Proud owner of a 1998 E-450 Class III Ambulance

[dbmotorsports]

7.3 Diesel. She's heavy but mechanically sound. Couldn't figure out how to shut the center console off. Ended up having to create a thread on reddit asking.

Just wanted to show it off while I'm browsing. New world for me.

 

[ujoint]

Beast. Congrats on the purchase and joining expo!

 

[Rich S.]

Oh boy, now the fun can begin....
Congratualtions.
Where you live and what intentions do you have for the E-450?

 

[huskyhauler]

Welcome to the insanity of ambulance ownership! I'm jealous of the 450. I have a 350 and I'm already pushing the limits of my GVWR. I really wish I had the extra room to work with.

There is a plethora of information here with a half dozen regular posters who are ambulance owners. Browse through the Ambulance threads and come back with all your questions! There's at least one former ambulance driver and one that's been restoring these rigs for decades.

Basically, just through "ambulance" into the search thread and read away. Lot's of good information.

Here's a great place to start: http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...-Rig-Conversion-FAQ?highlight=ambulance+build

 

[tgreening]

Welcome to the insanity of ambulance ownership! I'm jealous of the 450. I have a 350 and I'm already pushing the limits of my GVWR. I really wish I had the extra room to work with.

Speaking of which, what exactly is the difference drivetrain/suspension wise in the Ambo world, between a 350 and 450?

 

[Mwilliamshs]

Speaking of which, what exactly is the difference drivetrain/suspension wise in the Ambo world, between a 350 and 450?

E450 has a higher gvwr, stronger rear axle, lower gears, different suspensions front and rear. That's about it. Similar to comparing an E150 and E250, in a more extreme sense.

 

[tgreening]

What axle difference? In a stock configuration a lot of that matters, but when modded into a 4x4 the bulk of it goes out the window. Different springs, most likely different gears to accommodate bigger tires, if a D60 is used up front it's the same axle used between a factory 350/450, etc.

So the big question is is there any difference in the frames, and what difference between the rear axle/brakes.

In a lot of years in the F series the rear axle between a 350 and 450 was the same, except maybe C&C units, but not sure on the E series.

 

[Amphibeast]

How much can the 450 tow? I need a mothership/camper/hauler for my other toys…. Looking at LMTVs or Ambu!

 

[Mwilliamshs]

What axle difference?...

E450 uses Dana 80 most years, some Dana 70. E350 uses 60.

...most likely different gears to accommodate bigger tires...

nope, same tires, different gears for better performance and durability

...if a D60 is used up front it's the same axle used between a factory 350/450, etc...

IF an E-450 was originally built in 4wd it would use a Super60, like the F450 for increased GAWR. I'm unaware of 4wd E-450s.

...So the big question is is there any difference in the frames, and what difference between the rear axle/brakes....

The answer are are I believe the frames are shared (same PN) and the axle/brake differences are substantial. Very substantial.

...In a lot of years in the F series the rear axle between a 350 and 450 was the same, except maybe C&C units, but not sure on the E series.

F-450 began as the F-SuperDuty and used different axles than the F-350 (including a solid beam front axle on the 450). In later years the 450 uses a Super60 up front (in 4wd applications) and Dana 110 rear axle.