Fred the Van. The More We Explore's Adventure Van Build Thread

[normal_dave]

Trailer was 1,990 lbs dry, I had the factory install the windows and RV door, I'm estimating with the build and gear we're still well under 4K loaded.
Last mod was a removable "closet" designed to hold a window A/C unit during the warm months. (yep, I'm really cheap, err eh frugal, yeah that's the word).
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=49438
BTW, you were warned...those guys have some amazing builds and ideas to borrow, ours was really basic, but I've taken it down some rough roads. You'll appreciate the fact that the biggest surprise is that it is so convenient that I'll even take it for day trips. So easy to load/unload the kayaks, (no more van-top climbing and endless strapping), we also get a nice change room for wet paddle gear, and secure storage for the supplies on the trip home and the inevitable restaurant stop.

 

[seanpistol]

I was pleased to find out when on the phone with goodyear that 315/75r16 Duratracs, load range E, have 3-ply sidewalls! Those are my favorite tire, but I was concerned about the 2 ply sidewall when I had 285s. Obviously if you go to 37s, that would be an irrelevant option.

 

[sixstringsteve]

^ are you 100% certain? I've heard some people say that, and others say they weren't. If the load range E truly did have a 3 ply sidewall, I'd add them to the list.

 

[sixstringsteve]

using the grim jeeper gear calculator:

with 35s
3.73 - 70 mph will be 1780 RPM
4.10 - 70 mph will be 1956 RPM


with 37s
3.73 - 70 mph will be 1683 RPM
4.10 - 70 mph will be 1850 RPM
4.30 - 70 mph will be 1941 RPM

 

[sixstringsteve]

I'd love to hear some more feedback on gearing with 35s and a the 7.3L. It sounds like 4.10s should put it pretty close to stock. Anyone running 3.73s with 35s on a van?

 

[seanpistol]

^ are you 100% certain? I've heard some people say that, and others say they weren't. If the load range E truly did have a 3 ply sidewall, I'd add them to the list.

According to Goodyear, only the 315 load range E has the 3 ply sidewall. The 285 load range E has 2 a ply sidewall.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I found two 2005 sterling rear axles. Both have 4.10s. One has a posi and one doesn't. Which one would you get? the one with the posi has 62k on it. Are the stock posis any good, or should I just get the one with the open diff? Same price for both.

 

[silvrzuki77]

Same price might as well get the posi. Put a locker in it later down the road.

 

[ujoint]

Yea, get the posi.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Cool. My ujoint parts showed up. I'm getting pretty excited. I'm going to wait till the springs get here before I tear the van apart.

 

[IdaSHO]

I know you wont want 3:55s and 35's

Ive got 3:55s in my F350 and it is right on the edge of being too tall a gear.

It is fantastic for long hauls on the flats, and I getting 15-18MPG with the camper loaded, and 18-20 empty.

but once I hit long steady grades the ting wants to hunt between 3rd and 4th gear.


No way I would EVER run these gears with 35's 3:73s might be perfect for you.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I decided on 4.10s. I found an 05 sterling 10.5 witg 4.10s, which saves me money from having to regear. I think with 35s it'll be good. 37s should be ok too.

Paging chris. I have some friends trying to convince me that I'll hate 37s on this. You've got vans witg 38s and 35s. Is there a big difference driving them on the road? Are 38s much less road friendly than 35s on a van?

 

[tgreening]

I decided on 4.10s. I found an 05 steling 10.5 witg 4.10s, which saves me money from having to regear. I think with 35s it'll be good. 37s should be ok too.

Paging chris. I have some friends trying to convince me that I'll hate 37s on this. You've got vans witg 38s and 35s. Is there a big difference driving them on the road? Are 38s much less road friendly than 35s on a van?

I'm running 37's and other than a bit of howl they're just fine on the road. I don't have any spring rubbing either like someone else mentioned. Not sure why the different results.

 

[boardrider247]

Let us know how you like them.

So far after 1000 miles I would say they are a 50% improvement. Very close to stock halogens in domestic vehicles but far from hid output levels.

 

[Pinnacle Campers]

With 37's you are probably going to need a 8-10" drop hitch to pull a trailer, not ideal for stability.
Additionally I don't think you could use any type of weight dist. hitch.
Just something to think about.