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E350 switch trans from A/T to manual

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Old 10-26-2011, 11:38 AM
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E350 switch trans from A/T to manual

My E350's AT is beginning to fail. Although I liked having A/T, Im wondering if a manual would suit my needs better.

The only thing i dont like about the A/T is on a mildly steep off road crawl from a dead stop the trans just wont budge the rig along.
A manual floor w/ granny will move it along like Id like.
Im not a fast mover in the thing. I just poke along and dont like to tear things up or have every cupboard inside dump their contents on the floor.
Insterad of getting a rebuilt AT id just as soon find some shop to install a used manual in it.
I'd like to know some of the opinions from those of you with some knowledge/experience etc on the feasability getting this done. pros cons?
Any shop in So cal experienced with this kinda conversion and has a good reputation?
 
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Old 10-26-2011, 12:17 PM
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Originally Posted by timbuctooCal
This was an E250 "Factory"Camper Conversion FSC (self contained)by Coachman then I had Kroeger Conversions in Redding install the 350 chassis with a 4x4.
I don't know about converting to a manual. Probably pretty tough on a van chassis with doghouse. But I'm wondering why you don't use low range for creeping along. Or did you not get a transfer case with low range when they did the conversion? Or maybe it is, and you just don't have the shifter in the cab?
 
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Old 10-26-2011, 01:08 PM
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That's a C6, right?

A well-built C6 is darn-near bullet-proof, and will save you a buncha' grief with converting!

Pop
 
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Old 10-26-2011, 03:31 PM
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You can also put a wide ratio gear set in a C6, although it's not a cheap proposition.

If you have to smog this thing, you will run into troubles with a MT unless it was offered with one from the factory.
 
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Old 10-26-2011, 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by bpounds
But I'm wondering why you don't use low range for creeping along. Or did you not get a transfer case with low range when they did the conversion? Or maybe it is, and you just don't have the shifter in the cab?
The low is ok for creeping around,except some steep hills,if I come to a stop,the truck will not move forward .
It has a low range TC. Shifter is in cab.
maybe theres something wrong with the A/T?
 
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Old 11-01-2011, 11:39 AM
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uh oh here we go

Well i seem to have lost 1st gear only when the colum shifter is put into 1st.
If I then put it in reverse then back into 1st it works and I can then go fwd.
I ve posted this issue yesterday and so far views but no answers/comments.

Originally Posted by timbuctooCal
The low is ok for creeping around,except some steep hills,if I come to a stop,the truck will not move forward .
It has a low range TC. Shifter is in cab.
maybe theres something wrong with the A/T?
 
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Old 11-01-2011, 11:56 AM
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Do you think that might be shift linkage? Worn bushings, or maybe just an adjustment?
 
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Old 11-01-2011, 12:48 PM
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Oh,I have no clue. I know absolutely zip on A/Ts.

Originally Posted by bpounds
Do you think that might be shift linkage? Worn bushings, or maybe just an adjustment?
 
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Old 11-01-2011, 11:20 PM
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OP should post what city he is in and ask for a good AT shop reference imo....
 
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Old 04-07-2012, 12:20 PM
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Yes it does have a low range.Just not low enough.
The issue I run into is that on steep inclines and from a full stop it will not respond as well and sometimes will not move the van at all up the incline compared to a manual.
However, the manual trans was in a regular 4x4 pickup which weighs 2000 lb less.
(van 8000lb)
The "granny gear was as I recall a much lower gear as i recall.
Otherwise i preferr A/T,excluding the above

Originally Posted by bpounds
I don't know about converting to a manual. Probably pretty tough on a van chassis with doghouse. But I'm wondering why you don't use low range for creeping along. Or did you not get a transfer case with low range when they did the conversion? Or maybe it is, and you just don't have the shifter in the cab?
 
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Old 04-08-2012, 04:37 AM
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This Econoline 4WD conversion, who did it, Pathfinder, Quadravan or?

Did you have the 4WD owners manual, that also lists all the parts and their part numbers, what vehicle(s) the parts were sourced from?

Be aware that when Econoline were converted to 4WD, the conversion parts may/my not be from a FoMoCo vehicle.

If you don't have the manual, it will be a royal PITA figuring out what the parts are from.
 
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Old 12-17-2012, 11:42 AM
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it was a conversion by Salem kroeger in NCal I had done many years ago.
All ford parts

Originally Posted by NumberDummy
This Econoline 4WD conversion, who did it, Pathfinder, Quadravan or?

Did you have the 4WD owners manual, that also lists all the parts and their part numbers, what vehicle(s) the parts were sourced from?

Be aware that when Econoline were converted to 4WD, the conversion parts may/my not be from a FoMoCo vehicle.

If you don't have the manual, it will be a royal PITA figuring out what the parts are from.
 
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Old 12-17-2012, 11:45 AM
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my location

Im in the palmsprings area

Originally Posted by 85e150six4mtod
OP should post what city he is in and ask for a good AT shop reference imo....
 
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Old 12-17-2012, 08:20 PM
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Wow, glad this isn't a rush job. That AT been hangin' in there pretty good after a year +. Didya give the cronies in forum 128 a try? They might have some fresh ideas.
1968 - Present Full Size Vans - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
 
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Old 01-07-2013, 01:53 PM
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