Exterior
Notes Below here are just a random collection of notes and represent my thoughts and ramblings and any information should be vetted by yourself. This information will be updated as the design process moves along.
Install Differential skid plates
Aluminess rack Install roof rails first
Rear air bags especially to help level the van and provides addition on demand rear clearance
Weather station
A popular option is the Nitto Ridge Grappler as it can be found with an F load rating
Security - Thunder bolt locks
Security stickers
Anti glass break film
Part suppliers
owlvans.com ladders
Van compass 4.3 suspension
Talon Rims quick release air valve?
Roof rack - https://unakagearco.com/products/ford-transit-roof-rack-148-wb-extended-length-high-speed-low-drag?_pos=3&_fid=50f073e0f&_ss=c
Air compressor
ExtremeAire High Output 12 Volt Compressor | Extreme Outback
Air outlets front and back
Tire repair kit
https://www.extremeoutback.com/product/the-ultimate-puncture-repair-kit/
Probably want to have one of these along.
https://case-table.com/
4x4 conversion with full skids
https://quadvan.com/transit
Rear bumper that does not use the stock hitch giving 3” more clearance
http://transitoffroad.com/product/hd_rear_bumper/
Hitch mounted bike rack
Improve approach and departure angles
Must change out rear shock mounts.
https://www.vanlifeoutfitters.com/store/flat-jack-air-tire-level/
Rugged Design Concepts
https://ruggeddesignconcepts.com
Fold up kayak
4x4 conversion with full skids
https://quadvan.com/transit
Rear bumper that does not use the stock hitch giving 3” more clearance
http://transitoffroad.com/product/hd_rear_bumper/
https://openglass.store/products/sliding-door-stopper
Awings both sides?, manual over electric.
Too many issues with electric
https://www.fiammausa.com/
Rock lights to keep vermin away
high clearance shock mount.
https://weldtecdesigns.com/product/ford-transit-high-clearance-lower-shock-mount/
Solar brackets https://unakagearco.com/collections/mercedes-sprinter/products/unaka-sprinter-roof-rail-adapter-brackets-set-of-2
https://www.sprinterstore.com/fiamma-privacy-ultra-light-f45-f65-f80-camper-van-awning-enclosure/
https://www.sprinterstore.com/air-lift-loadlifter-5000-ultimate-2013-2023-transit-rear-axle-air-helper-springs-with-internal-jounce-bumpers/?sku=AirLift-AIR88213-13-23-Transit-AirLift-LoadLifter5000-Ultimate-RearAxle-AirHelperSprings-InternalJounceBumpers
250 vs 350
I don't think you're gonna want it heavy enough to need the 350 anyway. I bought the 250 and it weighed around 5500 lbs gutted, 7500 lbs after my conversion. GWVR was something like 9500
Notes about front axle weight after 4x4 conversion
https://sunlightandtrees.com/blog/quadvan-4wd-conversion
"Don't go 33in tires :) I love love mine but I know John tries hard to talk people out of it and now I know why. I have over 30k miles and I get front rubbing on lock and it did hit my mpg. Not to mention the metal work and plastic trimmng required. 32's would be fine for most people
Upgrade the front shocks to the Bilstien B6, I wish there was better but that is all that you can do. Upgrade the rear shock mounts so they don't catch (low hanging) and I do lots of washboard so resi shocks were worth it.Also the transfer case shifter gets installed right in the middle of the space between the seats, I would ask them to bias it as much towards the driver as possible just to keep that space open.
This may be interesting for Ford Transit owners who have upgraded to larger tires... the newest version of FORScan (2.3.29 beta) has added the ability to access a bunch of parameters in the BdyCm Central Configuration (Main) module of the Ford Transit, in particular Tire Circumference."
"We upgraded our Transit T350HD from the stock 195/75R16 to 215/75R16, and this knocked our speedometer, odometer and fuel economy gauge off by roughly 10%.
