Van Compass Ford Transit Build - 1 TON 4x4 conversion
- Thread starter Van Compass
- Start date
thebigblue
Adventurer
That just right as it is, no need for more steel on it IMO 
Van Compass
Observer
Folding bed is strapped up and working great with a 6" mattress. I used existing holes in the van to add some stainless eye-bolts and home made adjustable straps from our local ace hardware.
Kitchen galley bolted in and TF130 Truck Fridge wired up. 12V switch panel and DC powder added the the galley.
Wife and I took the van out on a weekend trip to Seaside, OR for a little mini vacation 2 weeks ago. Did a little playing on the local beach.
Should have the butcher block counter top on the galley this weekend. Then I can hook up the water system and stove top.
Kitchen galley bolted in and TF130 Truck Fridge wired up. 12V switch panel and DC powder added the the galley.
Wife and I took the van out on a weekend trip to Seaside, OR for a little mini vacation 2 weeks ago. Did a little playing on the local beach.
Should have the butcher block counter top on the galley this weekend. Then I can hook up the water system and stove top.
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Van Compass
Observer
I got my spare tire mounted to the back door last night. Mount is from Trail Tested MFG. I'm interested to see how the door holds up the the weight. Been to busy to make a proper swing out bumper. Maybe this winter.
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Van Compass
Observer
My galley water system is going to be really simple for now. I'm trying to get the van complete before Overland Expo. Two Reliance 5.5 gallon jugs will hold the water for my sink. The sink will drain under the van into another tank.
Added some L-track to the side of the galley to strap the water jugs in place for now. A ratchet strap will be used when they are full of water.
Added some L-track to the side of the galley to strap the water jugs in place for now. A ratchet strap will be used when they are full of water.
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Corneilius
Adventurer
Hey could you pull dimensions on those water jugs for me. I found conflicting info online, my 7 gallons make everything a tight fit with my new toilet. Overall width and overall height would be great. Keep up the great work, vans looking good.
Van Compass
Observer
Measured 19.5 tall, 14.5 wide, 6" deep
Seem bang on to the product description.
https://www.cabelas.com/product/Rel...VyluGCh1SGwYEEAQYBSABEgIzy_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Corneilius
Adventurer
Thanks!!
Van Compass
Observer
I got my galley butcher block top installed this weekend. We found the butcher block on amazon and had a local cnc router cabinet shop cut out the sink and cooktop openings. Water pump is wired up and plumed. Cooktop plumbing and grey water tank under the van will finish things off in the galley for now.
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Van Compass
Observer
We made some ARB 2500 awning hangers that attach to the factory crossbars. Dropped the awning down to the slider door level to make setting up the awing less of a hassle. Mounted one on each side of the van for trade shows and camping trips.
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Van Compass
Observer
Van Compass
Observer
Today we started the process. No turning back from here.
----> 4x4 Transit conversion with F350 super duty axles <------
Looking like it will be a 6-8" lift with 5" of up travel and we plan for 35" tires.
Variables so far:
We know the driver side catalytic converter and crossover pipe will be moved to get the up travel we want.
It's looking like a coil spring with Fox shock will suspend the van. We wanted to do coil overs, but the packaging seems better with a coil/shock combo at this stage.
Rough measuring shows the bottom of the rocker panel pinch seam will be 24" off the ground at ride height on 35s.
Altas 3:1 divorced transfer case is being built now.
We are using axles from a 2007 F350 that we scored on CL for $750 bucks.
----> 4x4 Transit conversion with F350 super duty axles <------
Looking like it will be a 6-8" lift with 5" of up travel and we plan for 35" tires.
Variables so far:
We know the driver side catalytic converter and crossover pipe will be moved to get the up travel we want.
It's looking like a coil spring with Fox shock will suspend the van. We wanted to do coil overs, but the packaging seems better with a coil/shock combo at this stage.
Rough measuring shows the bottom of the rocker panel pinch seam will be 24" off the ground at ride height on 35s.
Altas 3:1 divorced transfer case is being built now.
We are using axles from a 2007 F350 that we scored on CL for $750 bucks.
Van Compass
Observer
We spent the day getting the front axle set up correctly on the stand. Caster and for ride height set. Preliminary wheel travel is looking like 5" up, 5" down.
--> 35" tire shown on the front for ride height reference
--> We have partnered with BDS Suspension on this build. We are using their high clearance, tubular radius arms for Super Duty trucks. This allows us to make the radius arm mounts 6" closer the the frame vs. the stock arms. Also give us caster adjustment if needed.
--> 35" tire shown on the front for ride height reference
--> We have partnered with BDS Suspension on this build. We are using their high clearance, tubular radius arms for Super Duty trucks. This allows us to make the radius arm mounts 6" closer the the frame vs. the stock arms. Also give us caster adjustment if needed.