First off the shout out to this site, the sponsors, and all the contributors. I have been religiously following the 4wd Camper Van forum for almost 9 months now and it is by far the most comprehensive source of information out there. It always amazes me when obscure google inquiries often point me back to this site. Awesome resource, thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge and projects. Now finally after all this free-loading I am overdue to give back.
Here is the starting point. 2003 E-350 7.3 with under 15K mi. Not a typo less than fifteen thousand miles. The lot in Indiana had two initially picked up from an Air Force Base in Ohio both with the same number of miles. Being from Ohio, there is a little rust but easily overlooked given the engine and miles. Being from CA I rolled the dice and jumped on it sight unseen.
Since the van was in Indiana and I was planning on a SMB poptop the lot owner was happy to deliver the van to SMB Indiana as it was an hour away. SMB did a motorized top prewired for solar, driver side window, and they added stock ford windows in the side barn doors.
The conversion to 4wd took very little deliberation to decide on UJoint after all the input from this site and the SMB Forum, even with some concerns over the distance from the installing shop. I unfortunately do not possess the knowledge or equipment to tackle this mod in by driveway so I was more than happy to have the van shipped to NC for the full treatment. For all those out there who have not had the opportunity to work with Chris, he deserves every bit of credit he is receiving. Incredible knowledge, customer service, and mechanical skill all coming together in a very savy business model. This entire deal was done over 4 phone calls, and a bunch to text messages. Thanks Chris and team, all the best!
It is the 6" lift package with a sterling rear modification. Extras include the OBA system, amp power steps, overload airbags, front hitch, spare tire cassier, rear skid, tuner, gauges. This van rec'd the first underfloor storage, and ujor fuel tank. Kudos for the continual development of the product line. Finding a tire ratio on the narrower side for snow travels led me to the new Toyo ATII and a 18" wheel. I compromised on the wheel diameter to get a 35" inch tire in a width closer to 11".
Finally at home in the driveway. Kind of scary investing this much into a vehicle before ever laying eyes on it.
Spent the spring getting the alarm - encore / stereo / nav system - JVC, diamond eye exhaust, quiet ride solutions insulation kit, and passenger seat swivel base installed. Throw in a couple of cool trips to test things out and here it is summer.
Vision for interior - transformer set up to haul bikes, camp, leave room on the floor for that pesky occasional sheet of plywood, and galley
Up next:
MG Metalworks Transformer Seat - Described as a mash up of a futon and a Murphy bed. Michael with MG has done an amazing job taking a concept and making it real
King Starboard (HDPE) Cabinets and interior panels
Toyota Sienna seat for driver and passenger
House electrical system
Engel drop in fridge
Webasto dual top going on the rear skid
Roof Rack
King Starboard anti slip floor - sub floor and finished floor in a single solution
Mac's verstrack everywhere
I will do my best to get the updates out there doing my part to make this such a great forum!
Here is the starting point. 2003 E-350 7.3 with under 15K mi. Not a typo less than fifteen thousand miles. The lot in Indiana had two initially picked up from an Air Force Base in Ohio both with the same number of miles. Being from Ohio, there is a little rust but easily overlooked given the engine and miles. Being from CA I rolled the dice and jumped on it sight unseen.
Since the van was in Indiana and I was planning on a SMB poptop the lot owner was happy to deliver the van to SMB Indiana as it was an hour away. SMB did a motorized top prewired for solar, driver side window, and they added stock ford windows in the side barn doors.
The conversion to 4wd took very little deliberation to decide on UJoint after all the input from this site and the SMB Forum, even with some concerns over the distance from the installing shop. I unfortunately do not possess the knowledge or equipment to tackle this mod in by driveway so I was more than happy to have the van shipped to NC for the full treatment. For all those out there who have not had the opportunity to work with Chris, he deserves every bit of credit he is receiving. Incredible knowledge, customer service, and mechanical skill all coming together in a very savy business model. This entire deal was done over 4 phone calls, and a bunch to text messages. Thanks Chris and team, all the best!
It is the 6" lift package with a sterling rear modification. Extras include the OBA system, amp power steps, overload airbags, front hitch, spare tire cassier, rear skid, tuner, gauges. This van rec'd the first underfloor storage, and ujor fuel tank. Kudos for the continual development of the product line. Finding a tire ratio on the narrower side for snow travels led me to the new Toyo ATII and a 18" wheel. I compromised on the wheel diameter to get a 35" inch tire in a width closer to 11".
Finally at home in the driveway. Kind of scary investing this much into a vehicle before ever laying eyes on it.
Spent the spring getting the alarm - encore / stereo / nav system - JVC, diamond eye exhaust, quiet ride solutions insulation kit, and passenger seat swivel base installed. Throw in a couple of cool trips to test things out and here it is summer.
Vision for interior - transformer set up to haul bikes, camp, leave room on the floor for that pesky occasional sheet of plywood, and galley
Up next:
MG Metalworks Transformer Seat - Described as a mash up of a futon and a Murphy bed. Michael with MG has done an amazing job taking a concept and making it real
King Starboard (HDPE) Cabinets and interior panels
Toyota Sienna seat for driver and passenger
House electrical system
Engel drop in fridge
Webasto dual top going on the rear skid
Roof Rack
King Starboard anti slip floor - sub floor and finished floor in a single solution
Mac's verstrack everywhere
I will do my best to get the updates out there doing my part to make this such a great forum!
