Help me plan my van build

[RocKrawler]

Not impossible..... but not easy up front. The ABS module is all that scares me, re routing those lines doesn't sound fun.

Where exactly is that located, and is it consistent between the model years and engiine options? In other words would it be the same for the older 7.3's as the newer 6.0's? Are the lines you are referring to hard hydraulic lines?

I'm wondering if a short run of better clearanced fiberglass fenders would be of interest to anyone? And is there any way to have the spring made with an extra inch forward (total of 3" instead of 2") for oversizing the tire with a smaller lift, or would it interfere with the steering?

 

[sixstringsteve]

I plan on a 4" lift, since that's the bare minimum to run 4wd anyway, so I think I'd have enough uptravel.

I appreciate the feedback/opinions, I'm learning a lot.

 

[ujoint]

Where exactly is that located, and is it consistent between the model years and engiine options? In other words would it be the same for the older 7.3's as the newer 6.0's? Are the lines you are referring to hard hydraulic lines?

I'm wondering if a short run of better clearanced fiberglass fenders would be of interest to anyone? And is there any way to have the spring made with an extra inch forward (total of 3" instead of 2") for oversizing the tire with a smaller lift, or would it interfere with the steering?

You can see the bolts that hold the ABS module almost centered on the inner wheel well. There are lines coming from the MC, and then to the front & rear wheels. Like I said, I haven't done a real investigation on this....

Glassworks already has a nice fiberglass fender. It's a 3" bulge and the rear of the fender is opened up similar to mine.

And yes, a 3" push would make steering bind (unless it has crossover) and also affect the pinion angle.

 

[RocKrawler]

You can see the bolts that hold the ABS module almost centered on the inner wheel well. There are lines coming from the MC, and then to the front & rear wheels. Like I said, I haven't done a real investigation on this....

I'll check into that more at lunch today

Glassworks already has a nice fiberglass fender. It's a 3" bulge and the rear of the fender is opened up similar to mine.

I'll have to give Tim a call, he owes me a favor

And yes, a 3" push would make steering bind (unless it has crossover) and also affect the pinion angle.

Bummer, but good to know

 

[sixstringsteve]

And yes, a 3" push would make steering bind (unless it has crossover) and also affect the pinion angle.

Is there enough room to install crossover steering on a 4" lift?

 

[nely]

My 96 clubwagons ABS module is down on the frame, almost where the electric fuel pump should be on the newer vans. And the coolant reservior is shoved under the drivers fender. So there aee differences between components and years of the vans

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[sixstringsteve]

Ok, since this thread is starting to become "let's ask crazy questions", I've got 2 more.

1) has anybody "bobbed" an EB to be a RB?

2) can the E150's handle expo rig duties? I guess my question is, aside from engine and spring rates, what's different between an e150 and a e250, 350? Any downsides to an E150? They're WAY cheaper in my area (granted, not a diesel.)

 

[nely]

Ive considered bobbing my eb. But I dont know anything about bodywork. And im sure the only difference between 150 250 and 350 is payload capacity brakes and engines. And registration fees if you pay by weight like here in ca.
Also I cant recall seeing a eb 150

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[dsw4x4]

To answer your first question I have not seen one bobbed yet however i am anxiously waiting to do mine I just need to have enough free time and space in the shop to get it done, plus it will involve building a custom bumper to match it.
As for the e150 differences I do not know but I would think that with the inherent strength of the design of a van and putting 1ton drive train under it would hod up just fine.
Derek

 

[nely]

But youll miss out on the 7.3 if you go 150 with tons

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[sixstringsteve]

I guess my main question is whether or not the E150 shares the same frame with the E350. I wonder if it's thinner or weaker at all. I assume the rear axle is smaller/weaker as well.

 

[sixstringsteve]

But youll miss out on the 7.3 if you go 150 with tons

very true, which would be a sad thing. I think a 7.3 is the ideal van for me, but there are some great little E150s in my area for under $2000...

I wonder if I could get by with the gasser for a few years then put in a 12v cummins. That's dream talk though, and it'd cost more than a new SMB.

 

[sixstringsteve]

sounds like I should either find a good 460, or hold out for a 7.3L

 

[nely]

Im pretty sure the frames and body are the same. Axles and leafs will be different.
It wouldnt be cost affective to make 2 or 3 different frames for one series of vans so I doubt ford would do that. When I get a cusyomers 150 I can compare it to my 350

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[nely]

Yes. Hold out for a 7.3 I have the dptuner on mine and love it. Everyone might frown upon my van since its got 403k but ive had it for a year and over 20k miles with nothing but oil changes, and alt and waterpump is what ive done. And I drilled the holes for the ujoint kit lastnight so itll soon be 4x. Would have finished the front hangers if my bit didnt go dull on me

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