300k miles on a E350 7.3, would you buy?

[peneumbra]

There are quite a few 4x4 E-350 ambulances out there for sale, and one can often find them on E-bay, Craigslist, etc. The caveat is BRAKES: those rigs are heavy, and the stock Ford setups are not up to the weigt of the rigs, particularly if one is taking them offroad...

 

[Abitibi]

It's still a learning curve for me with the Ford thing but I got that the brakes could quickly suffer especially once it's converted and loaded as a camper. And that thing will be going offroad! I had a good chat with Derek at CCV and his conversion uses the newer superduty axles with larger brakes and coils at the front instead of leafs, sounds like the way to go... Another option would be to get the E450 ambulance but they don't often come around for sale here... As for a 4x4 E350 Ambulance they are out there but pretty rare from what I found and often older models.

Thanks again for the follow up!
Seems like I'll have to figure a way to import my '93 Nissan Patrol in the States! :victory:

Cheers,
Mr. D

 

[Buliwyf]

It's still a learning curve for me with the Ford thing but I got that the brakes could quickly suffer especially once it's converted and loaded as a camper. And that thing will be going offroad! I had a good chat with Derek at CCV and his conversion uses the newer superduty axles with larger brakes and coils at the front instead of leafs, sounds like the way to go... Another option would be to get the E450 ambulance but they don't often come around for sale here... As for a 4x4 E350 Ambulance they are out there but pretty rare from what I found and often older models.

Thanks again for the follow up!
Seems like I'll have to figure a way to import my '93 Nissan Patrol in the States! :victory:

Cheers,
Mr. D

Ford brakes, even on the E vans are great. Replace the pins, pin bolts, rubber bellows if needed, rotors, and pads. It looked to me like the newer vans have the same brakes as the Superduties.

For $18k you can get a really nice 4x4 Superduty and still have room leftover for a tall cap.

 

[Abitibi]

You can find a nice 4x4 E350 for less than $18,000??? I haven't found that elusive gem yet! Gotta be the 7.3L though... The very first mod will be to convert it to run on veggie, I can't imagine going back wasting my money supporting the big oil companies!

As for brakes I thought the '06 and later models had the larger brakes with wider axles?

 

[DoMiNiC1]

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/3453273573.html 173k for

1995 diesel van 4x4 runs great camper van milage 173000 nothing for the best motor ford ever made 7.3 turbo diesel clean title on hand no issues non smoker or pets van have title on ready for sale price 15000 dlls or best let me know email im in san diego ca 91911 van is a runner great gas milage 17-22 depending on driving habits no rust free never been abouse van has a diesel navistar international engine good for a million plus miles with correct maintenance new transmission & torque converter lots of new parts newer suspension ready for cross country trip doesn't need anything.. Full power towing package easy tows 10000lbs cruise control power windows locks ac blows cold new tires new shocks all way around new double steering shocks new seats 5 persons new seats let me know im in california 10 minutes from san diego airport...clean California van....

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/3415034290.html (Think 12v cummins swap):victory:

94 Ford 4x4 E350 (1Ton) Van. Top quality Quigley Corp 4x4 conversion. 300 6cyl F.I. Good gas mileage, good torque. C6 auto tranny. 4x4/transfer/running gear works fine - not abused. $1,100 in brand new tires, wheels, shocks. Needs minor stuff like side-door handle fixed, etc. High miles but I believe engine has been rebuilt or replaced but can't prove it. $6999. Serious only. (406) 490-2521. Located in Montana

 

[bfdiesel]

not for 18 k

 

[redthies]

I was thinking $10,000. For $18,000 I think you could post the address of seller and directions to his house, and it will still be there when you decide to spend way too much. I would go by a super clean F350 crew and a Fourwheel camper for less.

 

[78Bronco]

There are quite a few 4x4 E-350 ambulances out there for sale, and one can often find them on E-bay, Craigslist, etc. The caveat is BRAKES: those rigs are heavy, and the stock Ford setups are not up to the weigt of the rigs, particularly if one is taking them offroad...

You have got to be kidding.

 

[78Bronco]

I didn't know the weather/terrain was that hardcore in BC.

Considering that the province is mostly covered by mountains all the way from the coast to Alberta the weather varies significantly and the terrain is steep and rocky.

Some reading for you...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Road

We have also recorded one of the coldest temperatures in North America at -74F (-59C).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_columbia

 

[Loco-Nomad]

I'm a full size truck kinda guy, but there is just something about the 4X4 vans. They just look super tough and I would love to have one! Like most of the other posts before me, not for $18K. Although if you look at the prices they are getting for Quigley conversions, its just insane. Not to hijack your thread but what kind of mileage do you get with the veggie conversions you currently run?

 

[Abitibi]

I hate the van's price, very hard to find decent 4x4 under $15k when a similar truck will sell for thousand less.

I had a '65 VW bus followed by a '78 and I got hooked on the van concept. I tried the truck thing with my Nissan Patrol, amazing vehicle but I realized I'm a van guy... Something about being able to walk from the driver's seat to the fridge ;-)

About veggie, I figure I get very close if not the same mileage as diesel but since my fuel is free I don't keep track. I have a M101 military trailer that I load up with veggie when I go on road trips. On my last drive going coast to coast and back I only used a 1/4 tank of diesel! Same when I drove from Vancouver BC to Flagstaff for Expo this year... Under a 1/4 of diesel. The longer the drive the better it gets as you only need the diesel to warm up the truck in the morning and to purge the veggie st the end of the day.

Thanks again!
Mr. D


Sent from my iPorn using Tapatalk

 

[hobietony]

You will probably get better input posting this in the 4x4 van forum, and talking to van people, rather that truck people who think you should just get a pickup with a camper. Apples and Oranges - If you decide you want an Orange, talk to the Orange people.

I cant disagree with the Ambulance thing either :sombrero: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/63380-AmboVan-Restarted

 

[Abitibi]

Ahhh, that's your ambulance!?! Very very nice! Yours, MegAmbo and the gray one with the angled rear that sold a while back (he bought a Mog instead) were a great source of inspiration! It also scares me a bit to see how involved your project was, my dear wife is gonna go crazy...

I did ask in this forum simply because I was looking for drivetrain info which they all share and it seems to be more active here than on the 4x4 van forum... Once I commit to this project I'll make sure to post in the Orange forum ;-)

Keep the good work, amazing built!!!

Cheers,
Mr. D

 

[ujoint]

You will probably get better input posting this in the 4x4 van forum, and talking to van people, rather that truck people who think you should just get a pickup with a camper. Apples and Oranges - If you decide you want an Orange, talk to the Orange people.

I cant disagree with the Ambulance thing either :sombrero: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/63380-AmboVan-Restarted

I agree!

 

[Abitibi]

You guys with ambulances need to tell me how they cope with body flex in offroad situation. I'm heading out to the orange people (4x4 van) to make a new post on this but since I already got your attention...thought I'd ask ;-)

Cheers
Mr. D