Hi all!
Figured I would do an introduction post on here and start documenting my E350 build.
A little background on me: I love turning wrenches, racing, and generally doing anything that involves an engine. Currently addicted to LeMons racing (its insanely fun) http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/
I wasn't even planning on buying a 4x4 van but this one kind of fell into my lap. There is a semi local impound auction every month that has a pretty good mix of vehicles. I got wind of a 460 F350 box truck that caught my interest. So I loaded up my trusty 3500 Ram van and set off.
Started to tour the cars when I saw a van that looked a little bigger than normal off to the side behind a few other cars. The F350 I was looking at was beat to death, so the van drew my full attention. Turns out its a E350 4x4 by Quigley that came in from a felony traffic stop. Decided that I had to have it an ended up $800 poorer but one E350 4x4 van richer! With a jumpstart it drove up on the trailer, the interior was full of the better part of a Scion Tc. I mean doors, roof hatch and a full interior. After a somewhat sketchy drive home it was back at HQ.
I promptly got the van nearly buried in the mud to test the 4wd system. To pass inspection it will need a windshield, Rear side glass, fix the horn, replace the front brakes and fix the exhaust leak. It has some rust but nothing too surprising or structural. Thank goodness for the plasma cutter. Also threw on some 235/75/16's I had for my 88 F350 to quickly get some more traction.
(note the thats all surface rust. I plan on pulling the whole shebang and powdercoating it)
Specs on the van 330k miles, D60 front, 10.25 rear, 4406 transfercase, 5.4 triton engine. Engine seems pretty tight but the trans is a little iffy, will probably pull and rebuild.
So now begins the build out, my plan is to make a fully capable tow rig for a racecar and golf cart that I can use as the mobile race team HQ. The van also needs to be able to recover parts vehicles from various fields, swamps and forests. Not to mention be comfortable for 12hr drives to various events around the country. (Drove my 3500 Ram Van 8k miles to races this year so comfortable is relative)
I am planning on 1-2 rows of seating with one row being a fold down bed, mini fridge, gas grill on back doors, tow mirrors, roof deck for spotting cars, an awning, built in generator, kick azz radio and extra lighting. Nothing too crazy but enough to keep me busy as I normally fab everything in house. Hope I can show some decent progress here over the next few months. My 3500 van will still serve as the main tow rig for 2015, planning on having this ready for the February race 2016.
Figured I would do an introduction post on here and start documenting my E350 build.
A little background on me: I love turning wrenches, racing, and generally doing anything that involves an engine. Currently addicted to LeMons racing (its insanely fun) http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/
I wasn't even planning on buying a 4x4 van but this one kind of fell into my lap. There is a semi local impound auction every month that has a pretty good mix of vehicles. I got wind of a 460 F350 box truck that caught my interest. So I loaded up my trusty 3500 Ram van and set off.
Started to tour the cars when I saw a van that looked a little bigger than normal off to the side behind a few other cars. The F350 I was looking at was beat to death, so the van drew my full attention. Turns out its a E350 4x4 by Quigley that came in from a felony traffic stop. Decided that I had to have it an ended up $800 poorer but one E350 4x4 van richer! With a jumpstart it drove up on the trailer, the interior was full of the better part of a Scion Tc. I mean doors, roof hatch and a full interior. After a somewhat sketchy drive home it was back at HQ.
I promptly got the van nearly buried in the mud to test the 4wd system. To pass inspection it will need a windshield, Rear side glass, fix the horn, replace the front brakes and fix the exhaust leak. It has some rust but nothing too surprising or structural. Thank goodness for the plasma cutter. Also threw on some 235/75/16's I had for my 88 F350 to quickly get some more traction.
(note the thats all surface rust. I plan on pulling the whole shebang and powdercoating it)
Specs on the van 330k miles, D60 front, 10.25 rear, 4406 transfercase, 5.4 triton engine. Engine seems pretty tight but the trans is a little iffy, will probably pull and rebuild.
So now begins the build out, my plan is to make a fully capable tow rig for a racecar and golf cart that I can use as the mobile race team HQ. The van also needs to be able to recover parts vehicles from various fields, swamps and forests. Not to mention be comfortable for 12hr drives to various events around the country. (Drove my 3500 Ram Van 8k miles to races this year so comfortable is relative)
I am planning on 1-2 rows of seating with one row being a fold down bed, mini fridge, gas grill on back doors, tow mirrors, roof deck for spotting cars, an awning, built in generator, kick azz radio and extra lighting. Nothing too crazy but enough to keep me busy as I normally fab everything in house. Hope I can show some decent progress here over the next few months. My 3500 van will still serve as the main tow rig for 2015, planning on having this ready for the February race 2016.
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