Expedition Portal - 4wd Camper Vans http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/ Syncro, 4wd Conversion Vans, Toyota 4wd Vans, etc.Sponsored by U-Joint Offroad en Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:11:36 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/images/misc/rss.png Expedition Portal - 4wd Camper Vans http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/ Air Bags for a Quigley?????? http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112473-Air-Bags-for-a-Quigley?goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:39:49 GMT Looking to install some bags on my 08 Quig, Has anyone here done it and if so, what were the part numbers. Looking to do front and back. Just wanted to check here first......Thx in advance. Looking to install some bags on my 08 Quig, Has anyone here done it and if so, what were the part numbers. Looking to do front and back. Just wanted to check here first......Thx in advance. ]]> 4wd Camper Vans Latetobrake http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112473-Air-Bags-for-a-Quigley <![CDATA[New Quebec's camper-van conversion shop?]]> http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112230-New-Quebec-s-camper-van-conversion-shop?goto=newpost Wed, 12 Jun 2013 00:12:29 GMT http://new-west.com/eng/

I was in Quebec last week and drove past this company that specializes in camperizing vans (mostly GMC). I didn't have the chance to stop by but seems like they are doing good work. ]]> 4wd Camper Vans Abitibi http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112230-New-Quebec-s-camper-van-conversion-shop 1999-2004 Ford front axle for use with U Joint Off Road Conversion http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112187-1999-2004-Ford-front-axle-for-use-with-U-Joint-Off-Road-Conversion?goto=newpost Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:26:13 GMT I have a front Dana axle out of a 2002 F250 complete with hubs, rotors, calipers, sway bar etc That I bought for my van as I was planning a U Joint conversion. The axle looks good and has 3.73 gears. It is located in Ranch Cucamungo, Ca. Asking 600.00. Thanks, Jason.....309-657-0061. I have a front Dana axle out of a 2002 F250 complete with hubs, rotors, calipers, sway bar etc That I bought for my van as I was planning a U Joint conversion. The axle looks good and has 3.73 gears. It is located in Ranch Cucamungo, Ca. Asking 600.00. Thanks, Jason.....309-657-0061. ]]> 4wd Camper Vans Slicks http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112187-1999-2004-Ford-front-axle-for-use-with-U-Joint-Off-Road-Conversion Old school winch power point? http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112110-Old-school-winch-power-point?goto=newpost Sun, 09 Jun 2013 05:04:13 GMT I am slowly working through all of the oddities of this van I purchased 8 months ago, and came across this set of plugs mounted on the radiator support. Image: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Randy51586/vanplugs_zpsde2bf7c4.jpg Any thoughts? Or where can I buy the male end of this... I am slowly working through all of the oddities of this van I purchased 8 months ago, and came across this set of plugs mounted on the radiator support.



Any thoughts? Or where can I buy the male end of this thing? What would I even call it to Google?

Thanks in advance.

Randy ]]> 4wd Camper Vans Myvanisbetter http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112110-Old-school-winch-power-point Where can I find a cap to make my ford van a high top? http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112108-Where-can-I-find-a-cap-to-make-my-ford-van-a-high-top?goto=newpost Sun, 09 Jun 2013 03:37:05 GMT I have been looking for a conversion top,but have not had much luck locating any. I am looking for options. Thanks I have been looking for a conversion top,but have not had much luck locating any. I am looking for options.
Thanks ]]> 4wd Camper Vans Heloflyboy http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112108-Where-can-I-find-a-cap-to-make-my-ford-van-a-high-top The Ute II: E350 RB 7.3 ZF6 http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112027-The-Ute-II-E350-RB-7-3-ZF6?goto=newpost Thu, 06 Jun 2013 20:51:28 GMT Greetings Gents!

It's time for round 2! Some of you guys might remember round 1, the Ute, which I stupidly sold. I then tried to pull off importing a U1300L and it was an awful experience of broker and customs calamities. Long painful story... The good news is that I'm stoked on building another van!

This time I'm going small. I found a single owner ex-goodwill janitor van from Texas. It's a 96 RB 7.3 with 65k on the clock. Unicorn! Chris's kit is in the mail and the axles and ZF6 are sitting on pallets in the shop. I figured this warrants a build thread because a documented MT conversion van is either beyond google spiders' reach or top secret.

So far I've installed a 4" exhaust, hitch, and some gauges. Should be a fun build!

