Finally My Own 4x4 Van (1985 E150 Chassis)

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

Should I be worried about the oil pressure I'm seeing? Cold start up is nice and high, while it is warming it seems solid as well but once it is fully warmed I seem to only be getting about 9psi in gear at idle. I switched over to a 15w40 to get some higher pressure already.

 

[burleyman]

Idiot lights (oil pressure switch) on your model small block Ford turned on (closed) at about 5 psi from past experience. Low idle pressure from excessive crank bearings wear often caused a noise that disappeared as soon as oil pressure rose. Long ago, I've driven many miles even after the startup rattling began. Looks okay to me. I like having an idiot light and a gauge.

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

Well I mounted up the found AC compressor today. Wasn't an exact match up like I hoped it would be but good enough that I could adapt a couple things to make it work. I need to source a couple more bolts for the idler and a V belt. I'm thinking I'll actually be able to run a second alternator as well if I can get another idler. This week I will end up adapting the rest of the AC stuff so that I can have cool air. After that will be 3G alternator and electric fans to replace the fixed fan.

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

So I did just a couple other TLC items to the van today. Some different wire and fuel line routing. No updated pictures of that yet. Tuned the carb as well, much better responses from it now. After some quick Youtube learning I found out that the Edelbrock 1406 is super simple to get dialed in. Really made a world of difference in how this van performs. Compressor is mounted but not plumbed because I don't have the right AC lines which is disheartening. There is a curious item though. It almost seems like there is a second dipstick tube next to the alternator? Seems to route into the timing cover area. I have no idea what it is supposed to be. Any ideas?

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

Did tons of work on the van right after I got back from my 2,200 mile vacation. Ford 3G alternator, Hella E code light housings, Hella 55/100 bulbs, headlight relays, new wiper switch, new headlight switch, adjusted e brake cable so that the light no longer pops up, added a 60" white/amber light bar on the hood, and cleared out even more wiring. I'll get some pictures of how it looks up soon enough. No pictures of the work while it was occuring, was too focused on getting things done. I think this weekend I'm going to take it out on its first longer duration road trip to a wrecking yard for AC parts. Once the AC is in I'll be ready to use this as a daily driver for real.
Side steps and grab handle are on the menu when I find some at a decent price. My wife hates getting in and out of this thing. It has been more work than I expected with this thing but it really is paying off now

 

[billiebob]

Budget permitting that would have been great. Unfortunately my parents haven't revealed that I'm actually from a wealthy family and can quit working. End goal when I have some 8 lug axles under it I'll likely start with 235/85/16 then bump up to 255/85/16.

It is 35 years old and running, keep it stock, keep it maintained,
It has proven it needs nothing, drive it, enjoy it.

8 lug axles border on retarded.
It is an E150.

ps, it is gorgeous.
Get a step for the wife.

 

[billiebob]

I might do sale hunting for 33x10.50R15 to make it look great

no. no.no....... think performance, not looks great...... on something as big, heavy as an E150, you cannot afford 33s unless you can afford a regear. 31s are fabulous, 33s will kill the performance. stick with the 31s.

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

Well this is the first vehicle I've owned that I've actually gotten around to installing a winch. Harbor Freight lured me in to get the Apex Badlands 12,000. Still debating if I'll exchange it for the 16,000.
Anyway, had to remove the front bumper for now. Used the Harbor Freight step bumper mount and winch cradle for my donor winch holders. Was really hoping I could mount it with screws and drilling but Lady Luck was not on my side. Had to weld much more than I would like with my little 110v welder. Penetration was there but prettiness on the beads was lacking. Grinder and paint will make up for the welder I ain't though. Used a floor jack to position it, did my marks, and then got to it. I'll be redesigning the front bumper so that it can mount up and wrap around the winch area. For now it is up and I can begin to focus on two other critical things. A working gas gauge and AC.