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Old 12-28-2010, 11:54 AM   #11
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Re: Seeking advice on 2006 Ford E350

Why bother with a Diesel? The life cycle cost will most likely be less with a 5.4L considering your estimated annual milage. $35 oil changes every 7500 miles and spark plugs every 100K is hard to beat even if fuel economy might be a bit less.

Even better would be the gorgeous 1994 SMB in the classifieds. $22k will leave you $28K for traveling.

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Old 12-28-2010, 05:03 PM   #12
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Re: Seeking advice on 2006 Ford E350

Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb
I know SMB will put a top on a used van but will they do a conversion on a used vehicle?
Dave
I spoke with Alan and SMB will convert used vans. 4X4 conversions will only be done on new vans.

I am pretty set on getting Advanced do the 4X4 conversion, they will convert used vans. Budget $12k-$13k.

Don't get me wrong, I could afford to buy a new SMB but in this economy I would prefer to keep as much money in my pocket as possible in case things get worse. I have never bought a new vehicle because the used market is full of great deals. I am willing to pay a company like SMB to do a conversion because I know my $$$ will contribute to the local economy and local labor.
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Old 12-29-2010, 04:51 AM   #13
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Re: Seeking advice on 2006 Ford E350

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tapatio
4X4 conversions will only be done on new vans.
Really? I was at SMB west in early December making my appt for the penthouse and was told that it could be done at any time. I might have to call for clarification....
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Old 12-29-2010, 08:12 AM   #14
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Re: Seeking advice on 2006 Ford E350

I own a Ford and I would like to buy another. However, there are too many stories of poor customer service on those 6.0 powerstrokes for me to be comfortable. And if they eventually fixed them in 2006, I'm not sure whether this van has the upgrades or not. If not, it may be a very costly repair. With your expected mileage, gas seems like the better option.
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Old 12-29-2010, 10:51 PM   #15
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Re: Seeking advice on 2006 Ford E350

Quote:
Originally Posted by SMBnoob
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tapatio
4X4 conversions will only be done on new vans.
Really? I was at SMB west in early December making my appt for the penthouse and was told that it could be done at any time. I might have to call for clarification....
1. check first before you buy (don't want to be stuck with an unconvertible van)
2. if you don't like the answer call back and ask again
3. going used might be less expensive to go to an independent offroad shop that is capable of custom builds
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Old 12-30-2010, 08:21 PM   #16
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Re: Seeking advice on 2006 Ford E350

Quote:
Originally Posted by jage
Quote:
Originally Posted by SMBnoob
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tapatio
4X4 conversions will only be done on new vans.
Really? I was at SMB west in early December making my appt for the penthouse and was told that it could be done at any time. I might have to call for clarification....
1. check first before you buy (don't want to be stuck with an unconvertible van)
2. if you don't like the answer call back and ask again
3. going used might be less expensive to go to an independent offroad shop that is capable of custom builds
My email:

To: info@sportsmobile.com
Subject:*
Hi,


I'm just trying to get clarification on the 4x4 conversion you guys offer. I
was there in early December to put my deposit down and make an appt for your
penthouse top. In talking to Jonathan, I was informed that my that the used '08
E-350 EB I just recently purchased could be converted to 4x4 at any time. In
one of the forums (sportsmobileforum.com), some one else stated that he was
told by Alan that 4x4 conversions could only be done to new vehicles. Can a
used '08 be converted to 4WD? What is the correct answer?


Thanks,
Allen

The reply:

Allen,
*
Yes, we are currently converting 2008 thru
2011 E-350 chassis with our 4x4 conversions. Jonathan is correct and the person
on the forum is not .* We do need the chassis with the sliding door, and if it
does not have the 4.10 axle, we can change it, but need the 4.10 ratio.
*
If you could, please post the correct info
to the forum if you would.
*
Thanks,* Alan

The correction to his reply is that they CAN'T convert the vans with the sliding door because the door won't clear the wider wheel base in the rear.
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Old 12-30-2010, 08:51 PM   #17
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Re: Seeking advice on 2006 Ford E350

Just be aware that SMB (at each manufacturing site) may, and have changed their policies in the past. They may be willing to make exceptions depending on each situation, so it's always best to call them for the correct information.
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Old 12-31-2010, 08:06 PM   #18
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Re: Seeking advice on 2006 Ford E350

Quote:
Originally Posted by SMBnoob
The correction to his reply is that they CAN'T convert the vans with the sliding door because the door won't clear the wider wheel base in the rear.
I think it's Quigley [edit: Quadvan?] that has the door hanger extension, but they won't let anyone else install one.

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=3610&hilit=sliding+door+brack et

I can't believe it's that complex.
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Old 12-31-2010, 08:40 PM   #19
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Seeking advice on 2006 Ford E350

Quadvan definitely has an extension for the slider to clear Bushwacker flares. However, as of my build process (late 2009), they wouldn't do it for someone else's conversion.
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Old 01-03-2011, 12:18 PM   #20
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Re: Seeking advice on 2006 Ford E350

I purchased the van yesterday. My wife and I met Alan and his wife Liz at the San Diego car show on Saturday. Liz did a great job of convincing my wife that a SMB van was perfect for our lifestyle. We are scheduling to have the conversion started this April. 4X4 will be added towards the end of 2011, still debating who will do the conversion.

Thanks for everyone's help and input. It's always good to get informed opinions before jumping into a large project like this. I'll keep everyone abreast of our progress and I hope to contribute to this forum and community in the future.

Thanks,
Ron
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