Introducing myself and my new (to me) SMB… Griswold

I’ll start with a little bit about myself. I am from New York originally. I moved from Tennessee to Northern California two years ago when I transitioned from the military to a job in Tech. Being new to California, my wife and I (mostly me) figured we needed a SMB to help us explore.

Griswold is a 2008 2wd, 6.0, EB, PH with just under 19k miles and a custom floor plan: 4x captain chairs, 4x center facing seats, and a rear kitchen.

Gris had been with SMB Austin since March of 2013. I followed the listing for a while but waited until September to initiate the conversation. I assume it was with SMB for so long because it has somewhat of a funky floor plan and is without propane, heat, or hot water. As a result of this, I made the purchase in November for a good amount less than they were asking.

Now for what comes next… I have broken the work I plan to do into three phases.

Phase I: 6.0 preventative maintenance – EGR cooler upgrade, scangauge, and EGT gauge. I am also going to have the turbo cleaned and have the fuel pressure regulator springs and fuel filter replaced.

Phase II: Creature comforts – I am thinking solar panels as well as an outdoor shower. I also have to figure something out for heat and hot water. I was leaning towards having the work done at SMB but plan to checkout Personalized Vans in San Jose first.

Phase III: 4x4 – I have been talking to Chris at UJOR (He has been great). I am undecided on the particulars except that I am going to go with his 6” kit. The plan is to do the conversion with a group of friends that have an off-road race team and the tools and facilities that go along with it. On as side note, I recently discovered that I have a 4.10 LSD semi float axle (thanks Ray), which I was pumped to learn.

I discovered this forum 4 years ago and am excited to finally introduce myself as a SMB owner. The forum has already been an unbelievable source of information and I look forward to all there is to learn as I start to improve Griswold.

Thanks,
Pat

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griswold? wot?

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"What'$ that funny noi$e?

Nice build, keep the upgrades going and the pics flowing.

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2006 E350 6.0PSD 5R110, SMB 4X4, RB-50, ARB lockers front/rear, Aluminess galore, AMP steps.
Callsign KK6GIY

So instead of a pool you bought an SMB with your xmas bonus.

The fun begins!

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Steven McKenzie
Madison, WI
2013 E350 EB-44, V10 6.8ltr
Toyo LT285/70 R17

Welcome! Nice van! Where were you in TN?

I saw Griswold last week .. it is sweet! Its nicely done and real clean. Welcome to the money pit ..

Ray

Welcome to the fold and I like the walk through design

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Kelly, Claudine, Sophie dog, Bell the redheaded step child and Gooseberry RIP.

Most the time the Copilot is Now Sophie dog the noise maker.

2000 7.3 PS Quigley/RB30 with a 6 window poptop.

Sorry, it looks more like the Family Truckster than Griswold.

Welcome aboard.

Since Ray has seen your van you must be in the San Jose area? I'm in Santa Clara.

Mike

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Alaska to Key West, Labrador and more
Prostate cancer survivor. See Thread Prostate cancer and Sportsmobiles
2015 VW GTI 2020 Fiat 124 Spider
2012 E250 Hitop camper

Thanks for the welcomes..

86Scotty,
- I was stationed at Ft Campbell and lived in Clarksville, TN.

Mike,
- I am indeed living in the San Jose area (Saratoga to be more specific). Being that you live in Santa Clara and have a 6.0, I would love to know if you have had a good experience with a diesel shop in the area. The closest I have been able to find is Left Coast Diesel in Livermore.

Here area few more pics. I hope to start showing some modifications when I post pictures next.

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Cool, I have never seen that floor plan. Do you know what floor plan # it is?

Oh, edit, never mind. I see you said it was custom.