My Cummins/Allison 1000 Freightliner MT45 Step Van Build

[rebar]

Yeah.. This is interesting.. Any updates?

 

[4671 Hybrid]

Yup, any updates?

 

[John906]

Sorry everyone for such along hiatus!!! The good new is the drivetrain conversion is just about done!!!! The driveshafts and transfer case controls are now being installed, and a road test should happen in a week!!! We kept the Freightliner steering box, but added a 90 deg bellcrank to adapt to the Ford Dana 60 steering linkage. Once we take the road test, I'll post a link to the video!!!

Have lots of great ideas to finish the project into really cool class a extreme motorhome!!!

Thanks again for your continued interest!!

 

[b dkw1]

Awesome! Good to see you making progress.

 

[BBD]

Keep up the good work - looking forward to following your progress!

This may be a question that's too early - but, once you get into the motorhome part of the build - did you have any great ideas to reduce engine noise in the box? They're a bit loud for touring.

 

[Roverchef]

Great to see progress no matter the pace. Keep it up. Have you looked @ wartimefinds.com for tire/wheel stuff? They are great guys and might be able to steer you in the right direction if they can't help.

 

[sideburnie]

Anything new in step van conversion land?

 

[Meatwa9on]

How did you make out?

 

[John906]

We just had our first test run in the sand, passed with flying colors.

Max-Bilt of Eau Claire Wisconsin has taken over the build. The final steering system includes a high steer conversion with a redneck ram assist kit added; very smooth! Progress is now at full speed.

You can follow the progress of the project on Max Bilt's social media platforms including: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and their website. They have posted some really cool video, and more on the way.

 

[DzlToy]

https://www.youtube.com/c/ariesautomotive

Are there any videos up now covering the step van build? If so, they do not appear on this page.

 

[BBD]

Looking good with the big wheels - looking forward to the updates.
These videos are what I could find.

walk-around starting at 13min.

And here

 

[John906]

First Test Drive Here's the link to my YouTube Video showing what this rig can do!

Now for the fun part, fitting out the living systems.

 

[BBD]

Great progress on the youtube page. I'm sure it'll be more quiet as you finish the interior, but how much of a difference has all that dynamat made so far? My mt45 with the same engine and no sound damping is super loud inside.