My new F-450 Build

[War_Wagon]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am new to the portal and am looking for input/advice for my new build. First, let me start with a little background of myself.

I am 22 years old, a college graduate, a gear head, and an outdoorsman. I went to school like they told me to, got a good job like they told me to, and in return....I have lost my freedom. I could go on and on about this, but the bottom line is a good steady income, a huge house in the suburbs, a mortgage, bills, 2.5 kids, a wife, and a dog are NOT for me. I will not bow down to this system and I believe a 4x4 camper will give me the freedom I seek. I believe we live on a beautiful planet and I intend to see it before I get old.

I grew up in small town Texas and I believe I can work on anything from cars, trucks, boats, houses, dirtbikes, etc. I believe my skill set has placed me in a great position to build, live in, and maintain an offroad machine. I have assumed a cash only lifestyle in order to become and stay debt free. I will NOT take out a loan for this project. I would love to buy an earthroamer, but I don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars laying around. So I have made the decision to build one. I have set a budget of $30,000 for this build, and will not have time to work on it full time until I have an appropriate amount of money saved up, can quit my job, and focus on this full time until the task is complete. Afterwards, I want to leave Texas, take it to the grand canyon, yellowstone, yosemite, colorado, the tetons, the redwood forrest, oregon, washington, canada and all the way to Alaska. Below is a plan of my build.

I purchased a 2000 Ford F-450, 7.3 diesel, 4 door, long bed, crew cab, dually, 6 speed, 4x4/manual transfer case, with 208,000 miles for $4,300! Sure it needs some TLC, but nothing I can't handle. I know diesel engines but have a lot to learn, especially on the complicated powerstroke platform. I have zero intention of ever bringing this truck to a shop and whenever it is complete, I intend to be a powerstroke expert incase I run into trouble on the trail. Attached is a photo of the truck.





I intend to sell the current flatbed off the truck and start from scratch.

Below is a list of things I plan to add/do to the truck:

-Dual alternator system
-Tuner
-4" Exhaust
-Rebuild the turbo,
-Swap the work interior for a loaded out truck, adding power doors and windows/captain chairs, leather etc (probably find a doner truck)
-Build a camper similar to the Earthroamer's dimensions out of aluminum square tubing and sheet metal w/cab access
-I plan to find an RV that is being parted out an taking the water tanks, inverters, awning generator, Fridge, water heater, pumps, windows, vent fans, and possibly the door, etc
-Swap the 2000 work front end with a 6.0 grill as well as adding a 12k pound warn winch
-I would love to but it on kelderman air bags, but with the price, I am leaning more toward a 4-6" suspension lift on 38" to 40" military beadlock rims and convert it to a Super Single. It is currently a 4 wheel leaf spring suspension, is it worth converting to coil in the front?
-Solar panels on the roof and multiple batteries with a bridge disconnect to the truck batteries
-Off-Road lights
-Considering even running it on waste vegetable oil from time to time?
-My father is a master craftsman/cabinet maker and will help me trim out the inside with stained cabinets, closet, pantry, granite, backsplash, sink, cooktop, shower, toilet, table, lighting, and bed. I want the interior to be nice as that will make or break the build.
-indoor and outdoor speakers
-onboard air compressor
-spare tire
-dirt bike rack on the back
-I plan to do all paint and body work myself, painting the truck, mirrors, handles, and camper all the same color (cutting no corners)
-side entry door
-awning
-I need tool storage, exploring under bed options as well as leaving out the backseats and installing tool boxes on each side with pull out drawers, leaving a walkway in the middle to get from cab to camper. (thoughts?)
-I would like the camper well insulated an I am considering spray in or foam board insulation, What should I trim out the interior walls with? I want something sleek and modern.


I want something that is somewhat offroad-able, streetable, reliable, and able to be completely self sustained for a decent period of time. More importantly I want something I am proud of. I have several friends/family who are diesel addicts and mechanics and are willing to help me with this build, proving me access to multiple shops and lifts. I have already been told I am crazy by several people, and a few more won't hurt. I want truthful and honest feedback from the portal that I will take as constructive criticism, not negativity. Any advice, tips and warnings will be taken seriously so comments are welcome. One build I like is a guy by the name of Bob Lynch. I will get the truck mechanically sound over the next 8 months to a year before I will be able to leave my job and focus on this full time. I believe I can do this in 3-4 months time working all day everyday on it and I am hoping to keep in under $30,000, meaning I have $25,700 left to spend. I will burn up another $1000 fixing U-joints, ball joints, AC compressor, and a water pump. Everything else I intend to find used on craigslist/the internet. Obviously buying somethings new. What do you guys think!?

