My next project, E350 Ambulance???

[Abitibi]

Well, sounds like I'm officially committed to this project!

Funny how I already started collecting desirable parts for an ambulance that I still don't own! The nice thing is I won't be rushed 1/2 way through the project trying to find missing axles with the right gearing. And it gives me time to prep them up, instal a front locker...

Here's what $1000 got me yesterday
Complete 2002 F350 Dana60 matching axles with 4.10:1 gears and Posi (or whatever it's called on Ford's) plus Warn metal hubs.
NV271 T-case
Front and rear driveshafts (I should be able to use the yokes from the rear one and save a few coins)
4 stock 16" rims
And some rust to clean up...








Couple questions;
Is there two type of LS on this vintage of axles? Posi and LS or we are talking about the same thing? Anyway to find out?
Front locker, I'm thinking to go with a E-locker, (Eaton 19760-010) which are reasonable at $780. Any suggestions?

Before I forget, a big thanks to Ujoint for taking the time to walk me into the selection process... Thanks Chris!
Now back on the hunt for that ambulance!

And it will soon need a name...
AmbuLand?
Ambushlance?

Cheers
Mr. D

 

[Abitibi]

Doing it right from the get go... This is what an extra $1400 got me







Now I need to find the time to start building these monsters! And I'm bidding on a local ambulance in the next few days, 180k miles, 5400hrs, and in decent shape. Lets hope for it!

Cheers,
Mr. D

 

[rexWRX]

I'd love to see how you do the WVO conversion. I've done a bit of reading on it, it seems the Vegistroke system is a very easy system to install and use, although it is pricey. I've also not heard of anyone running alternative fuels in an expedition style vehicle.

 

[witt]

This family is using WVO on their trip through the americas... http://www.discovershareinspire.com/resources/sponsors/free-fuel/

 

[Abitibi]

I'll make sure to post detailed info as I go along once I get started I looked at Veggiestroke but I find it very pricey and over complicated. It'd be a great system for someone who's never done it as its fully automated (from what I can tell) but over the years of running veggie in my trucks I've learned to keep it simple for best results.

I've had great success with PlantDrive so I'll most likely stick with them. I might also mix and match components between different systems as needed. This 7.3 engine sounds quite different from what I'm used to so I still need to read a bit more on it but once I get my hands on one I'm sure it will all lineup nicely. The most demanding task is always building and fitting that 2nd tank...

I remember when that family got started on their project, pretty insane (in a good way!) to embark on such a project with the entire family!!! I've seen a few other expo rigs over time that were running on veggie, I guess my Patrol could be one of them although it needs more travel under its belt!

Cheers
Mr. D

 

[ujoint]

Very nice locker selection!

 

[Abitibi]

Thanks Chris,

I hesitated a bit with the rear locker, was tempted to go with Truetrac but made a last minute change and got the Detroit locker instead. As for the front it's funny how some say to stay away from them, calling them an epic failure for the Dana60 but I can't see why so I went ahead anyway, time will tell.

Have you run this combination in any of your builds?

Happy New Year!
Mr. D

 

[cleanline]

Hey David,

I found this site after talking to you about the veggie conversion http://greatgreenambulance.com. A quick tip about bidding on the ambulance, I lost a couple because theres usually a few people who come in right in the last few minutes to get a bid in, keep in mind it takes a few seconds to get a bid in and update it. I'm looking forward to you getting one so I can see the parts that you are using. I ended up turning down the 08 axels, I'm looking at a set of 04 this weekend.

 

[Abitibi]

No luck on that last auction

I guess it got emotional between a few bidders and sold way over what I've seen in the past. It's not easy being patient when excited about a new project but no point rushing in either... Lesson learned!

Nice to see a converted ambulance! Not much info, sounds like they didn't do much on their own but they are on the right track!

Cheers
Mr. D

 

[ujoint]

I ran a Detroit in the back of Vanaconda, went ARB on V4. Up front I personally don't like a full locker, I go with an aggressive limited slip. I have a few options for this, and my favorite is a power lock that is built by a guy I know in CA. It's a bad boy and works great. No fighting it and it pulls great.

 

[Abitibi]

Aggressive LSD front or rear would be nice but as you can see it's getting a bit late for me!





No major drama with the front, gears are good, bearings are still nice but I'll replace them anyway. The seals were shot and the torx screws on the manual hubs are sealed and I might have to drill them out. Also, I can't remove that large bolt attached to the drag link...



Ujoints are good so I might leave them. Still, way more rust then I'm used to!

The only major issue is that I still don't have a van to mount those! Hahaha

Cheers
Mr. D



Sent from my iPorn using Tapatalk

 

[Betarocker]

To get the tracbar bolt out, bring out the torch and heat up the nut. A powerful impact will then remove it.

 

[thedjjack]

Sorry about the last auction....

Sent you my number PM

cheers

 

[ujoint]

Heat it up like Betarocker said, or cut the whole bracket off! You won't be needing it anyway since that trac bar location will not be used with the conversion. Just cut it flush to the lower u bolt plate.

 

[mk216v]

I ran a Detroit in the back of Vanaconda, went ARB on V4. Up front I personally don't like a full locker, I go with an aggressive limited slip. I have a few options for this, and my favorite is a power lock that is built by a guy I know in CA. It's a bad boy and works great. No fighting it and it pulls great.

I know we spoke about this via PM, but can you educate us all again why you don't like a full ARB up front?