7.3L Power Stroke Camper Van Update | Chasing Dust

Not all projects go like you plan. Winding the clock back to 2020 BC (before Covid), Matt picked up a 1999 Ford E-350 Cargo Van with a 7.3L Power Stroke diesel in it with the intentions of building a 4x4 camper van that can tow and go anywhere. But the pandemic and life in general had other plans. It’s now a full two years later, and Matt is giving us an update on all the work he has (and hasn’t) finished on this project.
Starting with he obvious, Matt converted the front clip from the old 1999 van to the new and improved 2008+ front end. By sourcing a few parts from local junkyards, Matt was able to bring a new look to his 304k mile cargo van. With a fresh front-end, he figured the best front bumper to pair it with was from the econoline experts themselves, U-Joint Off-Road. This bumper comes equipped with all kinds of modularity and goodies that’ll tickle the fancy of any off-road enthusiast.
Moving under the van, Matt shows us the 4x4 conversion he installed. While the van is now technically rolling under it’s own power and weight on a Dana 60 front axle, it’s not TRULY 4-wheel-drive yet. Souring a Quigley 4x4 van front suspension, Matt installed the Dana 60 with all new Moog ball joints and coil springs, new steering components, a new Red Head Steering box, and Fox 2.0 shocks tuned by Agile Off-Road.
The van is now rolling on 35x12.50x17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers, wrapped around a set of Icon Alloy Rebound HD wheels, so Matt can take this van anywhere and tow with it as well. Other improvements made so far include upgraded telescopic tow mirrors, doors with actual windows in them, a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform roof rack system, Atlas Spring rear leaf springs, and Fox 2.0 Shocks.
Matt still has a few things to finish before the exterior and underside of the van are done, such as installing the transfer case and driveshafts, regearing the rear differential to match the front, installing a new fuel tank, and building adjustable front control arms to gain some wheelbase and dial the alignment in perfectly. All of these items need to be checked off the list before he begins the interior build, which admittedly, is a whole different animal on its own.
So while this build hasn’t progressed as fast as Matt would have liked, it’s still in progress, and things are still moving along. Be on the lookout for more updates as we move into 2022 with even more episodes of Chasing Dust!
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[@darrylvohs5526]

Thank you. I've been following this build. Thank goodness for the stars aligning with Chris at UJOR! I used his system for my 7.3 van back in 2014 2015. His crossover steering is so good. I used a Sterling rear axle, it saved from having to regear and using wheel adapters. 92 and up Chateaus have the flip out window mechanism. I really like that roof rack. I went with the hood louvers so I'll stay with 2006 hood for now. I have 2 more of these vans in north central Kansas. I had to close my business for health reasons.

[@reidcrosby6241]

I have bought a TON of E- Series over the last 10 years. Mostly fleet ambos and wheel chairs. I have had every engine. I LOVE,LOVE, LOVE the 2014 v10 with 5r110...holy crap what a quiet effiecent power house. Own 2 IDI (one cutaway), two 7.3 cutaway Quigley s ..I have a 1991 5.8 e350 survivor, and my daily driver is a 5.4 wheel chair e350 ... even the 4.6 has its place if your not pulling or heavy, its an efficent good engine.

[@DUNEATV]

The mighty 7.3!!!

[@jonathansanchez5350]

Man it's been a while since I've seen the build

[@feed_defend_evolve]

Haven’t seen an update on this one in a while

[@ericschmidt3759]

I’ve got a ‘74 Cherokee in the same situation! Collecting dust next to my garage! Sucks!

[@andrewp1427]

Try to get the old Jeep back on line .

[@eldgenb]

Do you have enough room steering wise to push the axle forward or does it have to do with coil alignment? I would imagine there's a reason. You could cut the frame side bushings off the Quigley links, weld in a threaded insert, and have adjustable Johnny joints on one end.

[@DrivingLine]

It's all in the caster adjustment, really. I thought about doing just that with a Johnny Joint to keep it quiet, but the Quigley arms are quite thin, and made for the unsprung weight of stock wheels and tires. I'd rather just go with a thick .250 wall chromoly arm with Johnny Joints on both ends of each link for full adjustability and strength!

[@billystray7007]

Ok so....next video?

[@desertchief5769]

I sold the van and the new owner has been taking it all over from Baja to Moab.