93 E350 Camper with Navistar 7.3 -- Good idea?

[TroySmith80]

Hey everyone, i'm new. I introduced myself in the appropriate thread elsewhere on the site. I have a 2WD VW Westfalia that i've done some upgrades to (including new subaru engine). But i'm not happy with 2WD, so i'm looking for something different. Either a VW Syncro camper or maybe something Ford E350 based. I'm leaning toward the Ford right now, even though I dearly love a lot of things about my little westy.

I came across a '93 E350 with a camper top almost like a class-c motorhome. It's just a fiberglass high top on the van body, but the top actually extends forward ahead of the roofline a ways. There is a bed up there and a bed below.

Anyway, I don't know much about 4x4 rigs and axles and transmissions/transfer cases and all that. Can some of you who are more tuned-in and experienced with all of that offer me your opinions, warnings and feedback regarding this thing?

Here's some of the description:

Camper van made by Honorbuilt. 102,610mi $13,900 OBO, Completely overhauled 1993 Ford E350, 7.3 Navistar IDI Diesel 1-Ton, El Dorado camper conversion with Quigley 4X4, Dana 60s front and rear . Only 7K miles since major overhaul. Super reliable built E4OD drive train, 7.3 Navistar IDI Diesels are known to go 300,000 miles before overhaul...and very low maintenance!

FYI here is some of the maintenance performed by ford since 2007:
-Front suspension rebuild $1495.00
-Transmission rebuild, E40D performance package from Oceanside Transmission including 2-clutch converter and stronger internal components, $3,000.00
-Complete air conditioner overhaul including new compressor and condenser...blows very cold! $2,300.00
-New front brake caliper and rotors $680.00
-New rear brake cylinder $143.00
-New shocks $383.00
-New batteries (3 battery system) $395.00
-New power steering pump:$680.84
-New Accessory Belt $50.00
-Rear Differential service $394.00
-Major Diesel Service $642.00
Just had an oil change and multi point inspection on 10/20/10 at North County Ford. Inspection shows issues are:
-Front brake pads are ready to be replaced and are sticking, $300.00 repair quoted by ford

Open issues which i have quotes for repair are:
-Leaky Front driver side axle seal, $470.00
-Exhaust manifold leak/broken manifold bolt $300.80
-Exterior paint is passable, and great for an off road van. If you want shiny and pretty, it will need new paint
-Coach Refrigerator is not operational, replacements run about $750 on craigslist

Sounds pretty reasonable to me. What do you think? How much life would i get out of that rig, and how much of a hassle? Any clue how mileage might be? Would a gas engine be better? I've done some reading about that navistar engine, and while it's very low on power/torque compared to recent engines, that's ok with me, as long as it's reliable and cheap to own.

I don't need serious off-road capability. Anywhere a stock 4x4 truck or SUV could go will be fine with me. I just want to be able to confidently handle snow, sand, and the occasional gnarly section of logging road or rutted out campsite access trail.

This site is fantastic, glad i found it!

 

[Stumpalump]

I don't think those older diesels were turbo but besides that that van looks great. How beat up is the inside?

 

[bryson]

I believe the turbo was option, but not standard equipment in those years. Either way, it is a very reliable and simple engine. Underpowered if it is naturally aspirated, but still stout and reliable.

What is in it for a front axle?

I dig the rig.:sombrero: I say do it!

 

[TroySmith80]

I haven't seen it, it's a long way away from me. The owner has not returned email, i'm assuming for now that it is not a turbo. Both axles are dana 60... which doesn't mean much to me except that i have gathered thats a common choice and well regarded.

I'm tempted. Trouble is, i really would need to sell my van first. And getting the money that i want for my van probably won't happen overnight. Probably would be ugly trying to get a loan for an old rig like that and I really wouldn't want to anyway. What to do... lol

 

[ujoint]

I recently built a van with the same engine. The power wasn't as bad as I expected, actually drove very nice. It's not as big as the van above, but the customer will be using it to tow a large trailer.

The engine bay is fairly open too, you can actually see the top of the engine! If you get it & need more power, check with Banks to see if they still sell a turbo kit.

 

[TroySmith80]

Well i got a response yesterday from the seller. It sold yesterday morning. Oh well... it's bigger than i really wanted to go anyway. I actually don't need anmyore interior room than my westy has, i just want 4x4 and heavier duty suspension.

I'll keep looking. Chris, that's exactly the sort of thing i'm after. Is that a 4" lift? I think i want to be right in between stock height and the height of that blue one. I do very little off-roading but i do a lot of climbing in and out!

Thanks very much for the feedback. I think i've determined that i'd be happy with about any of the engine choices between '93 and '03 (v8,v10,old 7.3, PS 7.3). They all seem to have their pros and cons, and for me any of them will do fine.

 

[ujoint]

Yep, that's a 4" lift, the lowest I go. 285/75/16 tires.

 

[TroySmith80]

Why don't you offer a 2 or 3" option? It seems like some people would like it, particularly in a camper where you may have a whole family in and out of the van 100 times a day. Is there a mechanical reason?

I've been reading about your 4x4 conversions. Sounds like you do a very good job. I've been looking for pre-converted vans, but maybe i'll have to start considering 2wd vans too, if the price is right and i could afford to buy a kit from you. Cool to see that you're involved in the 'community' here.

 

[ujoint]

The engine x-member is the problem. Even with the 4" total lift, the crossmember has to be trimmed for differential clearance. The lower you go, the less suspension travel you have.