Black Friday Ambo

[flightcancled]

Well before a last minute work snafu the plan was up to the western/ northwestern Adirondacks for Beaver River Fest. At this point it's just going to stay loaded for future use. My girlfriend is bugging me to take her to Niagara Falls. Personally I think it's an international tourist trap but what can you do?

Having gear closets you can just load up with paddles and gear is amazing. My buddies are already jealous. Ignore the door panel, the hardware needs to be replaced.

Does anyone know where to begin finding replacement rear shocks? I'm used to being able to just order something out of a kit, but this is way off the beaten path.




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[patoz]

Would the shocks be any different than stock E350 shocks, or those used on Class C motorhomes? I would just check the weight specs to make sure they are in range.

 

[Bikersmurf]

I'd check with the local Jobber first... NAPA or similar. They've had a listing for an E350 Ambulance package for other parts I've looked for.

Next, I'd call up the local Ford dealership which has the service contract for the Local Ambulance service... They maintain them while they're in service, so they should know which shocks they use... And which last best.



Edit: just checked online, PartsGeek.com lists shocks for E350s with the ambulance package.

 

[flightcancled]

Wow now I feel silly! Thanks guys! I was worried there would be more consideration of specific vehicle weight.

Here's the rest of the projector project photos:

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[patoz]

So I guess the stock clear lens fit over the headlight part, right? I'm thinking about installing some aftermarket LED panels in the side work lights on mine, using some of those I got from you.

BTW, did you notice the reflection of your ambo in the headlight lens in the first picture? Pretty cool!

 

[flightcancled]

With a little coaxing and a little silicone I got it all together and watertight. I also had to do a little trimming to get the passenger side one in.

The test will be if the plastic can take the focused light and heat.

Still have to run power from the light bar over to them, but that's not a huge deal. I am using that circuit for the obvious reasons, but it is also set up for a large draw so I don't have to run larger wires and increase the fuse size.


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[patoz]

Sounds like a plan! I'm curious to see what kind of light output it has in the dark, after it goes through the clear plastic lens. I know you'll get some good pics.

 

[cjken]

Sweet light project. Post some night pics once you get it lit up!!

 

[flightcancled]

So today I took her out for her first trip!

45 minute drive to work- No problem!
Kept heading west and after about an hour of really smooth sailing I noticed my steering was favoring one side. After stopping for gas I had horrible shaking and was forced to get off the highway. By the time I found a mechanic willing to work on a large vehicle I was stuck driving under 35 for fear of doing more damage.

As I was talking to the mechanic about looking for a blown bearing in the morning he noticed I was dumping fluid. He thought it was coolant, but that's still full.

Maybe I lost the power steering pump? Not off to a solid start.


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[cjken]

Hi Alex.
My steering box has some play in it. Ramsey said it is not a pressing issue, but I should replace it eventually.
My front end is a bit different being 4x4.
Did you leave it at a shop? Were you able to see the fluid leaking?
When my bearing disintegrated and welded itself to my spindle my truck pulled hard to one side then released. When we jacked it up I could feel the play by manually manipulating the front tire. It was significant play.
I'm sure some one on here will have a good idea of what to look for.

 

[cjken]

Hang in there man!! You will get it all under control. I guess when a truck sits things go bad. I had my share of setbacks too!!

 

[flightcancled]

Thanks Ken! Trying not to loose faith here.

Luckily I found myself a really cool guy and the mechanic is letting me park overnight next to his shop.

Not so luckily a major collision happened just after I parked and it is crawling with first responders over here. Just a little awkward sitting on top of a non-ambulance ambulance eating dinner while the jaws of life are being used. Sorry guys I was here first and I'll be here last.

I will say that reworking the fan in here is jumping up on my to do list. The cab and box really heated up during my trip. I also really need to create a USB charging station from the medical outlets that are in here. Right now without using the inverter all I have is the dash lighter plug.

All in all the bed is deployed and I am feeling way more secure and comfortable than I would have imagined.

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[patoz]

Yep, it sounds like a power steering problem to me too. Was the leaking fluid power steering fluid?

If I ever get started on my project, I'm going to change the outlets to these new ones with built in USB ports.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGF00TO?psc=1

There are different styles, but this model disconnects power to the USB power supply when the cord is unplugged, saving draw on the inverter, if you're using that. I'm going to add some 12VDC outlets like these also.

http://www.amazon.com/Marine-Grade-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket/dp/B0002KRC5Y

Good luck with your mechanical problem tomorrow!

 

[cjken]

I put two of the bottom cig lighter sockets in mine. They also have a USB socket just like that. I was going to do one of each but the USB version was on back order.

Alex. I am disappointed in my exhaust fan also. It is loud and ineffective. May remove and replace with an rv roof fan.

The box can get warm.
My rear ac is good for driving and my window unit works ok when plugged in, but I don't have a solution yet for parked not plugged in.
I took the extreme of leaving the rear doors open a few nights. I plan to make a screen so I can open a door at night but keep the bugs out.
Also may look into replacing the rear windows with sliders that have screens. My black mini mod has a side door window that has a pretty large screen. It appears to be fit to the same size opening as the solid rear windows on my white box. I may try to source some of those.

Yes I always find it awkward when people move out of the way in front of me. Or real ambulance drivers wave like I am a part of the brotherhood or something.

 

[cjken]

Here is the side window it am talking about.