 

[GmTech14]

cool to see another person my age here, i can really relate to the shock of transitioning from being a kid to "adulthood".

all i could say is build the foundation before the house, in other words get it mechanically 100% reliable and up to par before going for the extras.

it looks like it is pretty well planned out though, sweet truck (even if its a ford)

 

[War_Wagon]

cool to see another person my age here, i can really relate to the shock of transitioning from being a kid to "adulthood".

all i could say is build the foundation before the house, in other words get it mechanically 100% reliable and up to par before going for the extras.

it looks like it is pretty well planned out though, sweet truck (even if its a ford)

Thanks for the input GMTech14!

I plan to go through the injectors, o'rings, gaskets etc and get the truck 100% mechanically sound. I have even sent off the engine oil to blackstone labs for testing so they can tell me what I'm working with (I don't have much history on the rig)

If it makes you feel any better my daily driver is a 2004 Tahoe Z71 that I take off-roading/camping every chance I get!

 

[pappawheely]

Sounds like a good plan and good advice from GMTech14. The only fault I could find is make sure your back door opens wide enough for slide out drawers. Your truck might be different, I tried it on my obs and nothing worthwhile would clear without hitting the door.

 

[tgreening]

Two things you might reconsider. One is flatbed. The basic structure might make a sound platform to build off of. Might. You're there, so you'll know. Just tossing out the idea.

Two. A dog. Nothing like a good mutt for a traveling buddy and a furry head to scratch when settling down for the night. If there's any doubt about dog being mans best friend, try this experiment. Take your dog and your wife/girlfriend/significant whatever, and lock them in the truck of your car. When you open it up 4 hours later which one is happy to see you?

A solid truck, a good dog, and a microwave. Life mastered....

 

[adam88]

I want something that is somewhat offroad-able, streetable, reliable, and able to be completely self sustained for a decent period of time. More importantly I want something I am proud of. I have several friends/family who are diesel addicts and mechanics and are willing to help me with this build, proving me access to multiple shops and lifts. I have already been told I am crazy by several people, and a few more won't hurt. I want truthful and honest feedback from the portal that I will take as constructive criticism, not negativity. Any advice, tips and warnings will be taken seriously so comments are welcome. One build I like is a guy by the name of Bob Lynch. I will get the truck mechanically sound over the next 8 months to a year before I will be able to leave my job and focus on this full time. I believe I can do this in 3-4 months time working all day everyday on it and I am hoping to keep in under $30,000, meaning I have $25,700 left to spend. I will burn up another $1000 fixing U-joints, ball joints, AC compressor, and a water pump. Everything else I intend to find used on craigslist/the internet. Obviously buying somethings new. What do you guys think!?

First off, wow Second off, Wowzers

I am simply going to say this... I am not sure I've ever seen such a lofty build proposed here on expeditionportal (and we've seen some crazy things).

Uhm... where do I start. OK, let's start with "Bob Lynch" because I believe what you've described is exactly what Bob Lynch did. More or less, you want an F450 with big 40" tires, a good strong running engine, a nice paint job, good flatbed, and a big old camper modified for the flatbed.

I can tell you one reason right off the bat why this won't work... because even if, in some far away land, it was possible to do this for $30,000, it would require an incredible amount of help from family members... free labour... free use of their equipment... and free parts even. Now, I know you said you have that and here is where my experience plays in because I have been in the exact same spot as you and there is one thing I didn't count on. Ready for some good advice?

When. Family. Members. Give. You. Free. Help. They. Do. It. At. Their. Own. Pace. And. You. Can. Never. Criticize. Them. Or. Push. Them. To. Go. Faster. Or. You. Seem. Like. A. Selfish. ***.

Sorry for all the periods. You get the point. So here's the thing... I can almost guarantee you that with a project this size, you are going to have higher expectations of other people helping you than they will. To you, this build will be your life, your top priority. To them, it will be something they come help you with on the weekend. If you get mad at the work they do, or how slow they move, be prepared for them to say "Piss off then, do it yourself you ungrateful mutt" or along those lines. Heck, it's hard enough to get people you are PAYING to finish something on time.

