djbonsu
Adventurer
Hello Expo,
Like some, I have been roaming these threads for a few years now and loved the various ideas and platforms of the multi-purpose vehicles and expedition vehicles…very inspiring, Thank You Expo. I always wanted to own an RV for family vacations and road trips but some things you can only dream about. Considering I own a cargo van for my business, I wanted to extend the vans usage and be able to travel with the family or friends and go ANYWHERE. Yep, that meant I needed to have 4x4 capability and a nice yet simple interior that was effective for myself and/or the family while out on and off road. Im from Chicago so this vehicle would be the PERFECT to getaway from the city life. Soooo, after saving my pennies for an axle, transfer case, and a UJOR kit, I have finally started my build. The plan is to do the conversion in stages as I hope to be 4x4 by winter of this year or as early as money allows lol. I love this part of the conversion because it allows me to work at my own pace and do it myself while learning alot! I wrench a bit on my own vehicles, usually maintenance items but I have never done anything like this nor of this magnitude....However a few DIY threads on here (Vandiana Jones, Vandetta, The UTE II, Fred the van...etc etc) have giving me the key info and courage to set owt and complete this task. Any advise or tips are more than welcome.
Here is my base vehicle: 2000 E350 7.3 RB.
Quick Story: Found her on craigslist about 3 years ago in Arkansas. Talked to the owner on the phone a few times and he sent some pics and a few days later I drove to STL to meet him, see the van, and purchase if I liked it. It was clean with minimal surface rust on the frame and body. I has an E250 gasser that was stolen (and its v6 motor also drank alot of gas) so this was the replacement...a diesel version. First diesel that i owned but I have some limited experience with them as my father owned a few. She ran good and was solid on the highway but boy was she LOUD :Wow1: However, that diesel clatter was something I would grow to love in the future. My wife, not so much lol.
Anyway, after emailing Chris at UJOR a bunch of times with questions and being torn btwn 4" or 6" lift, I finally placed my order to get the D60 axle under the van with his 6" UJOR kit (Stage 1 of my build). Got the spring hangers in so it was time to drill....drill…drill. Glad I got that out of the way first. Wasn't as bad as I was thinking it would be…..my wrists were pretty sore afterwards.
Here is the front Dana 60 axle when I got it… Came from an '03 f250 and had 4.10 gears. :victory:
Next step was to finish up refreshing my D60. Here are some pics from the disassembly…..
Rotors, calipers and unit bearings out….
Half-shafts and knuckles out…..
And here is how it sat yesterday morning before I started cleaning it up..
Like some, I have been roaming these threads for a few years now and loved the various ideas and platforms of the multi-purpose vehicles and expedition vehicles…very inspiring, Thank You Expo. I always wanted to own an RV for family vacations and road trips but some things you can only dream about. Considering I own a cargo van for my business, I wanted to extend the vans usage and be able to travel with the family or friends and go ANYWHERE. Yep, that meant I needed to have 4x4 capability and a nice yet simple interior that was effective for myself and/or the family while out on and off road. Im from Chicago so this vehicle would be the PERFECT to getaway from the city life. Soooo, after saving my pennies for an axle, transfer case, and a UJOR kit, I have finally started my build. The plan is to do the conversion in stages as I hope to be 4x4 by winter of this year or as early as money allows lol. I love this part of the conversion because it allows me to work at my own pace and do it myself while learning alot! I wrench a bit on my own vehicles, usually maintenance items but I have never done anything like this nor of this magnitude....However a few DIY threads on here (Vandiana Jones, Vandetta, The UTE II, Fred the van...etc etc) have giving me the key info and courage to set owt and complete this task. Any advise or tips are more than welcome.
Here is my base vehicle: 2000 E350 7.3 RB.
Quick Story: Found her on craigslist about 3 years ago in Arkansas. Talked to the owner on the phone a few times and he sent some pics and a few days later I drove to STL to meet him, see the van, and purchase if I liked it. It was clean with minimal surface rust on the frame and body. I has an E250 gasser that was stolen (and its v6 motor also drank alot of gas) so this was the replacement...a diesel version. First diesel that i owned but I have some limited experience with them as my father owned a few. She ran good and was solid on the highway but boy was she LOUD :Wow1: However, that diesel clatter was something I would grow to love in the future. My wife, not so much lol.
Anyway, after emailing Chris at UJOR a bunch of times with questions and being torn btwn 4" or 6" lift, I finally placed my order to get the D60 axle under the van with his 6" UJOR kit (Stage 1 of my build). Got the spring hangers in so it was time to drill....drill…drill. Glad I got that out of the way first. Wasn't as bad as I was thinking it would be…..my wrists were pretty sore afterwards.
Here is the front Dana 60 axle when I got it… Came from an '03 f250 and had 4.10 gears. :victory:
Next step was to finish up refreshing my D60. Here are some pics from the disassembly…..
Rotors, calipers and unit bearings out….
Half-shafts and knuckles out…..
And here is how it sat yesterday morning before I started cleaning it up..
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