UJOR Build Thread

[mk216v]

Tomorrow we're shooting a new video, excited for this one as we've been planning it for a while. I have a local air strip rented so we can do some braking & slalom testing! I talk to a lot of guys that think our rigs are just for the "hardcore" or "rock crawler" crowd and thats just not true. Yes, our vans can go out and twist up as everyone knows but they also drive x-country in comfort and out handle every 4x4 van I've driven. Hopefully this video will help prove my point. It's hard to get a baseline on this because ride quality & handling is so subjective…..

We're using V5 for the test, its the best performer. Due to the versatility of the E series the #s won't work across the range, obviously a loaded 9k camper van won't perform the way V5 does @ 6800lbs. Something is better than nothing though!

This I know from firsthand experience based on a UJOR shop visit; being involved in the late-model european car world and being used to damn fine Audi/BMW/Porsche sportscar susp/brakes, UJOR's vans handle/maneuver impeccably well, and stop incredibly quickly too! For a big lifted van, it's shocking honestly. <bow down Chris/UJOR>

 

[Mat Mobile]

Sorry, I don't post much but I follow your thread on almost a daily basis. Great vans Chris!

It's great to have that capability of braking... But hopefully this extreme amount of braking isn't used very often because in a camper van, which is often the use for these vans on this forum, believe me, a lot of stuff (micro-wave, cups, plates, food, stuff left on the bed, etc...) wants to throw itself to the front of the van and makes for real white knuckle situations. I like keeping a good distance with the vehicle in front of me.

Of course everything is tied down... but you'll always forget a thing or two and you feel everything edging to the front of their tie-downs anyway. Ha ha!

Still... It's a great selling point!

 

[ujoint]

This I know from firsthand experience based on a UJOR shop visit; being involved in the late-model european car world and being used to damn fine Audi/BMW/Porsche sportscar susp/brakes, UJOR's vans handle/maneuver impeccably well, and stop incredibly quickly too! For a big lifted van, it's shocking honestly. <bow down Chris/UJOR>

Thanks man, means a lot considering the toys you're around every day!

Sorry, I don't post much but I follow your thread on almost a daily basis. Great vans Chris!

It's great to have that capability of braking... But hopefully this extreme amount of braking isn't used very often because in a camper van, which is often the use for these vans on this forum, believe me, a lot of stuff (micro-wave, cups, plates, food, stuff left on the bed, etc...) wants to throw itself to the front of the van and makes for real white knuckle situations. I like keeping a good distance with the vehicle in front of me.

Of course everything is tied down... but you'll always forget a thing or two and you feel everything edging to the front of their tie-downs anyway. Ha ha!

Still... It's a great selling point!

True, hopefully this level of braking won't be needed often and V5 is a lightweight in the 4x4 van world. The big boy brakes have kept me from smashing things quite a few times over the years!

Wait till you guy see the slalom!

Thanks for posting btw, welcome to ExPo!

 

[philos]

can't wait for the twisty slaloms!!!!

 

[Overland Hadley]

Physics, and many years of working on sports cars (Grand-Am, World Challenge, Rolex, IMSA, etc)

Makes sense. I was thinking street vehicles.

 

[ujoint]

Updates updates updates. Same ol boring stuff here @ UJOR.

The 5.4 project rig got a front axle today! Stage 2 D60 w/4.88's.

Put some miles on this beauty, 7.3 with a 6" lift on 35's. Some new things done to this rig, I'll post more pics & details soon!

The new video should be done later this week!

 

[CaliDreman]

Chris....seeing that empty grill makes me wonder....do you have a preferred trans cooler (other than OEM) that you like?

 

[derjack]

Hey Chris,

As you have obviously some experience and customers with custom gears, my question is:
What's your suggestion on perfect gears on an 7.3 N/A with 35's?

Rig: E350 7.3 N/A, E4OD, Borg Warner 1356

- It will not be nessessary to carry a trailer.
- Highway speeds will be between 60 and 75mph, with a possible top end of 90mph (I know probably only possible with an additional turbo)
- I expect to have a perfect top end at 90mph, speaking at 3000rpm. A longer OD will not be nessessary.
- it should still be in an economic range regarding mpg
- weight is expected to be final at 8500 pounds
- rig will be used for traveling, also offroad as it's 4x4

Would you suggest different gears on a 7.3 PSD? Engine power diagram is roughly the same as on an N/A and rpm range also.


