallon capacity - (www.wanderingpeso.com/fuel-tank)
This gives us a 1000 mile range if we need it or want it.
6. Upgraded exhaust system - (www.wanderingpeso.com/exhaust)
7. Floor - Baltic Birch with Bona Mega hardwood floor finish. Looks so pretty! Can't wait to install it!
Upcoming is:
1. Skid plate
2. Custom snorkel
3. Custom rear bumper with tire swing
4. Roof rack
5. Window tinting **Not a fun job BTW.
6. Cabinets
7. Ceiling finish work... We're still working on ideas.
8. Front bumper modifications
9. Possible turbo timer -- We learned this could be very useful for maintaining the longevity of our engine due to the design flaw of how the different metals interact and cool. I have a lot more info on this so if you're interested to know more I'd be happy to share.
10. Lights - LED light upgrades and add-ons.
11. Possible winch** We would love more feedback from people about this! What are you thoughts on installing on a unibody frame?
12. Suspension - We want to add a leaf in the rear since we are adding more weight overall and we are having a hard time finding places to help us. We don't want to lift the van more than an 1" and we want to add enough so that it can sustain the added weight. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
13. Shocks - New Bilsteins for front and rear. Rear have a reserve tank.
14. Security Locks on the doors and bars for the windows.
15. A few sewing projects for cushions and wall organizers.
16. Manual Locking Hubs
17. Fresh water system
That's all I can think of at the moment. Haha. Feels like we are swimming, but it's a damn good race!
We have been working on the van for the last couple months on and off between work. We had most of the mechanical work completed in August and have a few stragglers to follow up with, but for the most part Peso is mechanical sound and purrs like a cougar. We would love some feedback on a couple items below and any thoughts or recommendations. This is our first overland conversion and hopefully not our last! =)
Here is what we did with Butch at CVI:
1. Replaced ball joints & CV's (OEM)
2. Adjusted torsion bar 1.5" to level out front to back
3. Re-greased every thing
4. Replaced timing belt, water pump and all respective belts
5. Replaced alternator and AC belts
6. Engine tune
7. Replaced brakes
8. Complete radiator flush & cleaning
9. All fluids replaced
10. All hoses replaced (OEM)
We have also been working on a few other little projects:
1. Insulating - (www.wanderingpeso.com/insulation) We have not finished the sides yet since we are still working on the build out on the interior.
2. Hydronic Heater - More information soon.... This one is taking forever. It has required a lot of fabrication and custom parts. Basically we are tying in the hydronic heater to the engine block for cab heat and hot water.
3. Upgraded wheels and tires -
(www.wanderingpeso.com/wheels-tires) We are really happy with the size we chose. Overall 1" lift from wheels and tires. We wanted more at first, but didn't really want to deal with adverse effects on the suspension and drive train. #compromises 4. Added a pyrometer and boost gauge - (www.wanderingpeso.com/pyrometer) Just a note... We hate the Autometer Gauge Pod and we would love to change it, but it's there for now.
5. Built an aluminum auxiliary fuel tank with 23 gallon capacity - (www.wanderingpeso.com/fuel-tank)
6. Upgraded exhaust system - (www.wanderingpeso.com/exhaust)
7. Floor - Baltic Birch with Bona Mega hardwood floor finish. Looks so pretty! Can't wait to install it!
Upcoming is:
1. Skid plate
2. Custom snorkel
3. Custom rear bumper with tire swing
4. Roof rack
5. Window tinting **Not a fun job BTW.
6. Cabinets
7. Ceiling finish work... We're still working on ideas.
8. Front bumper modifications
9. Possible turbo timer -- We learned this could be very useful for maintaining the longevity of our engine due to the design flaw of how the different metals interact and cool. I have a lot more info on this so if you're interested to know more I'd be happy to share.
10. Lights - LED light upgrades and add-ons.
11. Possible winch** We would love more feedback from people about this! What are you thoughts on installing on a unibody frame?
12. Suspension - We want to add a leaf in the rear since we are adding more weight overall and we are having a hard time finding places to help us. We don't want to lift the van more than an 1" and we want to add enough so that it can sustain the added weight. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
13. Shocks - New Bilsteins for front and rear. Rear have a reserve tank.
14. Security Locks on the doors and bars for the windows.
15. A few sewing projects for cushions and wall organizers.
16. Manual Locking Hubs
17. Fresh water system
That's all I can think of at the moment. Haha. Feels like we are swimming, but it's a damn good race!
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