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Old 04-14-2011, 11:26 AM   #1
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new project, like i needed another

here will be my home build. after years of rolling VW syncros (5 to be exact), last one with 230hp subaru 6 cyl, i finally outgrew the platform i think and pulled the trigger on a 97 RB 7.3psd 4x4 econoline with dana 60 F and sterling 10.5 R.

i just took delivery last night, havent even had time to take it out for a spin yet.

plan is poptop (colorado camper van most likely) and convertable interior between people hauler, campin rig, moto van. Syncros just didnt haul 2 motos well without a trailer, i hate trailers and jeep trails.

stay tuned, but will be slow going since i will need to free up some $ first with a syncro sale

picture is dirty from transport, but in my driveway finally
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Old 04-14-2011, 01:49 PM   #2
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Re: new project, like i needed another

I have a 97 passnger van too. Good luck with the project.
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Old 04-14-2011, 02:17 PM   #3
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P.S.

Regrease the hubs with Mobile 1 grease and they will run as coooooooo as ice. You'd be surprised how many 4x4 hub owners run their bearings dry. Mine were also toast when I drove mine home. I replaced the bearings/races, used mobil 1 and they barely get warm on a 100 degree day.

My old were bearings were distorted/oblong/almost dry, but made no difference in ride. I also re-grease mine at 15k to 20k, along with the trans/case etc... Mine has over 200k on it and runs like glass... Also, a 5-star tuner changed the lazy shift points and makes it shift like it has a shift kit. For my V10, I had them flash the computer to have a low rpm intial start-up to save the bearings. The oil pickups in our motors are so long, no wonder they starve at start-up.

GLTA!
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Old 04-14-2011, 07:27 PM   #4
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Re: new project, like i needed another

Is that the syncro in the background? What kind of mileage did it get with the SVX motor? A pop-top SVX syncro should raise a LOT of money for this project!

I'm still considering a syncro if my current van doesn't work out and i find one for a decent price.

Congrats on the new rig, nice specs. Who did the 4x4?

Looks like superduty wheels, but you said the van is a '97? Must have newer axles on it, or hubs anyway?
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Old 04-14-2011, 09:48 PM   #5
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Re: new project, like i needed another

that is the syncro in the background, mileage is between 13-16 especially if you can keep it under 80, it just wants to go. stock syncros are roughly 16-17 though, so worth it for the extra power. i did a 2.2L and a 2.2T syncro a couple years back, they got in the 20-22mpg range

van was recently built with f250-350 axles from 06 and a 3.73 gear ratio. needs some real tires on it
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Old 04-14-2011, 09:53 PM   #6
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Re: new project, like i needed another

Quote:
Originally Posted by coguzzi
...especially if you can keep it under 80, it just wants to go.
You must have put in taller gears. That's what mine needed ('84 2wd with 2.5 subaru). It needed taller gears and sound deadening real bad. The subaru had this whine that was real loud that the vw motor never had. Power was great though, and it'd get over 20mpg.

Sounds like javier builds some cool vans.
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Old 07-31-2011, 12:51 PM   #7
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Re: new project, like i needed another

progress has been made, got house battery installed,

got the moto racks mostly squared away (1 inside and one on the back). although i am going to make the rear rack more structural



running boards replaced the CARR steps since i was afraid my dog would hurt herself, and picked up some Aluminess front and rear bumpers.




got some flares and other goodies to do once this heat wave passes, and the interior build, its progress finally.

oh yeah--im loving this thing but do actually still miss my syncro as well
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Old 07-31-2011, 01:29 PM   #8
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Re: new project, like i needed another

Looks like a nice build going on there. Nice scenery in the background.
Where are you located? I notice the CO plates?

Hopefully you can keep the Syncro unless it needs to be money for the new build.

A place for everything and everything in a place.

We had a 78 Westy for ten years. Let it go earlier this year.
Gathering parts to Westyize the Ford for weekends as well as pulling a tent trailer for longer stays.
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Old 07-31-2011, 02:59 PM   #9
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Re: new project, like i needed another

It's looking very nice. Can't wait to see what you do with the interior.
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Old 07-31-2011, 04:32 PM   #10
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Re: new project, like i needed another

syncro is long gone, sold in 3 days. unfortunately it was a local sale and i see it driving around--boo.

Colorado Camper Van pop top is happening anyday now, then interior will be a winter project more than likely since i need to use it this summer to justify it after all--ha
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