lwb 5.8 4x4 swap?

[Mwood]

hey guys.
has anybody done a 4x4 swap on a lwb with a 351 windsor(5.8L)?
Im looking for input on the driveability with a 351 after a 4x4 swap.

I really like the layout of the early 90's lwb rb50(?) with the two rear benches that fold into a big bed. there are a few in my price range with the 5.8.
the thing is they dont make a ton of torque and the transmissions apparently arent great. whatever van i get I need to 4x4 swap, and Id like to start with something that wont be hell to drive afterward.

if anyone has 4x4 swapped a van with a 351 Id love to hear your feelings about gearing and power.

Best
Mitch

[dhally]

We had a Windsor and it sucked gas with 2wd.

[UJOINT]

We've done several over the years, give them lower gears and good to go.

[Mwood]

Originally Posted by dhally

We had a Windsor and it sucked gas with 2wd.

thanks for the info. sounds like people are getting low teens on the fwy and about 10 in town is that what you got?

[Mwood]

Originally Posted by UJOINT

We've done several over the years, give them lower gears and good to go.

thanks so much for sharing.
do you remember any specific ratios you liked?

Mitch

[UJOINT]

Not sure, I don't get MPG feedback.

For a 35" tire we'd run a 4.56 gear.

[Mwood]

thanks again

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by Mwood

thanks for the info. sounds like people are getting low teens on the fwy and about 10 in town is that what you got?

That's likely a bit optimistic for freeway.....10 in town probably about right.

There are a few threads here about gas milage....do a search.

I have a 2008 RB with a 5.4L and 4WD with 285's and I get 12-ish mpg. Maybe a little more if I drive 55mph which never happens. My van weighs around 8700 lbs.

It had 3.73 gearing and the van was pretty anemic climbing grades out west; re-geared to 4.10's much better and mileage not impacted meaningfully.

[dhally]

Originally Posted by Mwood

thanks for the info. sounds like people are getting low teens on the fwy and about 10 in town is that what you got?

We had a Clubwagon, got 12-13 mpg on the road. Can't remember what it was towing, maybe 11.

[posplayr]

Originally Posted by boywonder

That's likely a bit optimistic for freeway.....10 in town probably about right.

There are a few threads here about gas milage....do a search.

I have a 2008 RB with a 5.4L and 4WD with 285's and I get 12-ish mpg. Maybe a little more if I drive 55mph which never happens. My van weighs around 8700 lbs.

It had 3.73 gearing and the van was pretty anemic climbing grades out west; re-geared to 4.10's much better and mileage not impacted meaningfully.

This is apples and oranges but the key part is the 285's. I want to put 285/70-17 (33") KO2s on a 2000 E350 V10 with a Raised 14" roof but it has 2WD 3.73 gears. I'm planning to do a moderate (2") of lifting with springs and spacers and do whatever I need to cut the front fenders to fit.

If I fail I can go back to 265/70-17

Will the V-10 be able to make it happen? I know the 4WD really can use the extra power so it seems the 3.73 should be fine all except the steepest climbs.

Those are not mounted 17" wheels and def not 285's. There are 255/60-17 of my wrecked E350 RB.