New to me 1998 E350 Club Wagon

[Seattle E350]

In the past I've had an Astro, G20 Conversion 4x4 high top, G30 4x4 and Transit 150. For 20 years I have had a van of some sort. This will be my first attempt at a mild build out though. I plan to do a mild suspension lift. Currently thinking of the Camburg Baja Performance kit or Weldtec Baja Grocery getter kit. I could use some advice on that section. As for now this will be a prerunner. I would like 4x4 but I don't really need it. Being able to comfortably drive on gravel roads and highways with some clearance is my main goal. I figure with proper suspension, tires and gearing 2wd will fit my needs. Also, I saw some prerunner vans doing some pretty awesome stuff.... I might get into that .

I'm in Seattle in case someone hasn't figured that out yet. A reputable shop to do the install would be greatly appreciated

After the suspension, gearing, tires and wheels are done, I plan to gut the interior, insulate it, add a bed and some tie downs for motorcycles.

This will be used for light dry camping and hauling my dirt bikes to the trails or track.

 

[IdaSHO]

Congrats! The barn-door side doors are an excellent feature.

We still have a 1990 1-ton Clubwagon in the family with the barn doors.

 

[Seattle E350]

Congrats! The barn-door side doors are an excellent feature.

We still have a 1990 1-ton Clubwagon in the family with the barn doors.

Thanks, I like the barn doors for sure. I'll need to replace some hardware or something though as they do not stay open on their own. Also, it has the built in step which I didn't like at first but after getting in and out a few times I think I'll keep them.

 

[turbodiesel]

Congrats!

Curious what you end up doing to keep the doors open. I need to do something to hold the second door open. Currently a bungee cord does the job but isn’t ideal.

 

[Seattle E350]

Congrats!

Curious what you end up doing to keep the doors open. I need to do something to hold the second door open. Currently a bungee cord does the job but isn’t ideal.

Once I figure something out I’ll post it up. I have a few ideas. Just need to execute.

 

[Seattle E350]

Currently has some really poorly built and installed cabinets. Those come out today.

 

[turbodiesel]

Once I figure something out I’ll post it up. I have a few ideas. Just need to execute.

I'm thinking something like this: https://www.etrailer.com/Enclosed-Trailer-Parts/Redline/DH39R.html

 

[Seattle E350]

I'm thinking something like this: https://www.etrailer.com/Enclosed-Trailer-Parts/Redline/DH39R.html

That would work for one of my doors but the other doesn’t swing that far. I’m thinking more of a trunk hydraulic.

 

[turbodiesel]

That would work for one of my doors but the other doesn’t swing that far. I’m thinking more of a trunk hydraulic.

Interesting idea. I wonder how that would affect the opening action of the door. I suppose the truck works okay so why wouldn't the door

 

[Seattle E350]

All the poorly done build out is gone. As soon as I can find a local place that can do Weldtec or Camburg kit it will go in for that. Won’t be using it much until then. The tires that are on it are really bad and I can’t put the new tires on until the lift is done.

 

[Seattle E350]

I used the shop forklift to lift the front of the van up so I could pretend it already had the lift. Haha

 

[MadMax321]

I have the weldtec Grocery getter kit. Very happy with it and the customer service from Jeremy at Weldtec.

 

[Seattle E350]

I have the weldtec Grocery getter kit. Very happy with it and the customer service from Jeremy at Weldtec.

So I’ve heard, everyone seems to be very happy with Weldtec stuff. I’m not sure I want to do the work myself though. Trying to find a local shop I trust.

 

[MadMax321]

It was way easy. Buddy and I did it in the driveway in about 7 hours. There's a couple install videos Jermey put out on YouTube. Explains everything.

The only "hard" part was welding on the trailing arm bracket. I did that the day before with a MIG welder. It was easy.

 

[Seattle E350]

It was way easy. Buddy and I did it in the driveway in about 7 hours. There's a couple install videos Jermey put out on YouTube. Explains everything.

The only "hard" part was welding on the trailing arm bracket. I did that the day before with a MIG welder. It was easy.

If I had a welder and knew had to weld I might do it myself. Good to know that’s the only thing that I couldn’t do. I’m sure I could do the rest.