many Q: 1991 E350 conversion to 4x4 (for dummies)?

[PVM]

Hello,
My name is Mikalojus (english speaking usually call me Mike) from Lithuania (Central Europe).
I just bought 1991 E-350 7,3 IDI ambulance (not a wide box, but usual Econoline, with some welded extension into lenght, and high top).
Its not many such cars in Lithuania, so many things are new about it for me.
I have seen here a Chevy van converted into 4x4, and I found many E-series conversions in www.
I started searching www to learn a bit about it. And got some information, but I think more questions appeared.
So I try to write them, and maybe someone will help me to answer.
1. Transmission in my car its with O/d off switch so I think it should be 4EOD? Or could be some other to 7,3IDI attached?
2. Transfer box - as I understand , I can easily install transfer from 4x4 fords (like F series) without modifications. But from what exact models? Its a big problem with F series and Excursion parts, most popular from american 4x4 Fords are Explorers, some Expeditions are also parted out. And what about other manufacturers transfers - for example there are some old army Chevy Blazers K5 parted out, many Grand Cherokees. Is there any possibility to easy install not Fords transfers?
3. Vehicle Speed sensor. Is it true, that sensor on rear axle gives information for 4EOD transmission for shift points? So I cannot replace rear axle with other model axle because transmission will not shift? Or could I somehow install sensor into other axle (for example Dana 60 from Chevy K5)? Or there are some axles, what uses same sensor as Ford?
4. Differential location on front axle. Fords are on another side than Chevys and Dodge? So if I use Fords transfer, I must use only Fords front axle?
5. Is it any possibility of using chevy DANA 60 front axle on this conversion?
6. How to find out what gear ratio is in my rear axle? Is it possible to change gears from Chevy DANA into FORD DANA and opposite?

Thank you very much

 

[bdog1]

I'll try a couple:
Ford axle is best. Because of engine offset in van.

Transmission needs to be modified to accept transfer case. (Output shaft and tail housing.) Fuel tank must be modified for transfer case clearance.

Speed pick-up for E40D is in rear axle.

I'm sure others will chime in with more details. Good luck with your new project.


Sent by wing, prayer & ATT

 

[Shocker]

Hey Mike. I will also try and add some info if I can:

1 - E40D would be correct. Like bdog said, you need to swap out the tail or replace with 4x4 E4OD.
2 - I think the best choice would be the Borg Warner 1356. Others will say they are crap, but they are decent. There is stuff to upgrade it
4 - Need a driver side drop. Ford van engines are offset to passenger side. You could use a Dana 44 but that is a little on the light side for a diesel. 77-79 Ford trucks.
5 - Probably the preferred axle for the diesel. 78-79 F250. 1980 and up F350. Kinda pricey.
6 - There should be a stamping on housing that is the bill of materials. You can look it up and it will tell you what axle it is.

 

[ujoint]

For this chassis, the 86-97 Ford Dana 60 will be best. The 77-79's spring pad width is too narrow @ 32.5". The 86-97 is 36.5, fits under the frame better. 86-91 will have kingpin knuckles, easier to add crossover steering. The 1356 will be a good choice since it will take the same transmission output sensor as your 2wd transmission. Try to get one from a full size Bronco, they have yokes front & rear. No slip yoke.

 

[PVM]

"The 1356 will be a good choice since it will take the same transmission output sensor as your 2wd transmission"
Sorry I did not understood this - transmission has no speed sensor - its on the axle? or am I wrong?
I foud a 2.9L bronco parting out. Would it have some usefull parts, or everything on it is weak - axles, transfer?

 

[bdog1]

Nothing useable on a Bronco II


Sent by wing, prayer & ATT

 

[Shocker]

Ujoint is the MAN on this kind of stuff. But, as you are in Lithuania, D60's might be harder to come by. Beggars can't be choosers.

You can always move the perches. WOOT! Welding!

 

[PVM]

I found interesting info, that people are doing tubes conversion on axles. Preses out long and short tubes of axle and changes them. so Chevy K5 DANA 60 can be adopted. I found my axle rear axle code is C2 which means 4,10 LSD. Now question is if 4.1 ratio can be found on chevys, Or can I install chevy gear in my rear axle - to have the same gears fron/rear.
Still confused about transfer box. From what models it can be adopted? Maybe from Explorer or Bronco?

 

[bdog1]

Blazer with D60? Only military I imagine. 4.10 /4.09 is super common gear but probably not in a blazer, there usually 3.50.


Sent by wing, prayer & ATT

 

[bdog1]

Oh yea. GM usually uses their 14 bolt corporate in the rear, not Dana. I believe all rear D60 use the same gear. The carrier may only accept two or three ratios, or may require replacement carrier or shim installed past that.
Some time back I ran into this re-gearing a 3.05 front D60 to 3.55, it requires a 3/8" spacer behind the ring gear.
I'm running a 1375 chain case from the same year F350 it's not my fav. but no issues plus low 2.71 ratio. I'm old school 205 gear to gear, but that's 1.96 low range. Or a lottery ticket Atlas would be nice!


Sent by wing, prayer & ATT

 

[PVM]

I think most popular big USA axles here are army Army Blazers k5. Army has some of them but because of age and fuel consumption sometimes sell them.