Ideas for my 73 build, econoline parts van???

[wsager]

I'm trying to plan a daily driver build. It is my dad's 1973, he purchased a fiberglass body for it, but it hasn't been installed. He's now in poor health, so it's my turn to have a go. I would like to install Explorer 5.0efi with 4r70w. It has D44 front, 9" rear, D20, original 73 302, rebuilt with 0 miles since rebuild.

I have an opportunity to buy a 1978 E250 4x4 van.
460 v8 engine (does not run, rebuilt 10yrs ago, 30k mi), RV camshaft, Holley 4 barrel carburetor, Hedman 4 into 1 long tube headers
C6 auto transmission (rebuilt 10yrs ago, 30k mi), 2500 stall torque converter, Shift kit
New Process married transfer case (NP205?)
Dana 60 rear axle (rebuilt 10yrs ago, 30k mi)
Dana 44 front axle

I am thinking that I can use some of these parts, especially the front disc brakes and power steering (convert to 4x4x2).

What about the Dana 60? Worth using or should I look at selling? How much is it worth?

NP205? I think I read it will bolt up to the 4r70w. Should I stick with the D20 and adapter?

Any idea if I can use the column and power steering controls?

How much could I get for the c6, the Dana 44 (will be drum), and 460? Not looking to make a profit, just wondering how much I can spend and get the parts I need without breaking the bank.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Prizefighter]

Skip the van, stick to building a Bronco with Bronco parts unless you are going to be crawling. With the increase in value of Broncos it just makes sense to build a clean classic from what you have. Sounds like you have a good start.

 

[wsager]

Skip the van, stick to building a Bronco with Bronco parts unless you are going to be crawling. With the increase in value of Broncos it just makes sense to build a clean classic from what you have. Sounds like you have a good start.

Well my wife agrees. No vans in the yard, then. Wife and I will be sharing, so I do think front disc and power steering would be nice. Not familiar with Tampa used parts, grew up in Michigan (hence the fiberglass body on the bronco). I will have to start looking into local yards.

 

[Galt72]

Since u already have a fiberglass bodyand want 4r70w I'd find me a running 96 to 98 explorer with 5.0 and 4r70w. Swap it all in and have Garry do the ecm. Whatever you do have an overall plan so your not backtracking and doing things over waisting money. Everything u modify on these trucks effects something else it's a vicious circle.

 

[wsager]

Since u already have a fiberglass bodyand want 4r70w I'd find me a running 96 to 98 explorer with 5.0 and 4r70w. Swap it all in and have Garry do the ecm. Whatever you do have an overall plan so your not backtracking and doing things over waisting money. Everything u modify on these trucks effects something else it's a vicious circle.

Would like to get an explorer or mountaineer. Been watching for about 8 months. Just missed a couple good ones. Being picky though. I have read about Garry's work. That route would be my first choice. Is everyone doing the d20 and adapter with the 4r70w? Will primarily be a street Bronco.

 

[broncnaz]

If the van is the right price go for it. But fix it and sell it. There's really nothing much there for use on a bronco. The front D44 will be the HD version with 8lug hubs do you want to convert to 8lug? The brakes will not work for a 5 lug.
Not sure what they used for steering on the conversion vans but most likely it wont be of use either. Unless it happens to be the same box that pickups and broncos of that same year used. Then its a canidate for the 4x4x2 conversion.
Overall the van parts are not really all that good for just a daily driver. If you were building a crawler then they may be of some use. But still there are people that seek out the 4wd conversion vans if you at least got it running and driving it should sell.

 

[wsager]

If the van is the right price go for it. But fix it and sell it. There's really nothing much there for use on a bronco. The front D44 will be the HD version with 8lug hubs do you want to convert to 8lug? The brakes will not work for a 5 lug.
Not sure what they used for steering on the conversion vans but most likely it wont be of use either. Unless it happens to be the same box that pickups and broncos of that same year used. Then its a candidate for the 4x4x2 conversion.
Overall the van parts are not really all that good for just a daily driver. If you were building a crawler then they may be of some use. But still there are people that seek out the 4wd conversion vans if you at least got it running and driving it should sell.

No on the 8 lug, didn't even think about that. Well, buying it just for the box doesn't sound like a good deal, unless it's free. I have too many projects so I guess I'll just pass on it.

Thanks for all the info everyone.