Project: E350 Dual Sport
- Thread starter RocKrawler
- Start date
RocKrawler
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I'll take pics and post an install progression in this thread. Sent you a PM as well
RocKrawler
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Got my towing mirror upgrade / conversion started today - not a bolt on for earlier models but definitely doable. Here sre the short notes for those contemplating the conversion themselves:
Started installing the 2004 factory E450 mirrors from e-bay today. They are not direct fit, but with some drilling and plug splicing they install relatively easily. (Plugs are different, wire color and function is the same, one banana job on the wiring). Holes you have to drill are quite large, a tad over 3/4" (large unibit is your friend). Top & bottom holes line up perfectly, 2 center ones are the ones that need drilling. The cast stud pedestals on the new mirror bases are large diameter, the bottom center ends up being drilled & placed in the way of the brace for the inner door/window regulator support. I drilled the outer shell, removed the stud, and left it as is, allowing the 3 other bolt on points to hold the mirror to the body (just like the stock setup uses). As an alternative to drilling the 4th hole you could cutoff the cast stud pedestal from the new mirror base, but I had the drill out and not the cutoff wheel so I made the hole. The new positions require using the factory nut washer on the top 2 points, but Im swapping out the lower stud for a bolt to keep the profile lower because it locates behind the door panel. Its a 6mm x 1.0 thread pitch stud/nut on those pieces. Pics to come, and full write up on the swap. I like the look and functionality of the new mirrors vs. the old paddle style units, worth the swap.
I started with this:
Remove cap and screw at bottom corner of door panel
Remove switch cluster
Remove screw now exposed
Remove door handle recess panel
And remove the screw behind that panel
Now pull off the top black panel
A good tug gets it, and that exposes the last screw holding on the door panel. Once unscrewed, lift the door panel up and off the door
Started installing the 2004 factory E450 mirrors from e-bay today. They are not direct fit, but with some drilling and plug splicing they install relatively easily. (Plugs are different, wire color and function is the same, one banana job on the wiring). Holes you have to drill are quite large, a tad over 3/4" (large unibit is your friend). Top & bottom holes line up perfectly, 2 center ones are the ones that need drilling. The cast stud pedestals on the new mirror bases are large diameter, the bottom center ends up being drilled & placed in the way of the brace for the inner door/window regulator support. I drilled the outer shell, removed the stud, and left it as is, allowing the 3 other bolt on points to hold the mirror to the body (just like the stock setup uses). As an alternative to drilling the 4th hole you could cutoff the cast stud pedestal from the new mirror base, but I had the drill out and not the cutoff wheel so I made the hole. The new positions require using the factory nut washer on the top 2 points, but Im swapping out the lower stud for a bolt to keep the profile lower because it locates behind the door panel. Its a 6mm x 1.0 thread pitch stud/nut on those pieces. Pics to come, and full write up on the swap. I like the look and functionality of the new mirrors vs. the old paddle style units, worth the swap.
I started with this:
Remove cap and screw at bottom corner of door panel
Remove switch cluster
Remove screw now exposed
Remove door handle recess panel
And remove the screw behind that panel
Now pull off the top black panel
A good tug gets it, and that exposes the last screw holding on the door panel. Once unscrewed, lift the door panel up and off the door
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RocKrawler
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Now remove the speaker to get at the plug for the power mirror harness
and unplug the plug
Now use a 7/16 deep socket to unbolt the mirror from the inside. Support it so it doesnt fall
And use a magnet tool to grab the nuts before pulling the mirror off so they dont fall down into the door
Comparison of new mirror mounting area to old
New plug to old (old is thinner)
Survey your new drilling spot, have someone hold the mirror & line up the top & bottom holes, then mark and drill pilot holes all the way through both inner & outer panels
Then enlarge them until the large protrusions from the new mirror base fit in flush
Bolt up from inside and reassemble the door panel, go to the other side & repeat.
This is what you will end up with, all men will want to be you, and all women will want to be with you.
and unplug the plug
Now use a 7/16 deep socket to unbolt the mirror from the inside. Support it so it doesnt fall
And use a magnet tool to grab the nuts before pulling the mirror off so they dont fall down into the door
Comparison of new mirror mounting area to old
New plug to old (old is thinner)
Survey your new drilling spot, have someone hold the mirror & line up the top & bottom holes, then mark and drill pilot holes all the way through both inner & outer panels
Then enlarge them until the large protrusions from the new mirror base fit in flush
Bolt up from inside and reassemble the door panel, go to the other side & repeat.
This is what you will end up with, all men will want to be you, and all women will want to be with you.
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Maximus Ram
Expedition Leader
Nice Mod. Did something similar to my 2nd Gen Ram and newer mirrors.
Have any distance pics of how it looks now ?
You wouldn't think that something as small as the mirrors could change the look of a vehicle so much.
Have any distance pics of how it looks now ?
You wouldn't think that something as small as the mirrors could change the look of a vehicle so much.
RocKrawler
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TRUE!And the good news is you drilled something and there was no fluid leaking this time...
Let me wash it and I'll post it up this weekend
Maximus Ram
Expedition Leader
So..Have you washed it yet ? :sombrero:
RocKrawler
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I honestly haven't yet - with the cold weather and getting sick as it warmed up, I wasn't up to it, then it rained and looks good enough for now. If time allows I have a cool cheap mod coming tomorrow that I'll be able to post up if it gets done this weekend, and I'll have it washed for the occasion! We'll see how it goes with tomorrow's schedule.
As for a usefulness review, I love the new style and it makes everything easier, I highly recommend the upgrade for usefulness alone, the cool factor of the manlier mirror is just a bonus. If anyone else has the girly mirrors I've removed and would like them for spares, they are yours for the cost of shipping, or simply pick them up for free in either Hemet or Temecula (just use your plugs, the passenger side is new, the driver works but a tad loose, might be able to be tightened - but the motors are definitely good & glass is perfect!)
RocKrawler
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Well yesterday was fun - I was supposed to have Bryan at work (former Ford master tech) install my new alarm for me with remote start & turbo timer, but on the way to work my water pump decided to fail and puke antifreeze everywhere. Fortunately I was right around the corner from work and got it there with no overheating drama. Bryan's task changed from alarm to water pump and a new replacement was ordered from Napa, along with a new water neck and several gallons of antifreeze. The job was completed in about 4 hours and I'm back on the road - but some other projects are now delayed for funding. At least I have no payments! I also had a 203* thermostat I got from DieselSite that we installed (my wife was kind enough to dig it out of the garage and run it down to my work early in the morning despite being sick - thanks honey!) and it definitely made a difference in the efficiency of the heater system, will wait to see if the mileage gain claims are legit & report back on that after I run a few tanks of fuel through it.
I have been wondering about that t-stat. I had to do my water pump b4 my trip to wa state because i heard the bearing making noise. After i saw that t-stat and wonder if the claims are accurate. Id like to hear your input once youve had time with it in the van. I also want dieselsites coolant filter.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
RocKrawler
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The coolant filter is on my to do list as well as the transmission filter - both worthwhile investments! As far as my water pump, I thought the bearing noise was an idler pulley, but when we pulled it the bearing was so bad, the screeching we heard was the impeller rubbing the inside of the water pump housing - it was shifting so far forward & back it destroyed the seal and coolant was pouring out the front of the housing in a heavy stream.