UJOR Build Thread

[ujoint]

Howdy Chris, first off incredible work on all these rigs and I am very impressed and interested in your kit. I am definitely a few years out on a build, but your products have got the wheels turning. I have done leaf spring solid axle swaps on my 1997 Dodge 2500 Cummins and on my 1996 Toyota Tacoma both using 1979 Ford Dana 60's and without a kit. I like the idea of purchasing something that I know will work instead of all the headaches and hassle of figuring it out myself. Caster, steering, etc all were issues that I encountered and since resolved. I had a 1997 F250 with the 7.3 Powerstroke before my Cummins that I liked, so my ideal van would be a E250-350 7.3 Diesel probably with the extended body. I realize your kits are designed for the 99-2003ish Dana 50's and 60's but wonder if you have ever used or considered the late 80's to early 90's Kingpin Dana 60's in the F350's. I did some research and it looks like the 99 style Dana 60 has spring perch centers at 38" and the KP 60 is 36.5" I don't know if there is a possibility the KP 60 could be adapted to your kit? Personally I am a big fan of kingpin knuckles over ball joints and there is no need for a free spin kit with the older style KP 60. I am not worried about losing ABS and would probably swap in a Sterling axle or even a 14 bolt out back. My other question involves the possible use of a divorced t-case such as a NP 205. I assume the issue becomes length and interference with the fuel tank? I apologize if these answers have been addressed elsewhere and once again I love your work
Thanks
Jake

Thanks very much! I truly love what I do. I use the 99-04's for a few reasons, but there's nothing wrong with a good ol bombproof kingpin axle. My 1st van had a kingpin 60 & it was great. You're 100% correct on the spring pad width difference. I recently re did the suspension on a Quigley van that had a 36.5" ball joint 60, and it wasn't difficult, just had to fabricate a pass side spring perch & move the drivers side out. I don't consider it ideal because of the cast in spring perch on the d side, but we did what we had to do.

If you use my kit with the 86-91 axle, the spring hangers will be the only part that works. Everything else is made to work with the 99-04, so there will be some part hunting involved. Just for an example, the drag link adjuster will be too short. I have these machined to the proper length for my conversions since the van frame is wider than the trucks that the steering is made for. Little things like this may or may not be a headache to you.

I understand the strength of a kingpin axle, but there's nothing wrong with a ball joint for these van applications. The ball joints & unit bearings last well over 100K, and failures are pretty uncommon.

The 14 bolt can't be used in the van because of the rear axle VSS sensor... (had one in my 78 van)

You nailed the divorced t-case problem, not enough room. The fuel tank needs to be shortened for every van conversion (my kit looses 3 gallons) so there simply isn't enough room for a divorced case.

Hope this info helps you plan the build, let me know if you have any other questions!

[ujoint]

Here are a couple pics from some customers. V3 just returned from a trip to the Boundary Waters of MI, and Mark in PA recently went wheelin with the Quigley boys!

[blakeape]

Thanks very much! I truly love what I do. I use the 99-04's for a few reasons, but there's nothing wrong with a good ol bombproof kingpin axle. My 1st van had a kingpin 60 & it was great. You're 100% correct on the spring pad width difference. I recently re did the suspension on a Quigley van that had a 36.5" ball joint 60, and it wasn't difficult, just had to fabricate a pass side spring perch & move the drivers side out. I don't consider it ideal because of the cast in spring perch on the d side, but we did what we had to do.

If you use my kit with the 86-91 axle, the spring hangers will be the only part that works. Everything else is made to work with the 99-04, so there will be some part hunting involved. Just for an example, the drag link adjuster will be too short. I have these machined to the proper length for my conversions since the van frame is wider than the trucks that the steering is made for. Little things like this may or may not be a headache to you.

I understand the strength of a kingpin axle, but there's nothing wrong with a ball joint for these van applications. The ball joints & unit bearings last well over 100K, and failures are pretty uncommon.

The 14 bolt can't be used in the van because of the rear axle VSS sensor... (had one in my 78 van)

You nailed the divorced t-case problem, not enough room. The fuel tank needs to be shortened for every van conversion (my kit looses 3 gallons) so there simply isn't enough room for a divorced case.

Hope this info helps you plan the build, let me know if you have any other questions!

Thanks for the reply. That answers my questions very well.
Jake

[ujoint]

The SMB teardown has begun, front suspension is now on the shop floor. Tomorrow I'll continue with the teardown & drill the front spring hangers. I'm still waiting for some parts, so progress will be a little slow this week.....

[ben2go]

What happens to the junk old front end parts?I maybe looking for radius arms,radius arm brackets,frame shock mounts,and upper/lower spring mounts.I may take the entire front end just in case I need more.

[BIGVAN]

Thanks for this thread Chris!!!

[ujoint]

What happens to the junk old front end parts?I maybe looking for radius arms,radius arm brackets,frame shock mounts,and upper/lower spring mounts.I may take the entire front end just in case I need more.

As long as he doesn't want it, you can take it away. I'll let ya know----

Thanks for this thread Chris!!!

No problem!

[ben2go]

As long as he doesn't want it, you can take it away. I'll let ya know----

Thanks,Chris.You da man.

[ujoint]

I've used these wheels on several vans, and I've decided to start keeping them in stock. The wheels are steel, have a nice clean look, and they're a great low price option for van conversions. Here are the specs: 16x7, 4.25" Backspacing, 8 on 170mm pattern. I have them powder coated in the same black texture that I use for everything else, so they match up great. Price is $120ea, I currently have 5 in stock with more on the way.

[ujoint]

Spring hangers are powder coated & installed, shackle sleeves & upper shock mounts are welded in place, time for some springs & an axle! The springs are due to arrive tomorrow, so it will be an exciting day. I always get pumped up the 1st time a van hits the ground!