Spur
Adventurer
A new project has begun:
This:
Is getting the engine from this:
I’ve been researching for a while now, what kind of expedition vehicle I want to build. I've considered an FJ-80, Dodge diesel with a camper top, or using my 2004 Tahoe Z71 I also have a 1992 Dodge 250 12v Cummins sitting in my driveway. It's a great truck. It only has 100k miles, but it's 2wd and the tranny is shot. Thinking about selling my Dodge pickup, it seemed a shame. It has such a great engine. So, I started thinking about a swap. Reading up on the forums, a lot of people are putting the 12v into 80s body style GM trucks. There are even some companies that make the adapter mounts, etc. I began a national search for a ¾ ton 2500 Suburban with 4wd. Not many out there. I only found about 3 in the whole country, but one was in Round Rock. I drove up there today and paid $2,000 cash and drove it home. The drive-train is pretty worn out and so is the suspension, but the body is straight and relatively rust-free. There is a little surface rust on the roof, but that will get repainted.
Most of the mechanical work that needs to be done is over my head. I'm only good for maintenance and light repairs. Luckily, Austin has one of the best custom fab shops in the state. Krawltex. www.krawltex.com Young smart guys who have a lot of experience. Their fab work is beautiful. I’ve had several meetings with them and they’re really excited about the project. I’m hoping they will start tearing it apart next week.
In the end, the goal is to have a large, self-contained vehicle that can take me to S. America and back. It should be reliable and have readily available spare parts. It's large enough that I don't need a RTT or trailer. Plus, it's a freakin' Cummins Suburban!
Update (as of May 3rd, 2010): Truck is drivable. Here is a pic of the truck with all the major mechanical work done. It's a beast!
Below is an updated (Nov 7, 2010) list of everything that has been done and planned projects:
Done:
1. Gut the entire interior, gut the engine compartment
2. 4” Tuff Country suspension lift, repair any broken suspension pieces, weld on and bolt on steering brace, PSC power steering pump
3. Boyce Dana 60 front axle with ARB locker
4. Rebuilt 14 bolt full float rear axle with Detroit locker
5. Undercarriage coated in por 15, paint engine
6. new brake lines, upgraded master cylinder from 1-ton
7. New nv4500 manual transmission
8. Overhaul diesel engine, replace any worn pieces, repair KPD, smaller turbo housing for quicker spooling
9. New Die Hard Platinum battery
10. Replacement 40 gal fuel tank, new fuel lines, new sending unit
11. Rear bumper, swingout tire carrier, and sliders
12. 12,000 lb Warn Winch with synthetic line from Viking
13. Replace all gauges with Autometer, add boost, EGT
14. On-board Air, Viair 450C continuous duty - 2.5 gal tank, outlet at front bumper
15. Custom Kenworth 200 amp alternator
16. New starter
17. New AC system, delete rear AC
18. Boxed frame to support extra weight of Cummins
19. Custom driveshaft
20. 4" exhaust
21. King 2.5" remote reservoir racing shocks on all 4 corners
22. new aluminum radiator
23. Custom switch panel where factory stereo was
24. Lightforce lights on front bumper (two driving lights, two fog lights)
25. Paint exterior
26. BFG AT 37" tires with 17" Mickey Thompson Classic II wheels (6 total, 2 spares)
27. Bilstein Steering Stabilizer
28. Repair driver's seat
29. Refinish grill and headlight bezel
30. Rebuild rear swingout (upgrade to 4x4labs spindles)
31. Repair dash
32. National front springs
33. New Injection Pump, HX35 Turbo, Bosch 190 Injectors
34. Sound deadener and new vinyl flooring
35. Tuffy Center Console
36. New Headliner
To be done:
1. Custom drawer system over entire cargo area
2. expand electrical system - 2nd battery, national luna kit, blue sea fuse panel, new circuit for fridge, etc
3. Water System, Pump, filter, 18 gal tank
4. 12v 60L refrigerator on slider
5. Led lighting
6. Fantastic vent/fan with remote and rain sensor
7. Install stereo (ipod Alpine head unit, 4 speakers, 10" sub)
8. Install mount for MSI Wind netbook
9. Replace upholstery
10. Door panels and trim
This:
Is getting the engine from this:
I’ve been researching for a while now, what kind of expedition vehicle I want to build. I've considered an FJ-80, Dodge diesel with a camper top, or using my 2004 Tahoe Z71 I also have a 1992 Dodge 250 12v Cummins sitting in my driveway. It's a great truck. It only has 100k miles, but it's 2wd and the tranny is shot. Thinking about selling my Dodge pickup, it seemed a shame. It has such a great engine. So, I started thinking about a swap. Reading up on the forums, a lot of people are putting the 12v into 80s body style GM trucks. There are even some companies that make the adapter mounts, etc. I began a national search for a ¾ ton 2500 Suburban with 4wd. Not many out there. I only found about 3 in the whole country, but one was in Round Rock. I drove up there today and paid $2,000 cash and drove it home. The drive-train is pretty worn out and so is the suspension, but the body is straight and relatively rust-free. There is a little surface rust on the roof, but that will get repainted.
