VANdiana Jones sequel: The Legacy Continues

[mk216v]

Hey, Mk, I'm really glad to see you ended up with VANdiana Jones. Like many, I followed BK's build, and I was looking fwd to reading about VANdiana's travels. Trip to Utah looks cool. I am surprised, however, that low range locked in 1st didn't provide enough engine braking to make using brakes unnecessary. Mine crawls along at 1-2 mph in this configuration. Course I haven't tried it on that steep of a grade yet. Guess its not like a manual tranny, and the torque converter still spins up faster than a locked manual in 1st/low?

Honestly the downhill was so abrupt/steep and the van so heavy that I didn't want to test 4Lo in 1st and have the truck run away from me. I felt much more controlled in the "known" of feet on the brakes, controlling speed that way.
I was impressed on other downslopes (less % grade) using 4Lo 1st, controlled the speed very well and no need for brakes.

 

[350outrage]

Honestly the downhill was so abrupt/steep and the van so heavy that I didn't want to test 4Lo in 1st and have the truck run away from me. I felt much more controlled in the "known" of feet on the brakes, controlling speed that way.
I was impressed on other downslopes (less % grade) using 4Lo 1st, controlled the speed very well and no need for brakes.

Understand completely. Thanks for posting. I've enjoyed reading abt the continued adventures of VANdiana Jones!

 

[mk216v]

Understand completely. Thanks for posting. I've enjoyed reading abt the continued adventures of VANdiana Jones!

Certainly Dave. Future updates and advantures coming!

 

[mk216v]

Not much new on VANdiana. It's doing a great job of holding down the pavement in its parking spot, waiting for the next weekend camping trip.
Have an exterior car cover on it now to shield it from the elements, fitment is for a Sprinter RV. It's a bit long, but about the right height due to the RTT/etc. Saved me lots of money from a custom car cover. Looks a bit odd, almost like a Transformer is beneath it. :chef:

 

[McBride]

Jeremy,

I just read thru this. Awesome. It must be nice having all that room.

Now for the important question - does the dog approve

 

[mk216v]

Jeremy,

I just read thru this. Awesome. It must be nice having all that room.

Now for the important question - does the dog approve

Thanks William, it's actually challenging having more room, trying to decide how to design the interior optimally for various arrangements/situations. It's supposed to be a fun process though right?

Dog enjoys it so far, although he loved his own small area in the G.

 

[mk216v]

Just picked up a pair of these, brand new, 0 miles;

Cannot wait to get them installed(going custom seating arrangement). SOOOO comfortable, and the look of the smoother grey leather and black bases is exactly what I've been after for VANdiana(saves me $$$ over 2 pairs of Recaro's!).

Pics to follow...

PS--My '11 grey cloth non-recliners will be for sale. Rear pair have only 2wks/3200miles on them, still in near new condition!

 

[Shocker]

Seeeeexy!

 

[ujoint]

Ohhhh, super nice. I like the new tan/black ones too.

 

[mk216v]

Thanks! I just ordered a 2nd set while I can get them at a special rate.
The chestnut brown ones are sweet too.

Will post pics once these are installed.

 

[CrabbyMcNab]

Picture Request: if possible, can you take pictures of how they are mounted from under the van?
I'm in the process of getting ready to order a set of bases from Ujoint (I already have the cloth sienna seats) and wanted to see how you/MG mounted them.

 

[mk216v]

Picture Request: if possible, can you take pictures of how they are mounted from under the van?
I'm in the process of getting ready to order a set of bases from Ujoint (I already have the cloth sienna seats) and wanted to see how you/MG mounted them.

Really straightforward actually. We used 2 of the factory (north/south) holes, then drilled thru the floor for the other 2 holes(which were east or west of the 2 factory holes). We used the factory seat-floor bolts. It's the pass side rear seat where we had to remove a factory exhaust heat shield panel off the body to be able to get in there and tighten down the nuts behind the panel.
Now MG moved his seats back 11" IIRC, to give rear passengers more leg room, but the mounting method is the same even though the rear seats are situated further back than mine.
MG, can you post pics from your own install(the pics you sent me previously)? TIA

 

[mgmetalworks]

Crabby,

I made up this doc based on some of Jeremy's questions so it is sort of written in the context of what he wanted to know. Regardless, it has some pictures of what you're looking for.

http://www.mgmetalworks.com/sienna.pdf

The 11" mentioned a few times is in reference to the hole spacing in the bracket.

 

[CrabbyMcNab]

You two are awesome, thanks.

 

[mk216v]

Thanks MG.
We love these vans and we love to help Crabby!