Outback
Explorer
Thanks. So do I.
The Campulance
- Thread starter Outback
- Start date
Thanks. So do I.
Outback
Explorer
I'm been going back and forth on what tires to run. I really like the 315/75R16 BFGoodrich TAs KO2. Those will require a steel wheel spacer between the duals. I can pick that up for about $450 a set. Also she will need Bushwhacker flares up front. Those run about $300 or so. I also like the Toyo MTs 255/85R16 tires. No spacers and no need for flares. I'm not worried about the cost of going either way. The 255 are much easier just install and go. Its getting the toyo tires here that seems to be the issue. If I can find the Toyos I feel that would be the way to go as they better suit the vehicle. Does anyone have a set of the 255/85R16 Toyos on there rig? If so How do you like them? Hows the wear rate?
Outback
Explorer
Today the man in Blue (United States Postal Service) arrived with my early Christmas gift to myself . I love days like today! Now to get started on changing out the shocks and steering stabilizer. The front shock mounts need to be modified and mounted onto the frame. The shock on the top is one of the rear shocks. The one next one down is one of the front shocks. You can see its much more compressed than the one on top. That front shock has 26.250 inches fully extended. The bottom shock is really a steering stabilizer. Now its time to get to work!Attachments
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Outback
Explorer
Today I ran out of time but managed to get the rear shocks and steering stabilizer installed. The stock steering stabilizer hardware does not work with the Bilstein set up. A quick run to Lowes and I had had everything I needed. I used grade 8 hardware even down to the nylock nut. Everything works perfectly. Tomorrow will be the front shocks with the Modifications. I will have a bunch of photos for that part. Installing the rear shocks I found a little gift left for me by the previous chap who changed the shocks after installing the lift kit at the Ambulance upfitters. Its a 3/4 inch impact socket. That's going into my junk yard tool bag. That's sprayed on foam under the ambulance box. Its very well insulated.
Outback
Explorer
Didn't install the extended front shock mounts as the brake lines are still stock in length. Not sure why someone would install a lift kit and leave the brake lines at stock length. Ordering a set of stainless steel braided lines from Off Road Design. I did install the front shocks on to the stock mounts for now. I'm not doing any off road driving so I'm not worried about bottoming the shocks. BUT man what a difference these Bilsteins make! I cant emphasize enough how much a difference they make in ride quality! Unbelievable. If anyone who has a full size rig was ever thinking about switching over to Bilstein shocks I would highly recommend doing it. Off Road Design has the valving changed for full size Chevy trucks. It makes a HUGE difference
PlethoraOfGuns
Adventurer
So much room for activities in the back!
patoz
Expedition Leader
Good to see another Ambo build!
Interesting name you chose, especially since I picked 'Campulance' a couple of years ago, to use as part of my logo if and when I ever decided to put one on it. I probably won't do it but even if I did, you're in Alaska and I'm in Florida, so the chances of actually running into each other at the same time, are pretty slim.
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the back interior.
Interesting name you chose, especially since I picked 'Campulance' a couple of years ago, to use as part of my logo if and when I ever decided to put one on it. I probably won't do it but even if I did, you're in Alaska and I'm in Florida, so the chances of actually running into each other at the same time, are pretty slim.
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the back interior.
Outback
Explorer
INDEED!
Outback
Explorer
Good to see another Ambo build!
Interesting name you chose, especially since I picked 'Campulance' a couple of years ago, to use as part of my logo if and when I ever decided to put one on it. I probably won't do it but even if I did, you're in Alaska and I'm in Florida, so the chances of actually running into each other at the same time, are pretty slim.
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the back interior.
Campulance is what they are now.
Outback
Explorer
UPDATE:
Before winter hit I installed the new shocks. What a difference! Bilstien shocks are a great way to go with these older rigs. I picked mine up from Off Road Design.
I've decided to go with the 285/75R16 BFGoodrich AT KO2 tires. This size is pretty common and easy to get. I really wanted the 255/85R16 but the cost was just way to much for them up here in Alaska. In the lower 48 it would have been $800 dollars cheaper. So my order has been placed for the Bushwacker Flares (front) and the in between rear wheel steel spacers will be ordered Monday. Once I have those in hand I will get my tires installed. The camper has a 2" lift from the Ambulance manufacturer. I didn't want to go any higher to fit the 315/85R16 tires I wanted. Life is full of compromises.
Before winter hit I installed the new shocks. What a difference! Bilstien shocks are a great way to go with these older rigs. I picked mine up from Off Road Design.
I've decided to go with the 285/75R16 BFGoodrich AT KO2 tires. This size is pretty common and easy to get. I really wanted the 255/85R16 but the cost was just way to much for them up here in Alaska. In the lower 48 it would have been $800 dollars cheaper. So my order has been placed for the Bushwacker Flares (front) and the in between rear wheel steel spacers will be ordered Monday. Once I have those in hand I will get my tires installed. The camper has a 2" lift from the Ambulance manufacturer. I didn't want to go any higher to fit the 315/85R16 tires I wanted. Life is full of compromises.
patoz
Expedition Leader
Yep, that would be true!
From post #4...
I drove ambulances for 10 years during the 70s & 80s, and we never had a problem with glare or reflections on the white hoods from the emergency lights even at night. Since you're in Alaska, my guess would be the orange hood is to make it more visible from the air, so it can be seen by helicopters and search planes. Providing of course, you got it from that area.
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