Ford Build Thread: FrED the Ford. '98 E350 7.3 4x4 The More We Explore's Adventure Van

[TRD270]

Starting to think Steve is vampire, he's working on the van about the same time he always rolls into camp

 

[TJDukit]

Just saw this on Facebook and made me think of you.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I'll be dropping FrED off at Gilette this week to get an oil leak fixed, and get a general tune-up to make sure he's road-worthy for a long time.

 

[Bart]

Good choice on Gilette.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I chose Gilete because of your recommendation. I trust your advice, and I appreciate the recommendation.

 

[johngottfredson]

While you're there, ask them if G and R Diesel is basically the same shop as Gillette. Everyone will have a good chuckle and enjoy that conversation

 

[sixstringsteve]

I got the van back from Gilette. It took a week, but they replaced the rear main seal, and my rig shouldn't leak anymore. I dealt with Kris, who is a super nice guy. I was really happy with their customer service, their willingness to answer my questions, and their prices. Super great guys.

They talked me out of chipping the van, or even getting extra gauges. They gave it a good look-over and said I have a solid rig that shouldn't need anything for a LONG time. I'm a very happy customer, and I would use them again in a heartbeat.

 

[Bart]

Glad to hear they worked out for you. I heard them offer cheaper solutions the couple of times I was there and was really impressed. They know their diesel customer well.

 

[sixstringsteve]

it's one of the few mechanics shops I've been to that had customer service and project management skills. I didn't feel like I was talking to an ex-con, which was nice. They actually knew how to talk to people, how to listen, and how to communicate with me.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

That's awesome. By the way, don't go to the Meineke in Layton. You are talking to ex-cons and they will treat you like crap.

 

[Hardcastle]

Your van looks awesome. Hopefully you two can get on the road soon.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Thanks Gordon. I'm loving this van, super happy with it. This weekend I'll attempt to apply the decals we got. It's going to look great.

 

[Gravy]

I'm glad you did a video on the ball joints.
I just did them on the pass side of my super duty about 2 weeks ago.
I did mine last in 2011, but cutting the balljoint idea saved me a bunch of time.
I was able to pull the knuckle and press out the ball joints, wire wheel and paint the knuckle and get new joints pressed in all while my kid was napping.
Then another hour later I was done.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Awesome. Glad it helped. I wish mine had only taken an hour.

 

[glockman]

FYI, I have used a BFH and a cheap HF impact socket to pound in/out ball joints on more than one super duty. It works pretty slick.

 

[cackalak]

Videos were really well done. Nice job.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Thank you. More to come soon.

I wish I could have cloned myself and shot them in interesting ways. Talking to a tripod can get boring to watch, but I'm glad you enjoyed them.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I've still got plenty more videos coming, but here's where the van is at right now. To-do: add steps, fix body rust, swap door lock cylinders, design the interior, talk the wife into a CCV pop top tent. That last one isn't going to work...










I absolutely love this van. I couldn't be happier with my choice of vehicle right now.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Looks sharp Steve!

 

[sixstringsteve]

Gracias. It's coming along.