2000 Ford 7.3L Motovan build (225's build cont'd)

[225]

If you rebuild the old ones you can have a spare for next time.

That's what I plan on doing.

A few more work pics. Y'all seemed to like them, and many people don't even know our industry exists.

Waiting on the locks at night:

Making Johnsonville RR bridge:

Bugs:

The other captain covered in May Flies:

More May Flies:

A little tight:

Foggy morning:

Captain acting tough:

You know those trucks you see on TV where the dude has to climb up a ladder to get in. This is one of those:

My trainee:

 

[225]

I make crappy YouTube videos too:

 

[225]

Electrical Systems:

Step 1, Solar:

I halfway installed my ceiling, and it didn't turn out right, so it's coming down. I used 8ft boards that didn't run the entire length of the ceiling, and where the 2 sections meet, looks ghetto. So, I bought 12ft boards, but haven't installed them yet. First, I figured I would install 2 - 100w Renogy solar panels.

Link: https://amzn.to/2BIXxX2

Inlet:

Link: https://amzn.to/2MKBgfL

I like the Renogy panels, not the "kit". The charge controller has a lot left to be desired. I'm going with a MPPT Bluetooth controller:

Link: https://amzn.to/2BHD2tA

Step 2, AC Power:

The only thing that AC will power without using the inverter will be the air conditioner. Everything else can run from 12v to an inverter. Which will power a small TV, power strip for laptop, etc.. I'm going with all marine grade stuff, well, because I work on a boat is why.

30A Breaker:

Link: https://amzn.to/2BKEHib

3 breaker panel switches:

Link: https://amzn.to/2MPLafW

30A Power Converter / Charger:

Link: https://amzn.to/2BRKHWa

And a 30A power inlet. Which, I have no idea where I'm going to place it yet.

Step 3, DC Power:

4 LED RV interior lights: https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-PACK-LED...881238?hash=item2a3ed6a6d6:g:kAwAAOSw7PBTpCWx

LED Interior Light Strip (mood lighting): https://amzn.to/2wdHifb

Water Pump: https://www.ebay.com/itm/12-volt-FL...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

USB Charging Station: https://amzn.to/2MNf8RP

Vent Fan: https://amzn.to/2MMnM2R

Fridge: https://amzn.to/2PzGOrU

Fuse Block: https://amzn.to/2P6dfNL

Bus Bar: https://amzn.to/2BHH7ho

12v Battery disconnect: https://amzn.to/2BHfzIU

2 AGM batteries: https://amzn.to/2BTmwHg

 

[luthj]

Why 30a inlet? A 15A is smaller, and probably will meet your needs? That 30A charger will pull 4A on the AC side.

 

[CaptainBuilt]

So, ExPo decided to stall my account because of email issues. I had to use a different email / user name.

It's still 225, and continued from the old thread. Sorry for the mix-up, beyond my control.

Old thread: https://www.expeditionportal.com/fo...d-motovan-camper-van-porkchop-express.112689/

Today was a good day. Finished up the 4WD kit from UJOR.

And Snap On truck haul:

I don't usually post my tool stuff, but Snap On came out with a small 1/4" ratchet housing with a 3/8" head. Pretty frickin cool:

From now on, the posts will be on this thread. As soon as this stupid hurricane passes, I'll be picking up my axle.

All that's left is wheels and tires.

 

[Raul]

Welcome to the forum. It is always nice to have new people.

 

[CaptainBuilt]

Welcome to the forum. It is always nice to have new people.

Thanks for the warm welcome! LOL

 

[Christian P.]

I just looked at your previous username ('225') and it says that the email is invalid (bounced). I am sending you a pm.

 

[Christian P.]

Threads have been merged.

 

[CaptainBuilt]

Threads have been merged.

Thanks!!!

Went to the boneyard and picked up the front axle:

Got it home, and it took a solid hour to get it out the van. Axles are heavier than you think. Cleaned it up some, and then pulled the diff cover. Perfect on the inside. Light rush on the outside. Pretty decent donor for what I paid for it.

All that I'm missing is wheels and tires. Almost there!!

 

[Raul]

Got it home, and it took a solid hour to get it out the van. Axles are heavier than you think.

That is why a bought a cheap Harbor Freight 1 ton crane. Almost got my neighbor killed unloading a rear axle. I got the crane when i bought the front probably the best purchase for this project, next to the electric impact wrench.

Nice progress. Cannot wait to see the new look.

 

[CaptainBuilt]

That is why a bought a cheap Harbor Freight 1 ton crane. Almost got my neighbor killed unloading a rear axle. I got the crane when i bought the front probably the best purchase for this project, next to the electric impact wrench.

Nice progress. Cannot wait to see the new look.

I wish I had that crane unloading it for sure.

I have 2 1/2" Milwaukee impacts. The mid torque and the bad mammer jammer. The mid torque is really amazing. It's what I use on everything.

 

[CaptainBuilt]

I went and picked up a 3/4" ratchet and socket to remove the ball joint nuts. However, the lower ball joints are seized in the knuckle. So, I'm working on that.

 

[CaptainBuilt]

This cost more than my axle itself. I still need to get calipers / rotors. Unit bearings and seals are on the way.

 

[CaptainBuilt]

After lots of buffing and painting, the U Joints and ball joints are in:

Both steering knuckles in place. Waiting on axle seals and unit bearings now:

The bumper really didn't wanna come off. Nothing a sawzall can't fix:

Cleaning off 20 years of road grime:

Time to start drilling spring hanger holes!