Here's my starting point:
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]]> 4wd Camper Vans naterry http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112027-The-Ute-II-E350-RB-7-3-ZF6 2001 E350 RB 7,3 PSD UJOINT Driveway Conversion http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111905-2001-E350-RB-7-3-PSD-UJOINT-Driveway-Conversion?goto=newpost Tue, 04 Jun 2013 00:43:27 GMT Finally going under the knife after years of collecting parts. Going with the 8" Ujoint kit. Rear is almost done, need to buy new shackle as one was a pita to get off due to rubber bushing spinning and getting bound up. Will start drilling the front soon. Will post pics as soon as I get them off mem stick. ]]> 4wd Camper Vans SmittyinVA http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111905-2001-E350-RB-7-3-PSD-UJOINT-Driveway-Conversion Educate me on LEDs http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111890-Educate-me-on-LEDs?goto=newpost Mon, 03 Jun 2013 18:47:25 GMT Ok, so admittedly, electrical is not my strong suit. I have been wanting to replace my reading lamps inside my Astro with LED's. I was just poking around, and had one of those LED flashlights that harbor freight is always giving away. It's got two settings, 3 LED on one side, and 24 LEDs on the other. I pulled it apart, dropped the reading lamp from the roof. I left the button engaged on the LED Light board, so that when I would turn the reading lamp switch on, that it would power on automatically.

Anyways, long story short.

It worked. HOWEVER, it got very hot, very fast and would even start smoking.

I am guessing that I am missing a middle link somewhere, the factory wiring I assume is too much power for the LED's thus causing it to get HOT very fast. The board still works, but I literally only left it hooked up for a split second before it got super hot.

So, am I on the right track? Is there something I can place in between the LED light board and the factory wiring to back the power down a notch? I like that this simple idea could have some merit and be a nice functional/cheap upgrade, but I am not burning my rig down in the process. :sombrero: ]]> 4wd Camper Vans intothewild http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111890-Educate-me-on-LEDs E rated Hiway tires http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111812-E-rated-Hiway-tires?goto=newpost Sun, 02 Jun 2013 00:31:46 GMT What's a good e rated hiway tire? I'd like 265 70r 16 but its hard to find. I may have to bump up to 265 75r 16. Any suggestions? ]]> 4wd Camper Vans Stumpalump http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111812-E-rated-Hiway-tires Pics of your Ambulance. Post Up! http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111802-Pics-of-your-Ambulance-Post-Up!?goto=newpost Sat, 01 Jun 2013 21:51:54 GMT Since I don't have an ambulance of my own yet all I can do is live vicariously through photos of yours.

Post 'em if ya got 'em. ]]> 4wd Camper Vans 4wheeldrivevan http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111802-Pics-of-your-Ambulance-Post-Up! VAN MANIA http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111738-VAN-MANIA?goto=newpost Fri, 31 May 2013 08:12:35 GMT Hello, I have been a member for about 6 months and feel that its time to post my build... After searching for over a year I found my rig, 2002 E350 EB 7.3 PSD with an 8inch 4x4 conversion that was done back in 2002 by http://www.sportsman4x4.com/clydesdale/ It was the 1,066 build out... Hello,
I have been a member for about 6 months and feel that its time to post my build...

After searching for over a year I found my rig,

2002 E350 EB 7.3 PSD with an 8inch 4x4 conversion that was done back in 2002 by http://www.sportsman4x4.com/clydesdale/

It was the 1,066 build out
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What it looked like when I bought it last Oct
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The inside was basic
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It came with ARB lockers & rear airbags
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1st mod.. had to remove the tribal flames!
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I spent the winter trying to decide which top to have installed, the Sportsmobile penthouse top is nice but I just liked the idea of being able to leave my pillows and bedding on the sleeping platform with the Colorado camper van high profile top, after talking with Derek in Jan I found out that he was booked until April so I gave him my deposit and was put down on the build list.
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]]> 4wd Camper Vans steelheadbum http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111738-VAN-MANIA Thinking about security http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111602-Thinking-about-security?goto=newpost Wed, 29 May 2013 02:52:38 GMT So, I'm underway with on my new (to me) van's maiden voyage, and I've brought all my electronic toys, laptop, wireless modem, GPS, satellite radio, tons of tools, a lot of other stuff. Soon to come will be a couple more radios (CB and Ham) and other electronics. This is the shake down voyage, with this years goal of Baja in November for the race. With all the valuable stuff, and the non stop attention this van gets, I'm more than a little worried about theft. I've looked at alarms, unbreakable window film, different locks, and more, but I thought I would throw this out to the experts. What I'm wondering is what other folks have done to increase security. I'm thinking about some sort of safe, perhaps under the seat or hidden somewhere, perhaps an under floor box (I"ll have to move the spare tire though) and other possibility's. I'd like to really secure the doors from the inside (all except for one I guess) and somehow prevent the smash and grab. So, I'd love to hear some ideas......Arctic Traveller ]]> 4wd Camper Vans Arctic Travelller http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111602-Thinking-about-security Transformer seating solution http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111541-Transformer-seating-solution?goto=newpost Mon, 27 May 2013 23:54:43 GMT A while back I was approached by a member of this forum about a unique seating solution for his van. He wanted a bench seat, a bed and to be able to use the space in the van when not using the seat. After a bunch of ideas and 3D renderings back and forth, we decided on this design… This shows... A while back I was approached by a member of this forum about a unique seating solution for his van. He wanted a bench seat, a bed and to be able to use the space in the van when not using the seat. After a bunch of ideas and 3D renderings back and forth, we decided on this design… This shows one side, there is another seat mounted to the opposite side that completes the full-width bench. Dimensions are roughly 48" x 60" with both seats in flat configuration.
render 1.JPG
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and rendering of the bare seat frame

