Recent content by TomsBeast

  1. TomsBeast

    who knows transfer case capacity for express

    The 4l60e Transmission holds 12-13 qts of ATF. Most 4wd trucks have a separate transfer gearcase that holds it's own fluids (typically ATF), but I'm not too familiar with what Chevy did with it's AWD Express vans. Are you changing the transmission's fluid?
  2. TomsBeast

    Adding an intercooler to a 1995 7.3 Diesel Van!

    After changing the length and angle of one of the boost tubes fo a better fit, adding an Autometer gauge pod to the A pillar, repairing some of the underdash mess, trimming and modifying the grill, tweaking the hood latch, and finishing up 32 little things on the list, she's finally alive! Test...
  3. TomsBeast

    Summer of '69- Econoline Poptop Resto-Mod

    Very cool project.... I love the old conversion vans, and yours has a story! Having rescued a few older vehicles myself, I might have suggested a different set of priorities (I like to get them fired up asap, then make my list but you are on the right track.
  4. TomsBeast

    Adding an intercooler to a 1995 7.3 Diesel Van!

    Another custom bracket I'll have to undo 6 screws and pull the assembly off to the side to service the battery, but I can live with that.
  5. TomsBeast

    Adding an intercooler to a 1995 7.3 Diesel Van!

    Battery moved over and the cold side boost tube in place. Now to find a new location for the battery isolator.
  6. TomsBeast

    Adding an intercooler to a 1995 7.3 Diesel Van!

    It's a game of inches... Modifying the passenger side battery tray, so I could slide it over 2-1/4" to gain a little more room on the other side. Design, cut, grind, weld, drill, clean up and paint to match
  7. TomsBeast

    Adding an intercooler to a 1995 7.3 Diesel Van!

    A little thing, but necessary bracket mod, to keep one of the heater hoses out of the way of the spinning pulley. I added a section to the factory bracket, making room for the intercooler cold side boost pipe. I cut the factory bracket apart, added 2" of steel, welded it back together again...
  8. TomsBeast

    Adding an intercooler to a 1995 7.3 Diesel Van!

    Here's the list of Items that needed addressing for this conversion, and my progress: Fit aftermarket intercooler within front bodywork, modify grill, make brackets, cut holes in radiator support for boost tubes, mod hood latch DONE Fit e99 spider, boots, clamps, etc to top of engine DONE...
  9. TomsBeast

    Adding an intercooler to a 1995 7.3 Diesel Van!

    I have to say, the cost of AN fittings and stainless steel braided hose has dropped like a stone... I bought two straight end fittings and 6ft of hose for less than $48 to my door. $20 for the used swap meet breather tank, some steel I had in the shop, I'm in this breather system conversion for...
  10. TomsBeast

    Adding an intercooler to a 1995 7.3 Diesel Van!

    Top pic is the modified factory breather box (on the driver's side valve cover) flipped around so it faces the rear of the van, reinstalled, with -12 AN fittings and stainless steel braided hose. Bottom pic shows the the Moroso breather tank mounted to the drivers side frame rail, mounted as...
  11. TomsBeast

    Ambulance 2wd regear for lower noise and better fuel economy?

    I've played with gearing on several truck camper combinations, gear calculators will get you very close, but the proof is in the driving. I have gone so far as to buy and fit a used a pair of undersize (diameter) rear tires, to simulate my proposed ratio change. It really gave me a good 'feel'...
  12. TomsBeast

    Building custom camper jack legs

    I've been in your shoes, but wound up giving in, and just buying standard hydraulic camper jacks. For their strength, their weight isn't that bad, even with a bad back. If your cabover is lightweight, they used to sell these cable actuated lifting jacks with tripod bases.
  13. TomsBeast

    Adding an intercooler to a 1995 7.3 Diesel Van!

    It's all the little things that take so much time. Recent progress on the project: I got the boost tubes leak checked and a few pinholes weld ed up. Then painted with this ceramic exhaust coating for the inside of pipes, from Eastwood. Exterior with header paint. I may wrap them in header tape...
  14. TomsBeast

    Adding an intercooler to a 1995 7.3 Diesel Van!

    The hot side IC charge pipe is in the way of the oil fill pipe. I din't want to remove the valve cover and modify it, so I made a new oil fill tube. Another piece of the puzzle comes togethe, yesssss !
  15. TomsBeast

    Penthouse pop top swap? Body swap? Suspension/4x4 swap?

    So far as a body swap from one chassis to another: I know a group of guys that did this, they bought a rolled ambulance at auction with a 7.3 Diesel, swapped on a 15 passenger body. They claimed to have done it 'in about a weekend'. But these guys aren't your average Joe's, they had an advanced...
Top