Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 04-24-2020, 04:49 PM   #1
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: California
Posts: 33
Hello: 2004 SMB converting gas to diesel

Hello Everyone,

I have been watching and enjoying the forum for some time. I was trying to find a diesel, 4x4 in good shape, and in budget, in my area without success. So recently I purchased a 2004 SMB E250 5.4 gasoline 2wd van, and with the help of my local diesel shop am going to convert it to a 6.0 diesel with a Timberline 4x4 DIY kit.

The original van's interior and body are in good condition and was local. The donor truck, a 2006 Ford F350 6.0 diesel 4x4, was a craigslist find, not so local.

The 6.0 diesel motor is currently being rebuilt and today the 5.4 gas engine left the vehicle.

I look forward to hearing input from others and sharing the process as we go forward.

Jeff

Jeff94598 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2020, 04:56 PM   #2
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: California
Posts: 33
Photos

Here are the photos.
Attached Thumbnails
The before picture gas 2wd.jpg   Donor truck.jpg   Van without motor.jpg  
Jeff94598 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2020, 05:02 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
1der's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 3,284
Very cool. Are you doing any bulletproofing to the 6.0 while rebuilding it?
__________________
Ray
Beastie 3: 2002 7.3 EB Cargo: Agile TTB, CCV High Top, Custom Walk Through, Lots of stuff added. www.BlingMyRig.com
1der is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2020, 05:21 PM   #4
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: California
Posts: 33
Yes,we will be doing the bullet proof system to the new motor. However I will have to admit that my technical knowledge is limited to handing my credit card to Jason over at Devil Mountain Diesel. Luckily for me they have lots of experience.
Jeff94598 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2020, 05:39 PM   #5
Site Team
 
BroncoHauler's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern New Mexico
Posts: 10,179
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff94598 View Post
...Luckily for me they have lots of experience.

With diesels, or with credit cards?



Wow, you're going all in, that's for sure. Do you have an history on the donor, or were you at least able to see and hear it run?




Herb
__________________
SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
BroncoHauler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2020, 05:48 PM   #6
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: California
Posts: 33
Hi Herb,

I guess I'll find out about that experience question ??, I'm fortunate to have had them work on my two diesel Ford trucks for many years.

The donor truck did not run, it turned over but would not start. The only history I got was that the weeds it was parked in were a foot tall so it had not moved in some time.
Jeff94598 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2020, 05:55 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
1der's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 3,284
Lol! I understand the CC “technical” skill set!

You are local Bay Area, nice. Devil Mtn Diesel has a good reputation and knowledge. Are you headed down the 4x4 track as well?
__________________
Ray
Beastie 3: 2002 7.3 EB Cargo: Agile TTB, CCV High Top, Custom Walk Through, Lots of stuff added. www.BlingMyRig.com
1der is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2020, 06:01 PM   #8
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: California
Posts: 33
Are you headed down the 4x4 track as well?

Ray,

Yes we are going to be using the Timberline 4x4 DIY package. We received it a couple of weeks ago from Colorado. Currently working on the motor, transmission swap. Then we'll tackle the 4x4 conversion.
Jeff94598 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2020, 07:56 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Denver Colorado
Posts: 820
Welcome Jeff, cool project keep us posted as you go and remember.
Lilnuts2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-25-2020, 04:12 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
marret's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: FL and VA
Posts: 1,953
Garage
Welcome, cool project. Look forward to following along.
__________________
Chris
2008 GMC 3500 Quigley Weldtec 4x4 Savana SMB
marret is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sportsmobile SIP or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:35 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.