1991 Ford "Ducks Unlimited" Special Edition 7.3 Diesel 4x4 *Help-What Would You DO?*

[jbsails]

1991 Ford "Ducks Unlimited" Special Edition 7.3 Diesel 4x4 *Help-What Would You DO?*

Hey Guys...I have just bought a very cool, project that I am undertaking and planning the restoration strategy. I just purchased a 1991 Ford E350 "Ducks Unlimited, lifted 4x4 van that has a blown head gasket. I got the truck here for $1,800. The thing is built solid....Dana 60 axles, recently rebuilt tranny, etc.

I cannot find anything on the internet regarding any similar "Ducks Unlimited" vans. That is just curious to me but I am wondering if anyone else has knowledge of them??

The 7.3 needs the head gasket, likely needs "re-hosing", a fresh radiator, new fuel lines, and other mechanical odds and ends to get her running reliably. I think I can get most of this done for somewhere near $3k here in Socal.

The interior and exterior are ok...but to do it right they will need time and $.

I am now wondering if I should simply get it running now ....then go for the interior and exterior issues...OR should I suck it up... re-power and phase out the interior and exterior as I think my upfront costs of a proper re-power is likely near $6.5k or so.

I am new at all of this...so I would encourage you more experienced Expedition veterans to weigh in on this. I am not of an unlimited budget ...so the drill is...what would YOU Do?

All posts appreciated...I need advice.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

I would replace the head gasket myself and drive it!!! (and have the heads rebuilt and magnafluxed since they are already off the motor). Those old 7.3 are almost indestructible and its not all that hard to find them with over 500,000 miles. They are also relatively simple to work on, and not all that high tech.


t=This is just me, but spending 6.5k to drop a motor in a 1.8k truck from the 90's is just bad math.

 

[T.Low]

I would replace the head gasket myself and drive it!!! (and have the heads rebuilt and magnafluxed since they are already off the motor). Those old 7.3 are almost indestructible and its not all that hard to find them with over 500,000 miles. They are also relatively simple to work on, and not all that high tech.


t=This is just me, but spending 6.5k to drop a motor in a 1.8k truck from the 90's is just bad math.

Bada bing, bada boom!

Then use it for all the reasons you bought it for and you will then begin to realize what interior and exterior mods will work best for you.
Its too easy to get sucked into making a project bigger than it ever needed to be. Think of it as a work in progress so you can continually use it, rather than a project to torn down and rebuilt. Life can too easily get in the way of the best laid plans, so it may sit torn apart as you read about all the other guys having great trips.

 

[jbsails]

Ok...Thanks guys. This is just what I am looking for. I am not the mechanical guy...so replacing the head gaskets myself is not in my wheelhouse unfortunately.

So...I am getting that simply repairing the existing and getting her back running is the cost effective approach.

How does this 7.3 compare to other diesel motors? Is the head gasket repair one that is not going to take me too deep??

All comments and opinions encouraged and appreciated!

 

[scoutkid]

I think you even beat me on the deal you got on that van! ************** ride, for starters! :sombrero:

I'd pull the heads and replace the gasket, and pocket that money for the inevitable Ujoint purchase you will likely want to make... My GUESS is that the suspension is 'ok' on the front of that van, and it could be a LOT better, more comfortable to drive.

Once all the mechanical is straightened out, then I'd attack the inside, like T.Low said.

Man, you already have the axles, winch bumper and kickin roof rack! Get a $50 gasket and get to work!

 

[jbsails]

You know...the suspension is in decent shape..it has the heavy duty leaf springs around right now. I will likely re-shock it around and also replace the steering arms. This thing was built rock solid for certain.

I guess what I am hearing is that I got a decent deal and the platform is a good/great one to build to....??

 

[blupaddler]

Like the others said, I would fix the head gasket and get it running/driving.
See how you like the van, and then start figuring out how you want the interior.



