Hopi Ambulance Build

[gringorick]

New suspension rides like a dream! Love it! Now I have to work on my wandering steering box...


I haven't made many updates here on the build. TSo much to do and so little time. Hopefully I will have some time soon. It has come a long way since my last update.

 

[QCAuto]

still the 92-97 dana? whos hangers did you go with? and whats used for steering and upper arm etc, thanks, rig looks awesome

 

[mp_tx]

Looking forward to your updates.

 

[fritz]

What did you have done to the suspension?

 

[gringorick]

So sorry for abandining this build thread for so long... Time was just flying by and I had a date with South America to try to keep... We made it! I actually just got back last week from a 2+year adventure that took my girlfriend, myself and our 3 pooches from San Diego theu Mexico, Central America, and all the way down to Ushuaia at the southernmost tip of South America! Wow, what an awesome road trip it was. This is what the finished Amby looks like, and I will try to complete the build thread as best I can while I wait for Amby to arrive at the port in Houston (shipped her back from Argentina).

 

[cjken]

That is Awesome!!
2 years!!
I was kind of wondering how the ambo turned out!

 

[dar395]

We're signed on and looking forward to the update and trip report!

 

[Bikersmurf]

We'd like to here more about your build.

 

[gringorick]

Right now the old girl is on a RoRo ship somewhere off the coast of Brazil, on her way to Houston, where I will pick her up and drive 'er home in a few more weeks... hopefully. So I cant snap any new pics until then, but I will start adding details of the build that I have pictures of on my computer, that I never posted before we left. The project amounted to a cool 8 months and about $25k of blood, sweat... and much beer!

 

[gringorick]

What did you have done to the suspension?

I took Amby to Advanced 4x4 in Utah where Randy reused the solid Dana front axle, but they cut everything else off and rebuilt the suspension and geometry as they do with their brand new ambulance conversions. Then I added a new steering box. She tracks straight as an arrow, no bumpsteer, plenty of nice, soft travel, an improved turning radius, and is just fun to drive, even thru the crappiest of roads.

 

[NEPolarbear]

Looks great!
What is the awning that you are using?
Pros and cons about the awning?
Thanks,
Richard

 

[Deshet]

Did you ever figure out who did your initial conversion?

Thanks,

 

[Cullitrel]

Say what???? Most people would kill for AC/Heat in the back (read as big aluminum box w/ excellent temp transfer!) And already have it but you want to take it out? What ever your on you need to cut back. I wish I had that in the back of my XJ no less an AMBO. Just my rant tho!

I hear they are pretty inefficient, plus only useful while driving, and take up precious room. I like u our idea if arriving with a cooled box.