1997 Ford E-350 UJOR 4x4 :: Featured Classified

There’s something to be said for an overland rig that’s supported by a 44-page Expedition Portal forum build thread. It signifies that the owner is wholly invested in the project and is open to community feedback to create the best possible vehicle. It’s a space for hardcore enthusiasts to share ideas and support each other in creating something truly special. With this in mind, cue today’s 1997 Ford E-350 Ambulance (213,000 miles), which boasts a U-Joint 4×4 conversion, a plethora of desirable modifications, and a full camper conversion. This E-Series was “built-not-bought” and in all regards has been fine-tuned for backcountry adventures. It’s one thing to claim a rig is overland-ready after a few upgrades and local miles, but it’s an entirely different story to have put 128,000 miles of adventure on a rig over a 15-year period. That, my friends, is an unequivocal proof of concept. I’ve owned a live-in Vanagon Syncro for over a decade, and I can’t begin to fathom the parts and accessories I’ve changed or upgraded in that time. It’s not just the big things, but the minute rattles and quirks only identified by putting in your 10,000 hours. You see this throughout today’s build, which has been meticulously curated for optimal performance and comfort in the mountains. Highlights include a bulletproofed and enhanced “million-mile” Power Stroke diesel motor, an upgraded transmission, a huge list of 4WD upgrades, and generous amenities for off-grid living. In addition, it will be sold with recovery gear, tools/spares, kitchenware, Espar diesel coolant pre-heater, and much more. If you’re in the market for a dialed-overland package to hit the road this summer, then look no further.

From the Seller:

“I purchased the base ambulance in 2010 with 85,000 miles; it’s now sitting at 213,000 miles. I had a good run the last 15 years after quitting work too early, and getting in a lot of skiing/sailing/biking, and building cool stuff, including this vehicle. Haven’t been using it very much for the last couple years—primarily to an RV park in Puerto Penasco, Mexico, for a couple of 10-day stretches each spring and fall. Hard to make it stick when ‘retiring’ at age 45, and I’m starting back to work full time in June. Unless somebody snatches it up before then, I plan on being at Expo Flagstaff in May. There’s too much to include in the ad, but I’ve noted the highlights. At some point, everything that bolts to the engine has been replaced. It has a new transmission, a heavy-duty torque converter, billet intermediate internal shaft, Mag-Hytec transmission pan, a transmission cooler sized for a dump truck, and the list goes on. Any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.”

1997 Ford E-350 UJOR 4×4

The E-350 is fitted with the 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel that, in stock form, produces 215 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque (today’s offering has been uprated, full details here). An exceptionally long-lived motor is matched with impressive capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, Dana axles, a lifted and uprated suspension, manual locking front hubs, Tru-Trac rear locker, armor, and 4.88 gears. These rugged backcountry attributes are balanced with a well-equipped interior with driver comforts that include:

Center console with cupholders
Power steering, windows, and locks
Air-conditioning
Cruise control
Premium audio with amplifier, upgraded speakers, and subwoofer
Captain’s chairs
Backup camera
Auxiliary gauges and Scan Gauge

Distinguishing Features

U-Joint Offroad 4×4 conversion (full details here)
Stazworks custom wheels with Toyo M608Z tires (6)
ADS custom shocks, heavy-duty Atlas leaf springs, and air bags (operated from cab)
Custom roof rack with light mount
Climate control via HeatSource furnace, air-conditioning, 120-volt, and MaxxFan
Custom rear bumper
Warn 16.5 winch (not fitted)
House batteries with 280 watts of solar, Tristar MPPT charge controller, Xantrex 2,000-watt inverter/charger, and BlueSea automatic charging relay for house/vehicle batteries
Freshwater (26 gallons)
Engel refrigerator with a full extension slide
Custom “topper” to extend internal headroom to 6 feet, 6 inches, and marine slider windows
Sliding bed support extension that allows a queen-size sleep area (the ambulance box allows sleeping across the back, which drastically increases interior space compared to the Sportsmobile-style vans)
Warn air compressor
Stainless Steel Brake Company discs and calipers, Dana 80 disk brake rear end
Auxiliary 55-gallon fuel tank

This 1997 Ford E-350 UJOR 4×4 is listed for $65,000 OBO and is currently located in Tucson, Arizona. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.