I am not too sure where you are in San Diego, but let me know if you need any help. I live by SDSU and have average mechanical skilz

And if you get tired of the 7.3 you can always give it to me:ylsmoke:
I would love to trade my 460 in for the diesel...

 

[jbsails]

Hey Rob...I am in Del Mar. The comments are greatly appeciated, and I would at least like to connect with you to talk about Expedition Portal possibilities in
Baja points south as you have some great experience there...

Best,
JB

 

[T.Low]

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1072682-head-gasket-replacement-on-1992-ford-e350-7-3l-diesel.html
These guys bring up a good point to make sure it's the head gasket and not the oil cooler rings. Check it out.


Dang, I was just in San Diego for 10 days (7 at the Convention Center Marriot 22nd floor :Wow1:, then 3 in Oceanside). Love it down there. My wife goes every August on business, maybe I'll go again next year.

Personally, I had a two part build sheet: One spread sheet was for parts I knew I wanted to have right away to be able to use and amortize over the life of the van. The pop top, the Tcase, the gearing, lift and tires. In your case, that could be getting it reliably driveable.

My 2nd spreadsheet was/is for items that i want and/or am pretty sure i want but can live without until I find a good deal and/or find the time to install them. (Fridge, swivel seat, bumpers, solar, dual batteries etc) My van has to compete for my attention with 3 mountain bikes, 13 kayaks, 2 enduros, a road bike and a 9 month old baby girl; I have to blow the dust off this wilted spreadsheet like Indiana Jones does when he finds those ancient treasure maps.

 

[rockbender]

As a fellow old Ford diesel van owner, I'd say do the minimum it takes to get it on the road and use it as others have recommended. If you start dumping a ton of money into it, you shouldn't expect that you'll see that in return if you ever try to sell it. Fix it up to your liking for your use; I wouldn't plan to restore it as if it was going to gain value as a collectors item.

The old IDI motors are true workhorses - they might not be the fastest but seem to keep going and going. Having a recently rebuilt tranny is a plus - that is one of the weak links of that era drivetrain (if it is an E4OD tranny). Also, read up on cavitation and consider flushing the coolant or adding additives if needed.

I've done exactly as T.Low has done with his spreadsheets - I keep all receipts and a running tally of all costs incurred as well as a budget for wanted items. It is amazing how fast those costs add up!

Cool van - keep us posted!

 

[New River KTM]

Get her back on the raod first before Updating

Love the van and you got a crankin' deal. Almost as good as mine $1,100 on Craigslist for my 89 Pathfinder. But get the mechanicals back up first a good shop should be able to take care of this quickly. Next drive it to see what are the most important items to do first. It is only with miles will you know what should be next. The "do it all" plan usually never works and always runs way over on costs. Good luck and keep us informed.

 

[dansvan]

Have the block looked at too. The 7.3idi was known for thin cylinder walls and the dreaded block worm. They would corrode from the coolant passages through the cylinder wall. In my experience the only way to get the heads off in a van is to pull the engine. Turbo installs are a snap though. Nice van.

 

[Wood Kutter]

Check out this guy for 7.3 parts, questions, etc. Bob is REALLY helpful. Best service ever !
http://www.guzzle7pt3.com/index.php

 

[truck mechanic]

Gawd I would kill for that van, just plain cool!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jbsails]

Am I nuts, Guys?

Man, for some reason I love this van....so much so that I bought a Ford F250 4x4 with a 7.3 diesel and a Banks Turbo upgrade. Dang...I scored it for $1,400...I love it, but it does need some front end work yada, yada etc. So...the real reason I bought it is to potentially swap this motor into int the van. Let me set the record straight...I am no, I repeat NO mechanic so I really need some input here from you amigos that clearly know more than I. So...is this possible to do this swap? I know the van is tight so I am not certain.

If not, I will just restore this truck... let me tell you, the motor in this ford is a BEAST and the tranny is great.

I appreciate any advice or feedback!

I will post photos of the truck in a few days!