Case and point... and to sum up what I am saying... there is no way in hell you can do this for $30,000 in 3-4 months... or 8 months... or 1 year. You either need to up the budget, OR reduce your timeline. If you stretch this project out to 3 years, I could maybe see it getting done for $30,000, but remember... labour isn't free. Even if it is free technically, it's never free. If your family members are helping you on weekends technically they could be out getting another job earning more money, or working overtime. Same with you. Of course the theory goes that they would rather be helping you because it's fun and you drink beer and things progress slowly. If they show up and you work them hard and it's no fun then again, you will quickly lose that "free help".

But yeah, wow. What a project... I mean, you really are an ambitious person. Will keep checking in on this thread

 

[pappawheely]

When. Family. Members. Give. You. Free. Help. They. Do. It. At. Their. Own. Pace. And. You. Can. Never. Criticize. Them. Or. Push. Them. To. Go. Faster. Or. You. Seem. Like. A. Selfish. ***.

Ah Ha Ha, that's brilliant.

 

[406expo]

Hope to see some progress in whatever comes next on the truck. Always fun to have something you love and can use, regardless of how long it takes.

 

[War_Wagon]

Two things you might reconsider. One is flatbed. The basic structure might make a sound platform to build off of. Might. You're there, so you'll know. Just tossing out the idea.

Two. A dog. Nothing like a good mutt for a traveling buddy and a furry head to scratch when settling down for the night. If there's any doubt about dog being mans best friend, try this experiment. Take your dog and your wife/girlfriend/significant whatever, and lock them in the truck of your car. When you open it up 4 hours later which one is happy to see you?

A solid truck, a good dog, and a microwave. Life mastered....

Thanks for the feedback, I think these are two good suggestions:

I have explored the option of leaving the flatbed and building on that, and havent quite made up my mind. I think the rigidity of the bed will be good for frame flex, but I also think it adds a lot of weight that may not be completely necessary. I would like a fully enclosed camper shell with an insulated floor, and I'm not sure that the flatbed is my best option. However it is still in my mind.

As for the Dog, I fully intend on getting one in a year or so when the time comes. I currently do not have the time to keep one now, but you bet as soon as I do I will!

 

[War_Wagon]

First off, wow Second off, Wowzers

I am simply going to say this... I am not sure I've ever seen such a lofty build proposed here on expeditionportal (and we've seen some crazy things).

Uhm... where do I start. OK, let's start with "Bob Lynch" because I believe what you've described is exactly what Bob Lynch did. More or less, you want an F450 with big 40" tires, a good strong running engine, a nice paint job, good flatbed, and a big old camper modified for the flatbed.

I can tell you one reason right off the bat why this won't work... because even if, in some far away land, it was possible to do this for $30,000, it would require an incredible amount of help from family members... free labour... free use of their equipment... and free parts even. Now, I know you said you have that and here is where my experience plays in because I have been in the exact same spot as you and there is one thing I didn't count on. Ready for some good advice?

When. Family. Members. Give. You. Free. Help. They. Do. It. At. Their. Own. Pace. And. You. Can. Never. Criticize. Them. Or. Push. Them. To. Go. Faster. Or. You. Seem. Like. A. Selfish. ***.

Sorry for all the periods. You get the point. So here's the thing... I can almost guarantee you that with a project this size, you are going to have higher expectations of other people helping you than they will. To you, this build will be your life, your top priority. To them, it will be something they come help you with on the weekend. If you get mad at the work they do, or how slow they move, be prepared for them to say "Piss off then, do it yourself you ungrateful mutt" or along those lines. Heck, it's hard enough to get people you are PAYING to finish something on time.

Case and point... and to sum up what I am saying... there is no way in hell you can do this for $30,000 in 3-4 months... or 8 months... or 1 year. You either need to up the budget, OR reduce your timeline. If you stretch this project out to 3 years, I could maybe see it getting done for $30,000, but remember... labour isn't free. Even if it is free technically, it's never free. If your family members are helping you on weekends technically they could be out getting another job earning more money, or working overtime. Same with you. Of course the theory goes that they would rather be helping you because it's fun and you drink beer and things progress slowly. If they show up and you work them hard and it's no fun then again, you will quickly lose that "free help".

