scotter
Observer
Well that is what the kids are calling it. I am now moving forward and past the planning stage so I thought I'd start a thread on my build. The van is an 84 B300 wagon with a 360 and 727 transmission. It's nothing special and previously belonged to a State University. The only rust is some surface rust in the floor from water getting trapped under the original rubber flooring.
The plan is to do a 4x4 conversion utilizing some of the parts from my last 4x4 van (97 GMC Savanna). I will be removing the auto and installing two manual transmissions and a transfer case. I know there are cleaner ways to gear down but I spent a lot of time and money making this setup work in my last van and learned some expensive lessons. Because I still have everything it makes economical sense to use it in this build. I'll share the details in a future post. My drive train will consist of 360/np235/sm435/np205.
I have acquired a set of Hummer take off wheels and tires (37x12.5) and a wider Dana 60 than the stock one found under the rear of the van. I would like to upgrade it to a 70 or 80 at some point. Up front I have a GM 10 bolt with early Dana 44 spindles and 8 lug hubs. I know the 10 bolt is less than adequate and it will be the first thing that gets changed, I am using it for now because it was free… as far as free goes. I did have to replace all the bearings and seals and even one of the hubs due to a spun bearing race. I also picked up a pair of used Warn lockout hubs to replace the drive flanges.
The van will have a full size queen bed in back with storage underneath, onboard air and water, roof rack with lights, Rtt’s etc. I also have 2 PTO winches I plan to convert to hydraulic drive for both front and rear. I will have one spare mounted on back and second spare for extended trips (still considering options for packing the second one when warranted).
I am putting this van together on a shoestring budget. Once I get it up and running I will work on upgrades like nicer lights, axles, interior seating, and electronics. The goal is to put together a fairly capable trail Van for a large family as well as a project for me and the kids to work on together.
The plan is to do a 4x4 conversion utilizing some of the parts from my last 4x4 van (97 GMC Savanna). I will be removing the auto and installing two manual transmissions and a transfer case. I know there are cleaner ways to gear down but I spent a lot of time and money making this setup work in my last van and learned some expensive lessons. Because I still have everything it makes economical sense to use it in this build. I'll share the details in a future post. My drive train will consist of 360/np235/sm435/np205.
I have acquired a set of Hummer take off wheels and tires (37x12.5) and a wider Dana 60 than the stock one found under the rear of the van. I would like to upgrade it to a 70 or 80 at some point. Up front I have a GM 10 bolt with early Dana 44 spindles and 8 lug hubs. I know the 10 bolt is less than adequate and it will be the first thing that gets changed, I am using it for now because it was free… as far as free goes. I did have to replace all the bearings and seals and even one of the hubs due to a spun bearing race. I also picked up a pair of used Warn lockout hubs to replace the drive flanges.
The van will have a full size queen bed in back with storage underneath, onboard air and water, roof rack with lights, Rtt’s etc. I also have 2 PTO winches I plan to convert to hydraulic drive for both front and rear. I will have one spare mounted on back and second spare for extended trips (still considering options for packing the second one when warranted).
I am putting this van together on a shoestring budget. Once I get it up and running I will work on upgrades like nicer lights, axles, interior seating, and electronics. The goal is to put together a fairly capable trail Van for a large family as well as a project for me and the kids to work on together.