If anyone else has interesting experience on that, let me/us know.

 

[ujoint]

Chris....seeing that empty grill makes me wonder....do you have a preferred trans cooler (other than OEM) that you like?

Not in particular but there are many options for aftermarket coolers.

Hey Chris,

As you have obviously some experience and customers with custom gears, my question is:
What's your suggestion on perfect gears on an 7.3 N/A with 35's?

Rig: E350 7.3 N/A, E4OD, Borg Warner 1356

- It will not be nessessary to carry a trailer.
- Highway speeds will be between 60 and 75mph, with a possible top end of 90mph (I know probably only possible with an additional turbo)
- I expect to have a perfect top end at 90mph, speaking at 3000rpm. A longer OD will not be nessessary.
- it should still be in an economic range regarding mpg
- weight is expected to be final at 8500 pounds
- rig will be used for traveling, also offroad as it's 4x4

Would you suggest different gears on a 7.3 PSD? Engine power diagram is roughly the same as on an N/A and rpm range also.


If anyone else has interesting experience on that, let me/us know.

4.56!

 

[spencyg]

I have a rig of similar weight with a freshly reconditioned 6.9 N/A diesel and a C6 3 speed transmission. You are expecting a lot out of your N/A 7.3. You may have some benefit with the E4OD over my C6, but I have a hard time managing anything over 70 on flat ground, and up-hill is around 50 mph at best. I have 3.54 gearing but a shorter transmission ratio so they would be about equal. MPG is an average of 10-12 with my setup fully laden.

SG

 

[derjack]

I have a rig of similar weight with a freshly reconditioned 6.9 N/A diesel and a C6 3 speed transmission. You are expecting a lot out of your N/A 7.3. You may have some benefit with the E4OD over my C6, but I have a hard time managing anything over 70 on flat ground, and up-hill is around 50 mph at best. I have 3.54 gearing but a shorter transmission ratio so they would be about equal. MPG is an average of 10-12 with my setup fully laden.

SG

Hi,
thanks Chris.

actually I have 32s and I guess 4.10. I've been already driven 130km/h (gps), which is roughly 85 mph. there should be some rpm left before engine max rpm. That's way limit should be 90mph on the gears at max engine rmp.

all of this with an E4OD + 35, with are roughly 2" longer.

I'll check for 4,56. they will need to fit into the existing Dana 60 Diff. There is a limit on the size of the housing if I am right...

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

I'll check for 4,56. they will need to fit into the existing Dana 60 Diff. There is a limit on the size of the housing if I am right...

Not the housing, but there is a carrier split at 4.10 so you have to take that into consideration when ordering anything geared lower than 4.10 (numerically higher).

 

[spencyg]

My comment wasn't as much about RPM limitations as it was power available from an N/A diesel at the top of the power curve. I'm sure I could go 85 downhill with a stiff tailwind but fully laden the 6.9 and 7.3 without a turbo just don't have what it takes. Your diesel is at the top of its torque output at around 1700 RPM and drops like a rock around 2400 rpm.

SG

 

[ujoint]

FOR SALE! We just built his new van, time for this one to find a new home. We would LOVE to DeQuiglify it of course, email me for more details!

02 E350 7.3 Quigley, SMB pop top, minimalist interior with finished walls, sienna seats and rear AC. 140k, Road Armor front bumper, Ruenel rear, Warn 12k winch up front. Fresh paint, clean van. Asking 35k.

New arrival, old SMB we're setting up nicely.

D60 FF rebuild/upgrade! Yukon Zip Locker, 35 spline shafts, all new bearings brakes & seals and a Dynatrac cover.

Another one hits the ground……!!! 8" on 37's

Tubes ready for some FB001 bumpers!

 

[ujoint]

Ready to go home! 8" on 37's, 6.0, this thing runs like a champ. Super fun. More details on the website.