SMB does have 4x4 build information?

[JoeH-SMB]

Axle, Ball joints, Tie Rod ends, Drag Links, Wheel Bearings, and U joints are the same across all model years from what I can tell. Whatever changes have been made were to account for the bigger brakes that came 2008+.

 

[rltilley]

Thank you very much rltilley. Would it be OK if I posted this build sticky thread in the 4x4 forum?

Sorry for the delay...I just saw this. No problem at all posting this.

 

[WanderingBob-SMB]

When I contacted them, they told me they maintain all records by purchaser's last name. So giving them the VIN did nothing.

Sounds like a stupid way to keep records, but that's what I was told. It was a 2wd, so this may not be relevant to you.

I agree whole heartedly! I called and they needed to know the original owners name. I'm the 3rd owner and 2nd had no info at all. So, I had absolutly nothing to go on!

Wandering Bob

 

[gbail]

Weird update on this repair problem:

I recently found an almost 3 month old inquiry from the frustrated member who started thi this thread, asking for info from me about this van as he thought I was the previous owner. And I have no idea why that message never popped up before when I logged onto this forum. Strange....

Anyway, the Problem is I’m not the previous owner!

I’m just wondering how the ownership records could have gotten so messed up with SMB?

Any thoughts or comments?

 

[Kibo]

I may have mis-led him with my link to your forsale ad, but the VIN matches. Was that not your ad, or did you not own the van?

 

[soloalpinist]

Update and will go to new sub forums

Thank you all for the help.

Had the Atlas rebuilt, back up camera installed, new Pioneer audio head unit installed (AVIC-W8400NEX), all fluids changed (went to synthetics).

Did a VIN search and rblaine showed up in this forum. Turns out he is not the e previous owner and just submitted a CL post on this forum. The post did help as I was able to dig deeper and find out the interior was done by SMB TX and the 4x4 by SMB CA.

OK - have lot of chores. Ordered all the following and sitting in my garage until it is warmer for installation. Yakima silver Pro box (off CL for $150), Yakima racks and old style towers (off CL for $200), Renology 160 Watt solar panel, and 30A MPPT controller. Also have tool kit, tire repair kit, rescue kit, jumpers, et al.. in my garage for the Van. To Be Done...have the standard Ford front steel bumper, would like to add winch and fog lights. Looks like it can be done. Think I have original tires from 2013 and want to upgrade wheels and tires. Will look for help for the above issues on sub forums.

Grazie all,
Terry

 

[Ron_Nunan]

When you purchased from them did you get that inspection done from the shop down the street? They charge $150 for that.
I’m curious because I am also looking a van on consignment from them..
Thanks

 

[Ron_Nunan]

Good day,

I am new to the SMB world. Just bought a low mileage 44K, 2013, E350 EB, SMB 4x4 from the SMB Texas site from remote seller. He came down $5K in price. Picked up in MO and drove it back to CO. Noticed the drive was bit more squirrely than it should be, even with the lift. Took it to my local 4x4 mechanic and he did thorough inspection. Came back with front sway bar broken and lots of teeth in the Atlas transfer case. He sent me pictures. Now have Pitman arm issues as well as tie rod bushings. There goes the $5K to make it driveable again.

So, my mechanic calls SMB Texas (interior build) and they direct him to him SMB CA for 4x4 build out information. Took him several calls before he got a call back. He needed to know sway bar and tie rod parts on the build. The sticky on 4x4 builds was not current for 2013 builds. After talking to SMB CA, my mechanic calls me and questions the intelligence, capabilities and family heritage of the SMB CA personnel. My mechanic sent them pictures and ask for build sheet for my van. SMB CA said they did not have it and do not recognize components on the build. Atlas case is easy and ordered an Atlas case rebuild. Shout out to Hellwig. Kevin looked at pictures and said it was not their sway bar, but 99% confident he has a replacement and sending 2 without any money upfront.

OK, reaching out to the forum members to give me the truth in case my mechanic got a schmo on the line. Is it true SMB does not keep record of 4x4 builds (could seem like a huge liability issue)? If my mechanic got a schmo, is there a better guy to contact at SMB CA for 4x4 build information?

Grazie mille

Sent you a PM about SMBT....