i'd like to make an expedition vehicle out of a diesel cabover commercial truck probably izuzi or mitsubishi... i will be traveling the mexico and central america so i have have been going in all different directions as to what kind of truck to build...

ok the question could i use a front and rear 2 1/2 ton m35 axles? what transfer case would you recommend any other thoughts, concern, or basically any helpful comments.. i'm not even really sure on a truck yet...to be completely honest i don't even feel like doing a conversion but with my needs it just make sense..i have already thought about a deuce or a cucv custom flatbed....i like the cabover...kind of like a unimog that can hit highway speeds

if you dont want to do a conversion buy a vehicle with one ton axles and be done with it. it will be fine for what you want to do.

if you dont want to do a conversion buy a vehicle with one ton axles and be done with it. it will be fine for what you want to do.

well either way i am going to do alot work to whatever i get so if i did get a cucv i would put in a overdrive tranny and a 205 transfer case (thats a front axle and drive shaft away from 90% of a 4wd conversion). unless you are saying take a cucv running gear and put it under? put i think the flatbed are more like 3+ tons not quite sure 7500lb payload i think?? i would have to see but i don't think i would want to go down to 1 ton...2 1/2 tons would be good although still less than stock..i'm thinking about the the actual getting a working 4wd system under a cabover using rockwells.....basically transforming into an offroad truck... what kind of lift? transfer case? not really too familar with mitsubishi trucks and there adaptability to domestic parts...just want to build a nice all terrain camper that is not as overwelming as a deuce. i've heard really good things abut izuzu diesel engines..mitsubishi actually sells a 4wd model but its out of my price range..

check this link out about 3/4 of the way down you will see the green 4x4 that's what i want to build ..let me hear how you guys would attack this project...

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2229

I have seen those little cabover diesels in a 4wd flavor.

I have seen those little cabover diesels in a 4wd flavor.

custom or a mitsubishi fuso fg?actually i'm hearing that izuzi has a four wheel drive one now....one of those with 4wd is the ultimate in expedition vehicles. in my opinion..

another thing i'm thinking about is with a cabover design how does a transfer case line up in regards to the cab? would i be able even get the shifter in there?

another thing i'm thinking about is with a cabover design how does a transfer case line up in regards to the cab? would i be able even get the shifter in there?

could use a cable shifter

could use a cable shifter

ahh yes i could. i bet that was what they did on the fuso fg....what about the whole conversion, any ideas on axles or transfer cases adaptability ?? what would i be looking for in terms of a donor?

custom or a mitsubishi fuso fg?actually i'm hearing that izuzi has a four wheel drive one now....one of those with 4wd is the ultimate in expedition vehicles. in my opinion..

Yeah the NPR type Isuzu. I happened to see on in the shop I used to work at, but I didn't get a chance to really look at it.

I've seen a few built out of diesel Rams and powerstrokes.

Since your going to Mexico get the 4 banger version, better MPG. You can get an adapter palte to mount a 700r on the back, that will give you overdrive. your going to need a driver drop front axle to keep the space open on the pass for exhaust and stuff.

Look at this you could drive the F450 and build a box on the back, or pick up the NPR and do some type of conversion ( hear they make a 4x4 version) or buy the old bread truck with a 4bt and drive it to Mexico.

http://www.bargainnews.com/photos/2064D0242/2064D0242.jpg

I'd snag the 4wd system out of a Topkick/Kodiak. They have a duramax/allison with plenty large enough axles for your application. I would say it would be the easiest swap, short of shipping parts in from over seas.

http://images.trucktrend.com/roadtests/ultimate/163_0501_01l+2005_gmc_topkick_4x4+front_side_view. jpg

well thanks for all the replies and ideas..... i have thought about a 4bt bread truck but they don't have the weight rating needed.... i do like the engine however.... 4wd is a must so, the FG/NPR cabovers are an option.... i have been reading however in another forum that the FG even with the 4wd is not very offroad capable. add to that the weight of a camper box... who knows... they said that outside of the usa its a real pain in the ass finding replacement parts for chevy/gmc... i would use a toyota but i would need more space than what they have to offer and a half-cut diesel conversion would cost 5k.. unimog/pinz what's not to like? oh that's right 50mph top speed and horrible gas milage to boot... well i'm not really a ford man but they are international and parts are common in central america and mexico...i like the 4wd diesel 450 that was pictured... but its ford and well.. can somebody give me a good reason to trust ford on a long excursion... this has been a long rant and i'm sure i should have some paragraph breaks in there somewhere but hey....this is a 4x4 forum