Most of the mechanical work that needs to be done is over my head. I'm only good for maintenance and light repairs. Luckily, Austin has one of the best custom fab shops in the state. Krawltex. www.krawltex.com Young smart guys who have a lot of experience. Their fab work is beautiful. I’ve had several meetings with them and they’re really excited about the project. I’m hoping they will start tearing it apart next week.
In the end, the goal is to have a large, self-contained vehicle that can take me to S. America and back. It should be reliable and have readily available spare parts. It's large enough that I don't need a RTT or trailer. Plus, it's a freakin' Cummins Suburban!
Update (as of May 3rd, 2010): Truck is drivable. Here is a pic of the truck with all the major mechanical work done. It's a beast!
Below is an updated (Nov 7, 2010) list of everything that has been done and planned projects:
Done:
1. Gut the entire interior, gut the engine compartment
2. 4” Tuff Country suspension lift, repair any broken suspension pieces, weld on and bolt on steering brace, PSC power steering pump
3. Boyce Dana 60 front axle with ARB locker
4. Rebuilt 14 bolt full float rear axle with Detroit locker
5. Undercarriage coated in por 15, paint engine
6. new brake lines, upgraded master cylinder from 1-ton
7. New nv4500 manual transmission
8. Overhaul diesel engine, replace any worn pieces, repair KPD, smaller turbo housing for quicker spooling
9. New Die Hard Platinum battery
10. Replacement 40 gal fuel tank, new fuel lines, new sending unit
11. Rear bumper, swingout tire carrier, and sliders
12. 12,000 lb Warn Winch with synthetic line from Viking
13. Replace all gauges with Autometer, add boost, EGT
14. On-board Air, Viair 450C continuous duty - 2.5 gal tank, outlet at front bumper
15. Custom Kenworth 200 amp alternator
16. New starter
17. New AC system, delete rear AC
18. Boxed frame to support extra weight of Cummins
19. Custom driveshaft
20. 4" exhaust
21. King 2.5" remote reservoir racing shocks on all 4 corners
22. new aluminum radiator
23. Custom switch panel where factory stereo was
24. Lightforce lights on front bumper (two driving lights, two fog lights)
25. Paint exterior
26. BFG AT 37" tires with 17" Mickey Thompson Classic II wheels (6 total, 2 spares)
27. Bilstein Steering Stabilizer
28. Repair driver's seat
29. Refinish grill and headlight bezel
30. Rebuild rear swingout (upgrade to 4x4labs spindles)
31. Repair dash
32. National front springs
33. New Injection Pump, HX35 Turbo, Bosch 190 Injectors
34. Sound deadener and new vinyl flooring
35. Tuffy Center Console
36. New Headliner
To be done:
1. Custom drawer system over entire cargo area
2. expand electrical system - 2nd battery, national luna kit, blue sea fuse panel, new circuit for fridge, etc
3. Water System, Pump, filter, 18 gal tank
4. 12v 60L refrigerator on slider
5. Led lighting
6. Fantastic vent/fan with remote and rain sensor
7. Install stereo (ipod Alpine head unit, 4 speakers, 10" sub)
8. Install mount for MSI Wind netbook
9. Replace upholstery
10. Door panels and trim
Last edited:
