Diy Camper Opinions
Hello forum members! I'm an aspiring DIY over-lander and I'm wondering if my current idea for a build is valid or not. I'm looking to build a DIY flatbed or chassis mounted RV on a super duty truck fr...
Forum Discussion
Anything is possible and I prefer the Ford 7.3 OBS for it's lack of emissions hardware and long engine life (typically 250K plus) for a non chipped motor with reasonable care and regular oil changes. The HUEI Navastar 7.3 is a bulletproof motor. Your issue will be the chassis. The running gear (Corporate 10.25 full floating rear and Dana 60 full floating front are also very overbuilt. Frame rails on OBS trucks are prone to excessive flexing but that can also be reduced with some added steel in the right places.
One issue with a standard box in an OBS truck is the hydraulic clutch actuation. Ford employed a fixed displacement slave cylinder with limited travel so clutch adjustment can be an issue. On my previous OBS, I had to machine an adjustable intermediate to achieve proper free travel. Why I went with an automatic on this one, that, and I had shifting gears anymore.
One issue with a standard box in an OBS truck is the hydraulic clutch actuation. Ford employed a fixed displacement slave cylinder with limited travel so clutch adjustment can be an issue. On my previous OBS, I had to machine an adjustable intermediate to achieve proper free travel. Why I went with an automatic on this one, that, and I had shifting gears anymore.