Today I followed the procedure in FORScan and found that my factory setting for tire circumference was 2115 mm, and was able to change it to 2260 mm (the max setting available), a difference of 6.8%. This should reduce the error to only 3.2% based on the experience of others who have tried it. I will report back when I get some highway miles on it.
Lots of info on the Ford Transit forum. Warning, the procedure is not for the faint of heart. The good news though for those that don't want to tackle it themselves, is that the setting is available, and a Ford dealership should be able to change it for you."
https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...ensions.78826/
https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...sort-of.78984/
Rear Bumper with integrated hitch
https://transitoffroad.com/product/hd_rear_bumper/
Push bumper
https://setina.com/push-bumpers/400pb/
Rear bumper using stock hitch
https://backwoodsadventuremods.com/products/ford-transit-2015-2020-rear-bumper
Improved cooler
https://www.full-race.com/store/ecoboost/f150-2015-2019/2015-ford-f150-and-raptor-transmission-oil-cooler
Thread about improved cooling
https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/1-cooler-3-upgrades-maybe.90554/
https://magiccreeper.com
https://www.limitlessvan.com/product-page/ford-transit-rear-door-ladder-tire-carrier
Maxxfan mounting kit
https://vanproject1.com/products/van-project-kit-ford
Air bags in rear suspension allows leveling add controls in cab
Use collaspable ladder for roof access so it can be moved around.
Front hitch
https://torkliftcentral.com/trailer-hitches/front-mounted-receiver-hitches/stainless-steel-ford-transit-under-bumper-front-hitch-2022-model
https://vanpartswarehouse.com/products/vanmade-gear-transit-fog-light-bracket-kit?variant=43615457050868
These are black rhino Sequoias
https://camcooutdoors.com/camco-curved-trailer-aid-with-chock-and-pad/
https://canyonadventurevans.com/collections/2021-revel
https://www.adventuretrailgear.com/shop
Weather Sensors
https://www.maretron.com/products/wso200-ultrasonic-wind-and-weather-station/
https://www.airmar.com/Catalog/WeatherStation-Instruments/220WXH
https://www.lufft.com/products/wind-sensors-anemometers-289/ventus-x-umb-ultrasonic-wind-sensor-with-extended-heating-2296/
https://www.airmar.com/Catalog/WeatherStation-Instruments/220WXH
https://www.seeedstudio.com/Rain-Gauge-RG-15-p-4648.html?utm_source=cnx_software&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=cnx_software
"A transit can get to 8.5” rear diff clearance (and much higher everywhere else) if you run 31.7” tires (235/85r16 or 265/75r16) with a 2” lift, and mild wheel well mods (folding pinch weld flat, and trimming the front plastic bumper). With Quadvan Rear Shock relocation brackets a transit has the following ground clearance:
12.5” clearance front intercooler and bumper
12” Cleareance at the front subframe
8.5” clearance at the rear diff
10.25” clearance rear shock brackets
13” clearance at the rear axle itself"
https://www.transferflow.com/45-gallon-ford-transit-350-van-midship-replacement-fuel-tank
Roof sealing bolt thru brackets:
Dicor butyl tape between the roof and bracket then dicor self leveling lap sealant over all the bolts and seams
Scissor jacks for leveling?
Randall Miller this is incorrect. Normal AWD vans have 101mm offset wheels, whether they are steel or alloy. The trails had a 66mm offset wheel (specific only to the trails), which does bring the tire much closer to the pinch weld area (directly rearward if the tire) at about 1/4 turn. Lower offset wheels do provide more clearance to frame at full steering lock, but less clearance to the pinch weld when partially turned.For larger aftermarket tire, an offset in the 80-90mm range is the perfect amount to give clearance to the frame at full steering lock, but not push the tire too far outboards and into the pinch weld when partially turned. Methods, Black rhino Arsenal AT, Ultra 003, Flarespace, and Owl Talon Wheels all have offsets in this sweet spot range