Help me plan my van build

[nely]

I think when I was looking at running 37s 4.30 was a good ratio

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[ujoint]

With the 7.3 & 35's, I like 4.10 for the best overall performance. 4.30's would be nice for the 37's. But..... verify the rear axle first & make sure you can get 4.30's for it. (not sure if you're planning a Sterling swap as well)

 

[dsw4x4]

I run 4:10s on 35s with a 7.3 I feel the are not low enough for my taste. I will be running 37s soon and I am going to go to 4:88s. I would trade up if it was me 3.73 with any thing bigger than a 35 and it will feel pouchy driving it, unless you are going for mpg's and not towing in the mountains.

 

[sixstringsteve]

thanks for the input everyone. We'll see which van I get, and which gear ratio the rear end has.

I won't be towing much, so I'd rather have the highway mpg. I'll probably be fine with either ratio.

I'm hoping to find a van like blue traveler, with a 7.3L, 102k and 4.10s in the rear for a song (not likely, that deal was one in a million). I've had a few bites on my tacoma, so hopefully this van thing happens sooner than later. Thanks for the encouragement everyone, I'm excited to get started.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Quick question for Chris (I guess I could just email you, but it seems others are benefiting from this thread)

Is it possible to run crossover steering with a 4" lift? I'd love to push my axle forward one more inch to stuff my 37s in there. If it's more hassle than it's worth, I won't, but I look forward to maximum tire size on min lift.

 

[ujoint]

Don't think it will clear the frame. Maybe on a kingpin 60 with a flat arm..... but not with the available crossover knuckles for the 99-04 axle.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Cool. That answers that. Thanks Chris.

 

[nely]

Well I scored some rims for my superduty axle tonight. 17x9. I had bought some 37 13.5 17 tires when I was wanting the 8inch lift and still have them. When I swap my front axle in (hopefully later this month) ill post a pick with a 6 inch lift and 37s so you can get an idea of what your lookin at and how much trimming will be needed.

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[sixstringsteve]

that would be very helpfull nelly, thanks!

 

[sixstringsteve]

hm... plans have changed. Not going with a van right now. The insurance isn't giving us as much as we thought, so van build isn't in the stars for us right now.

That being said, I've got a GREAT D60 front in Utah if anyone close by wants it for $400.

 

[nely]

hm... plans have changed. Not going with a van right now. The insurance isn't giving us as much as we thought, so van build isn't in the stars for us right now.

Awwww man. Sorry to hear

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[dsw4x4]

What vehicle and year is your 60 front out of? I may be interested in it.
Derek

 

[loren85022]

I believe the "ejecting spark plug syndrome" was fixed at the factory around 2001, give or take. The later years have twice the threads and no problems. The biggest things as far as I can see on those is to use Motorcraft plugs, NOT use a thread lube and to Torque them to spec.

I really like my 5.4L. It does just fine on any hill in B.C., 6- 13% for 15 miles, pulling a 3,000# trailer @ 60MPH.
I would have bought a V10 if I could have found one that didn't have 400,000 miles and a thrashed interior. Clean low milage 5.4's are easy to find and therefore cheaper.

1Sweet, I'm in the same boat (er . . . uh van). Looked and looked and couldnt find v10 or diesel. Scored my 5.4l from Hawaii. I have a 3000# trailer on order and have been sweating she wont get me through the mountains. What type of MPG's are you getting with and w/o trailer? What gears? The van needed new tires so I replaced the 31" 265-70-17's even though I wanted some 33's because I was concerned I'd lack uphill torque.

 

[RocKrawler]

hm... plans have changed. Not going with a van right now. The insurance isn't giving us as much as we thought, so van build isn't in the stars for us right now.

That being said, I've got a GREAT D60 front in Utah if anyone close by wants it for $400.

Planning any trips to Vegas soon? If so I can meet you & buy it for my van!

 

[1sweetvan]

1Sweet, I'm in the same boat (er . . . uh van). Looked and looked and couldnt find v10 or diesel. Scored my 5.4l from Hawaii. I have a 3000# trailer on order and have been sweating she wont get me through the mountains. What type of MPG's are you getting with and w/o trailer? What gears? The van needed new tires so I replaced the 31" 265-70-17's even though I wanted some 33's because I was concerned I'd lack uphill torque.

Combined MPG is 12, about 80% city. Hwy is 16 and towing the pop up is 13, grossing out at 10,500#.

2WD, 3.73, 265/75 16.

Towing power is subjective. I drove the same F150 with a 300/6 for 22 years and never felt a need for more power. Some guys need to drag 10k up a hill doing 70. Neither the 300/6 or the 5.4 will do it at 70 but they will do it all day long with the right gearing.. I think 4.56 & 33's would be a great combo but MPG would suffer over 60 MPH.