97 E150 Conversion Mark III -- 4x4 camper van

[JWA]

Interesting project for sure----very ambitious to be certain. The approach of DIY with the readily available but somewhat undesirable E150 chassis completely blows me away---I thought the frame differences would pretty much rule out this sort of upgrade.

Learn something new every day.


Also looking forward to the progress.

[jydog]

Thanks, I figure it will suit my needs. The most I plan to tow with it is a small camper trailer less than 2000 lbs. I'm just a little concerned with the height of it though. Turned out a lot taller than I wanted. What is the average sportsmobile ground clearance measurement? I use the lightest f350 front springs I could find and it still sits pretty high. Anyone have a measurement on hand for me? I did a search and just haven't found anyting.

[BajaSportsmobile]

What did you do to the frame cross member to clearance the front differential and axle housing - that is what will ultimately determine how low you can have it?

What will it bottom out on now, did you make bump stop landing pads?

Originally Posted by jydog

Thanks, I figure it will suit my needs. The most I plan to tow with it is a small camper trailer less than 2000 lbs. I'm just a little concerned with the height of it though. Turned out a lot taller than I wanted. What is the average sportsmobile ground clearance measurement? I use the lightest f350 front springs I could find and it still sits pretty high. Anyone have a measurement on hand for me? I did a search and just haven't found anyting.

[unimogdave]

Whats your plan on the transmission and transfer case? Fuel tank cut down. More photos Please. I like that you have caster adjustment on your swing arms. Looks great....Dave

[jydog]

I cut the cross member and bent the lip up and re welded it. This photo shows how much I cut out. It looks like the original bump stops will hit the same spot on the axle that the F250 bump stops did




I havent even thought about the transfer case yet. I plan to keep it gas and maybe upgrade it to a 5.4 one of these days so I have that in mind with my transmission / transfer case selection

[jydog]

My measurements are 20" of clearance from the bottom of the van body to the ground and 3.25 from the top of the front axle to the crossmember just for comparison if anyone has any to compare to this I would appreciate it.

[jydog]

Cost so far:
1500 Van sourced - craigslist
lift - CCV
750 arms,
350 brackets,
125 track bar mount

80 - W code springs from f350 - salvage yard
325 04 rear 3.73 full floater from F350 - craigslist
350 06 front3.73 dana 60 from a f250 - lkq salvage

100 - e350 master cylinder - amazon
125 - stainless brake lines - summit racing
130 - rear brake rotors - amazon

100 Bilstien shocks front - ebay
160 Bilstien shocks rear - ebay

100 Bilstien steering stabilizer shocks - summit racing
130 Pro comp dual steering stabilizer brackets - amazon
100 drag link and coupler - amazon

4165 so far

[k9lestat]

Very nice

[bunce1260]

Originally Posted by jydog

Cost so far:
1500 Van sourced - craigslist
lift - CCV
750 arms,
350 brackets,
125 track bar mount

80 - W code springs from f350 - salvage yard
325 04 rear 3.73 full floater from F350 - craigslist
350 06 front3.73 dana 60 from a f250 - lkq salvage

100 - e350 master cylinder - amazon
125 - stainless brake lines - summit racing
130 - rear brake rotors - amazon

100 Bilstien shocks front - ebay
160 Bilstien shocks rear - ebay

100 Bilstien steering stabilizer shocks - summit racing
130 Pro comp dual steering stabilizer brackets - amazon
100 drag link and coupler - amazon

4165 so far

Following for progress, interested in saving a few $ and doing this myself.

[jydog]

Tagged and driving with new wheels now. Mickey Thompson 17x9s off craigslist 285/70/17 Dick cepek tires. Time to work on the inside. would like to add a front winch bumper, swing out spare tire holder and generator box for the rear with a bike rack.