But yeah, wow. What a project... I mean, you really are an ambitious person. Will keep checking in on this thread

Great feedback and your advice is not to be taken lightly. I don't believe the time factor is my concern, if it takes 6 months, then I will work on it for 6. I definitely see the cost issue being a stumbling block, but I am off to a good start with the price I paid for the truck. I have a whole year to collect parts out salvage yards, craigslist, amazon etc. I have gotten good and snagging deals. I am currently working on a spreadsheet that will pin my cost down a little better. I would rather have 50k to spend, but I really believe I can make it fit in 30. As for help from friends and family, I think this is good advice. I realize that I will not be able to depend on them to be as dedicated as this to I am, but that is ok. When it comes down to it, I can weld, do electrical work, body work, plumbing, engine work, install floors, tile, etc. I will need their help doing the heavy lifting, such as putting the built camper on the truck, and installing the lift. Trimming out the inside with floors, cabinets, doors etc should take no longer than week (without the installation of appliance, which I can do) and my dad owns a full blown cabinet shop in which I am confident he will have built in a short amount of time. I currently work in construction and I forsee this part being the easiest as we have built many deer camps with the same amenities. I have an uncle that I am close with who owns and operates a mechanic shop that is around the corner from where I will be working on this build. I only intend to seek his help whenever I need his lift (for installing the lift, and any other drivetrain work) and whenever I reach a hurdle in the build that his experience can help get me past. My point is, I am the one who intends to do 80% of the work, and I believe I can do this with or without the help of others, they will just make the process much smoother. I feel as though I could complete this project after work hours in a years time. So without a job, personally working on it 60 hours a week, for 4 months is 1,000 labor hours(plus whatever hours my friend pitch in) That is a lot of time and energy and If I am not complete by then, I don't believe i will be far. For now, the project will sit for up to a year before I dive into it, and in the meantime I will get the truck where it needs to be. I'll keep y'all posted to see if the impossible is possible. I understand I am young, ambitious, and shooting from the hip, but I might just pull it off!

Thanks

 

[Jtai]

I'm super new to this world and my build was only building a rack for my truck and mounting RTT.

So please understand I have no clue on what I'm talking about.

With that being said sometimes I found myself getting caught up on how to outfit my truck or what cool gadget to buy that I missed out on just going out and exploring and having fun. I hope you don't get to caught up in a build ( money and time wise ) that you miss out on just having fun.

Best of luck to you !

 

[mtm_motors]

Looking forward to this one! I've had ideas for building my own Roamer as well. You got a smoking deal on that 7.3 4x4 manual, they aren't exactly a dime a dozen!

 

[War_Wagon]

Looking forward to this one! I've had ideas for building my own Roamer as well. You got a smoking deal on that 7.3 4x4 manual, they aren't exactly a dime a dozen!

I shopped for about 3 months for this one. The trick is to use the craigslist mobile app, not the website. On the app, it allows you to search more that one craigslist at a time. I live here in texas, and I searched every single craigslist in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. I had a friend who was helping me and we were both searching all of these craigslist (searching every possible option) every single day. Finally, I got lucky enough that my buddy found this one a few hours away in houston and I purchased it within hours of it being posted, deals do not last! This took place after we missed out on a few other similar deals

 

[dumprat]

Good on ya! All the guys who say you can't do something are merely saying they can't. Probably because they won't get off the couch.

 

[gmacmt]

I'm not much older than you (27), working on a very similar plan on a 2001 f350 platform. I am married and its pretty rad.

If you think you will make a scratch build self sufficient rig in 3 months for 30k including the price to get the 450 up to snuff, thats a big push. I think I was in the same overly ambitious boat about 6 months ago in the initial concept stages.

If you are planning on modifying an existing platform, like an alaskan or a uhaul box or something, you might have a shot at it in three months. But for a nice scratch built tube frame chassis with sheet metal skin, expect maybe 6 months and 20k plus for the camper build alone, no ford parts involved. It took me a month to build my three point mount and start to get aluminum on the truck.

Things I would consider.

• Pick one project. If you are going to build a camper, dont worry about your truck interior. Do that second.
• 37" BFG Baja TA's on 16.5" HMMWV wheels are about your only option for big military beadlocks given your budget. They are cheap and they work.
• Don't forget the cost to paint or finish whatever you make.
• Galvanic corrosion. If you dont know about it, look it up.
• 3 point mount. Your frame is gonna flex a bunch, if you are using aluminum (brittle) you might experience major stresses.
• Old RV stuff will work, but you will be amazed at how poorly its made.. if you are building a nice rig, you wont want to finish it with stapled particle board.

Regardless, its a fun project. Let me know if you have any questions I can help with.