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When the model was dialed in, parts were ordered and the fabrication got underway. Here are couple teaser shots of the weekend’s progress.

A pile of parts fresh off the waterjet
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some linkage parts
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Fresh steel welds so nicely!
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Folded up, looking at the bottom of the seat
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random shot of fit and detail
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I designed a lot of self-aligning features into the parts to make things go together quickly and it worked out really well. Solidworks is really a great tool for this type of work. Still a lot to do but its turning out pretty good for a prototype. The lie-flat position will need some sort of support for the back of the seat and latch releases won't work out like I had in my head during design but that's all part of the process.
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]]> 4wd Camper Vans mgmetalworks http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111541-Transformer-seating-solution <![CDATA[Did ford equip any SRW E350's with a D70HD or D80?]]> http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111513-Did-ford-equip-any-SRW-E350-s-with-a-D70HD-or-D80?goto=newpost Mon, 27 May 2013 15:23:36 GMT Iv posted this question in another forum without any response so I will try here.. Since the Dana 70U uses the D60 bearings with the only difference being the larger ID on the pinion head bearing bore. And the 70B, you only get the larger pinion head bearing.. But when you compare a D70HD, you... Iv posted this question in another forum without any response so I will try here..

Since the Dana 70U uses the D60 bearings with the only difference being the larger ID on the pinion head bearing bore. And the 70B, you only get the larger pinion head bearing.. But when you compare a D70HD, you get the larger pinion head bearing and the Dana 80 sized carrier bearings.
Its easy to see I would be wasting my time with any axle other than the D70HD or D80 since I own a D60FF already. Im not sure how the wheel bearings changed from each D70 though.

Did any SRW E350's get equipped with the D70HD's or D80's? Or were those only found on dually cutaways before I spend time looking? The problem is that the D70 housing was still listed as a D60 so it has a D60 number. And the same gear cover makes it hard to distinguish from the D60 to someone in a hurry making a personal inspection a necessity.

Thanks ]]> 4wd Camper Vans rebar http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111513-Did-ford-equip-any-SRW-E350-s-with-a-D70HD-or-D80 Thoughts on extended 4x4 Express/Savana van? http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111451-Thoughts-on-extended-4x4-Express-Savana-van?goto=newpost Sat, 25 May 2013 23:56:42 GMT I'm planning to do a year long trip around the country just traveling and seeing the sights and generally doing what I want to do until I get bored. I want to be-able to go to some of the out of the way places along the way and I've been shopping for a good used 4x4 van.

I came across a GMC Savana that is a Qugiley 4x4 conversion and it seems to be in pretty good shape and the price is very good. The problem is it's the extended van and Chevy/GMC actually stretched the wheelbase of the vans rather than add the extra at the back. This has me a bit worried about it easily bottoming out but I was curious what other's thoughts are on this?

If I were to buy the van I'd like go a bit bigger on the tires and maybe a small lift, but I want the van to be practical and not a crazy off road beast. Any thoughts on this? Part of me says buy it because it's a very good deal.. The other part of me says Looooooooong cat is too Looooooooong..
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]]> 4wd Camper Vans DAV!D http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111451-Thoughts-on-extended-4x4-Express-Savana-van So you want to turn your old body style Ford Van into a 4x4? http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111243-So-you-want-to-turn-your-old-body-style-Ford-Van-into-a-4x4?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 02:14:28 GMT Have I got the setup for you! Not sure if I'm breaking rules here but I need to get this out of my garage! Ford Dana 44HD with 4 link that will bolt onto your van. It only needs 2 brackets for the 4 link to frame attachment. I can give dimensions and measurements for these. No way could you do it cheaper I'm thinking. It came off of a 1990 E350 1 Ton IDI diesel Quigley 4x4. Never had any problem with it and it worked great. 3.55 gears/open diff/brakes and rotors are good. I would replace 4 link bushings with ploy bushings. I will not give it away but will deal. posted it here to get attention of 4x4 van crowd. ]]> 4wd Camper Vans VANMAN http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111243-So-you-want-to-turn-your-old-body-style-Ford-Van-into-a-4x4