UJOR Build Thread

[ujoint]

So, what makes for a good donor van? What options are desirable, and what options complicate things?

I hear any engine other than a V10 or diesel is harder to convert, is that true?
How about the 2008+ model year vans, any advantages/disadvantages to those?

Diesels are the easiest, especially the 6.0. 7.3's require the transmission to be pulled, we can convert the 5R110 behind the 6.0 while its in the van. Gas vans are harder due to the exhaust mods and the 4R75 tranny (behind the 5.4's) V10's are a good choice, almost the same power as a diesel, and the later model V10's come with the always great 5R110 trans. The only difference with the 08 up vans is RSC on all wagons and cargos from 2011 to new. And welcome to ExPo!

So... Does this mean you ARE going to make some "special" tanks for us darned Quigley folk?

Yep, most likely!

 

[ujoint]

Better quality images from last weekend

 

[tk3]

Hi Chris, been lurking on this site for a while admiring your work. I notice you use Warn premium hubs, do you prefer those over the Dynatrac Dynaloc hubs or is there a reason the Dynalocs wouldn't work. I know the Dynalocs are quite expensive. Just wondering as I believe you are a fan of Dynatrac products. Thanks.

 

[ujoint]

Hi Chris, been lurking on this site for a while admiring your work. I notice you use Warn premium hubs, do you prefer those over the Dynatrac Dynaloc hubs or is there a reason the Dynalocs wouldn't work. I know the Dynalocs are quite expensive. Just wondering as I believe you are a fan of Dynatrac products. Thanks.

Thanks! I'm running my 1st set of Dynalocks on V4 and so far so good. They're built really well, my only complaint is that the outside ring is discolored (from road salt I think) The Warn Premium hubs are good but I have had a few sets fail due to the inside snap ring coming loose. Actually have to call Warn about that tomorrow.

 

[tk3]

Thanks Chris, hope the Dynalocs work well for you, I'll be interested to hear your thoughts after you put them through their paces for a while.

 

[Jasper Jones]

Hey Chris, I just ran across this and had to post it. Really long compilation video of cool/funny/crazy car stuff, but they saved the best for (almost) last! Fast forward to about 37:45

 

[ujoint]

Wow, almost 2 million views! Glad they left my logo in the video!

The real question is... do they consider it a win or fail?!?!?!

 

[Tyrant 66]

Totally win

 

[Colby Jack]

Chris-
On V4, the cab extension you used, I know it's in this thread, but what size did you choose and why? Was it because of the camper? Have you been happy with it? Would you do it again with the same size? Any chance of getting some interior pics of V4? I'm looking at building something very similar. Thanks!
Colby Jack

 

[derjack]

As far as I remember it is 12". These are availible form Shorter to even longer. I remember around 900$ for the 12" Version, made out of plastic. I ve sit into an Ambo- what is also a cutaway- and the room in the front is very, very limited. So you cannot move the seat backwords or have it komfortable.

This was one of the reason why I will not choose am Ambo type 3.

 

[Wilbur]

Funny someone asked same questions I did for Chris over last couple of days. Ever since I saw the sketch, I knew it was a homerun even without the XP camper itself. I just wish on my very very tiny budget I could afford to build one!

The biggest thing I'd change was more room behind seats even enough to add smaller center rear seat and storage (if possible) and shorten the bed to 6-8' overall but the platform is hidden I think for even all around use. How many fullsize trucks have 10' flatbed but not be super long.

 

[ujoint]

Chris-
On V4, the cab extension you used, I know it's in this thread, but what size did you choose and why? Was it because of the camper? Have you been happy with it? Would you do it again with the same size? Any chance of getting some interior pics of V4? I'm looking at building something very similar. Thanks!
Colby Jack

Yes, it's a 12" extension. When I had the bare cab/chassis I sketched it all out to make everything fit the way I wanted. It's comfy in there, seats recline and I have room for a bag behind the seats. We didn't know about our little one at the time, so if I did it again I would probably add a larger cab to accommodate a seat back there. The quality of the cab back was so/so, it didn't line up very well. I think that most people purchasing them just slap them on with a big gasket and they're done. I wanted it seamless so the body guys spent a TON of time getting is as good as they could. We didn't have time to properly build the interior before SEMA so it was cobbled together. Right now I have most of it torn out for a full rebuild (if I can find the time!)

 

[Colby Jack]

Thanks Chris!
Full rebuild already? haha. You're awesome. Who is the manufacturer of the extension? I remember reading it, but lost the link. Instead of an ambo, I'm leaning toward a box van camper conversion. Please snap a pic of the joint between the extension and the original body if you don't mind. Or is there not much to see???

 

[bknudtsen]

Thanks Chris!
Full rebuild already? haha. You're awesome. Who is the manufacturer of the extension? I remember reading it, but lost the link. Instead of an ambo, I'm leaning toward a box van camper conversion. Please snap a pic of the joint between the extension and the original body if you don't mind. Or is there not much to see???

There is virtually nothing to see.

http://www.ujointoffroad.com/ujorv4.html

 

[yfarm]

http://www.cabbacks.com/portfolio.html