I bought a Ford

I am real big into mountain biking, specifically DH and Enduro disciplines. I spend about 5mo/yr on my bikes in various locations, trying to spend multiple days in each place to maximize the fun. Until recently I tent camped out of my MR2 because the Tahoe was in the body shop(before that it was day trips with my G8 or car pooling with friends). Fast forward 2yrs and ~$15k in paint work and weather seals and body restoration on the Tahoe, and I'm understandably a little weary of taking it too deep in the woods. I used to not care, and would just hit trees, rocks, shrubs: fug it, but after paint and resto... nah.

Well, I have a serious girlfriend who has a 65lb pup, and they love to be outside too. I thought long and hard about what to do to include them in my travels to the mountains. Thought about roof top tents, pop ups, travel trailers, light weight single axle campers, 2500 Suburban: etc.

Then I was introduced to these Fords. I work for the company that performed the maintenance on these rigs, and when I learned they were going to auction, I couldn't help myself but day dream about owning one. So I followed them to auction and now I own a Ford. Scary, I know.

I really wanted a 7.3, because who doesn't. But the 7.3s went for a good bit more, had more miles and the interiors weren't as complete. So I have a lower mile 6.0. Not unlike Ford, it has some issues. Right now has a low oil pressure condition that is likely HPOP related. Typical 6.0.

Plans are to delete it, coolant filter, solve the oil pressure issues, basic fluids and filters and start working on what it needs to be more useful as a camp/expedition rig. Wanna build a swing out spare, do onboard water with heater, interior heating and cooling, solar, awning, roof rack, lighting, bike storage and pupper space.

Details on the van
2004 E-350, custom upfitted
Salem Kroger 4x4, leaf spring D60, legit 4wd 5R110W with 271. Sterling rear not sure of ring gear yet
IPD sway bars, Rancho 9000 shocks, limit straps and 4 wheel disc. Lifted some, currently on 31s.
6.0 with some health problems
180k mi
4x4 diesel van with a bunk and cargo containment!

Eventually it will end up with a coil spring front end, 33s and a rear locker, but for now I plan to just drive it.

What are some good diesel forums? Because I have a lot to learn. If I can't save this 6.0, I'll just put in a Chevy 6.0 with a TVS and we all know what a successful recipe that is. Would like the economic advantage of diesel, but don't wanna go for broke on this Ford 6.0.





some more pics of the van:
https://auctionsouthwest.hibid.com/l...-4x4---179-566

Thank you man! I will have to watch some of his videos on the PC, cell data is throttling me and I can't get them to load. He has a ton of videos, bet I'll learn something

My bumpers are 3/16" steel. The rear has 3 storage compartments but I didn't score the key to the locks. I'll have to get one made or maybe someone at work has one laying around. The front is winch ready, but the winches are reused on the replacements of these vehicles, so I'll be tossing a 12k back on it some time.

After fees I paid $10,725. About half of what any 4x4 van is listed for on eBay, and about 1/5 of what a Sportsmobile costs used.

Yeah its got some 6.0 problems, but I walked into so much equity with it, I can "afford" to fix the engine that's in it. Currently need to learn what parts are good to buy and which are crap. All the companies I know and trust (like TSP for example) aren't 6.0 Ford vendors. Dammit lol.

*wary