Posted by Bruce in BC [108.162.245.151] on Saturday, October 07, 2017 at 12:15:54 :
In Reply to: PW long distance driver posted by Joel [108.162.238.98] on Friday, October 06, 2017 at 14:24:42 :
You need to think about how much time you have to put the truck together
estimate what you think it will cost and then double it.
How are yout fab skills? Can you trade or get some of the work done by others? Doing one of these by yourself is a big job, a bit of help will make it go much faster, make it less of a job and less likely to bog down.
I am running a 105 hp Cummins 4bt with an upgraded turbo - a 130hp would be a bit better but this one does the job.
Transmission is a NV4500 but any 5speed overdrive built for a diesel would work fine - ZF6speed or Alison would be sweet as well.
Power steering would be a no brainer - either drag link or cross steering.
Seats - I have suspension seats and will never go back to anything else.
Springs- fronts are out of a 93 Dodge diesel truck - custom brackets, rears are out of a 96 Dodge with the longest travel air bags made for big rigs. The ride? Best riding truck I have ever driven.
The issue I have with the truck is I can go anywhere but am reluctant to leave it parked for more than a day unattended when I am on a trip. This limits the hikes to a day. But the issue of being noticed is a nonissue for me. On my holiday this summer I saw some big mercedes excursion rigs - both owners stopped to talk to me - offered me a place to stay if I was near their homes or to meet up further along the way.
Only issue on the whole trip was the engine got warm on one long climb - I pulled over and let it idle for 15 minutes and got the temps back down - pyrometer temps were not an issue with the new turbo - stock turbo would have been an issue.
Traveling in a custom vehicle is not all that big a deal - unless you plan on cruising ghetto areas - drive what you enjoy, and enjoy the time you have.