Ford E350 7.3 IDI mods, Uhaul Monster Camper Van?

[UhaulerNavistar]

Howdy Folks...just registered!


Anyone out there ever take an old Uhaul Box truck (1990) and convert it into a 4x4 RV for off road camping expeditions?

Wondering how expensive and much work it would be to go from the stock automatic tranny and dually rear axle drive train.....to adding a transfer case with front wheel drive (ZF5)?

Likewise, anyone take a naturally aspirated 7.3 IDI Navistar and aftermarket upgrade it with the Banks Turbo? I know the motors are slightly different: http://www.dieselhub.com/idi/7.3-idi.html


All thoughts and knuckle busting wisdom appreciated!

 

[6gun]

If you're talking about an E350/450 then you need go no farther than U-Joint Off Road conversion kit. If you're talking about an MDT there are several options including the hydraulic wheel motors that do not require lifting the truck any, they just kick in when extra traction needed. If you're wanting true off-road capability in an MDT you'd be miles ahead to find a truck that was already 4X4 and swap the U-Haul box onto it. Or at least rob the parts off the 4X4 for your conversion. My opinions are worth every penny you paid.

 

[cabnetguy]

There are a few guys that have built rigs from u-haul trucks that have threads here on expo. Here are a couple

Ulysses the Uhaul - Strategic Surf Assault Vehicle project build

Hey everyone, been lurking around here for a long time gleaning inspiration and information from all of you guys for my own build. Been meaning to put a thread together for it for a while now, and finally getting around to it. First off, just want to say a huge thanks to sarconcepts (Bullet...

expeditionportal.com

and

building the Bullet XV

I'm early in the construction of, what I initially though was going to be a pretty extreme 4x4 expedition vehicle, then I started looking around on these threads! what I'm designing & building will be primarily designed for domestic travel, (USA, Canada & Mexico), designed for the way my wife &...

www.expeditionportal.com

What chassis are you using? If it the e-350 cut-away, U-Joint kits if I remember right are for 1992 and newer vans.
I have a 1994 e-350 17' U-haul with an 7.3 IDI that I am getting ready to start. I can't justify the money for a 4x4 conversion so I will be going with weldtec's lift kit and a locker in the rear. Weldtec also has a lift kit that will work on your generation of truck if it is a van based chassis.
There are lots of guys on here with an incredible amount of knowledge that can help you out.

Looking forward to watching your build!

 

[wanderer-rrorc]

I put a banks aftermarket turbo kit on my IFI 6.9 same kit I think. Upgraded the injection pump from moose over on Oilburners dot net they also have a,FB page...hands down best IDI resource on the internet!!

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

 

[Ole Chipper]

Might I suggest you look for a newer box van. Stay with the 7.3l just look for a newer 2000-2003. Have a couple IDI f350's and the newer motor is well worth the investment. Snagged this little beauty for less then 1k. 16' 2001 E450.

 

[jonathon]

What are you wanting out of it? The 7.3 IDI is a good engine but there isn’t much out there for them as far as power adders and they are slugs. Easy to keep running, just be aware of block worm as the IDI engines seem to be more susceptible to it. They start easy until you get bad glow plugs or leaking injector caps.

I had a 6.9 with a Banks Turbo kit. It did very well, but guzzled diesel due to having 4.10 gears and a C6 transmission. My best tank was 13 all interstate. Super easy to work on though, changed a water pump and radiator on the side of the road. The injector caps were a dumb design but at least simple to repair. The Stanadyne injection pumps aren’t the most durable unless you run some additives regularly, it’s been forever and I can’t remember what I used. My grandfather has a 7.3 with a ZF5 behind it that he’s had since new. 240k and nothing but a water pump, couple radiators, and a set of injectors. Always runs Napacool and a fuel additive. Still surprises me he’s on his original injection pump. He gets 20-22 MPG pretty regularly but it’s no PSD and is a slug.