'71 Winnebago Chieftain: The Wiener Bagel. 4x4 Swap?

[blk69stang]

I'm considering a 4x4 swap on a '71 Chieftain (named the "Wiener Bagel" due to my 5 year old's pronunciation of "Winnebago"  :)rotflmao )

CakeMan2253 seems to be the authority on 4x4 swaps on these old rigs so I sent him a private message, but I have no idea if he's still active on these forums. I've checked out the pictures he has in his gallery, and I'm quite impressed. Although I understand he no longer has the "Blue Whale", I was wondering if he or anyone who has corresponded with him still has any pictures of the undercarriage, specifically the front axle/suspension?  I have a few more questions as well (like how much "lift" over stock the conversion required, and if it made the rig feel top heavy), but I'd settle for pictures at the moment.

Here's my situation: My '71 Currently has 17" split rims, drum brakes, and the 5-on-huge bolt pattern. I have a trashed '74 Chieftain with 19.5" non-split wheels with the same bolt pattern as the '71, and disc brakes.

I am trying to build a rig I can take on long road trips that will handle well on the freeway, have easily sourced wear items that I can pick up at any parts store (wheel bearings, brakes, etc). Secondarily, I would be using this rig to tow a trailer to the Glamis Sand dunes, and while lots of RVers are able to park off the pavement without getting stuck, 4x4 would be a really comforting feature to have for such excursions. A 4x4 swap would also likely get me much more common 8-lug wheels, and easily sourced (and cheaper) 16" tires. I do hot-rod and 4x4 work, so custom fabrication and welding are no big deal for me. I just don't want to break down in the middle of BFE and not be able to get parts.

How hard is it to find pads/calipers/rotors for the '74 discs? I keep hearing that brake parts can be a real bear to source.

For tires/wheels, I'd probably be looking at 225/70-19.5 (31.9" tall, 8.9" wide) if I keep the 2wd suspension, or 235/85-16 (31.7" tall, 9.3" wide) if I convert to 4x4. Obviously, the 4x4 would have better traction in sand, but it would also get slightly wider tires for better flotation (as long as the dualies fit in the rear wheel wells). Cheapest 235/85-16 tires run about $175/each (about $1k per set).

OTOH, the 2wd version would have the same diameter tire but skinnier so would likely roll a little easier on the highway and get slightly better mileage (due to rolling resistance AND wind resistance), but the cost is about double at $333/tire (about $2k per set). The added cost in tires alone just about pays for the cost of the 4x4 front end (I have a line on a Ford kingpin dually D60 for about a grand shipped). The only added cost of the 4x4 swap would be a T-case, driveshafts, and a rearend (and more wind resistance), but it would update the brakes and running gear to commonly available parts, AND I could just run around with a front "bluetooth" driveshaft until funds allowed me to piecemeal install a t-case and front shaft later on.

Right now I'm still in the body repair phase (roof leak, surprise surprise), but after that I'll be working on the drivetrain, and getting the research started early is always a good idea. I'm probably just "thinking out loud" here, but it's good to organize my thoughts all in one place.

But back to the previous question, does anybody have pictures of a front D60 under a classic Winnie? Has anybody driven one? How much lift did it require, and did it make things unstable on the highway? And how "unobtainium" are Winnebago disc brake parts?

[Oz]

Cakeman sold the Blue Whale years ago and has moved on from the community.  His posts and photos are preserved for the benefit of those who follow.

[blk69stang]

Yes, I'm aware he sold it. I'm sad to hear he moved on from this community, but I'm glad his posts and photos still remain.

I'm hoping someone still out there reading these forums has some experience with a 4x4 swap. I'm happy to re-blaze that trail myself, I was just hoping to avoid "reinventing the wheel" if that information is available out there.

[eXodus]

Dirt Everyday - a youtube channel built a 4x4 Winnebago with a Dana 60

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mum9b_z1LvM

https://www.motortrendondemand.com/detail/we-build-a-4x4-winnebago-off-roaderhome/11440/793

You can probably get some pictures from the videos how they put it together or reach out to the creators.

[blk69stang]

I loved the DED 'bago, until they put it on the skidpad and rolled it of course. 

I've already scoured every frame of video I can find of their swap, but I never thought about reaching out to those guys directly. Being "celebrities" I just figured they'd never respond to a regular joe, but then again maybe they will. I'll look into that, thanks for the idea!

Who knows, maybe I'll just trailblaze this idea myself. I really am looking to get more modern and commonly available parts, and this might be the best way to do it. I already daily drive a '90's F-350; swapping in an identical front axle (albeit a dually rather than SRW axle) might be good if nothing else for the parts supply chain compatibility. You know, keeping one spare set of pads, rotors, and calipers on hand, knowing they can be used for either the 'bago or the '350.  Hm?

[eXodus]

the F350  to Ford E-Series Motorhomes and Vans are very well documented in other groups.

You could definitely get more help in those circles.

Just write DED a email/ facebook  etc and express your admiration. Worst case you wasted a few letters on the keyboard.  Ideal case - they supply you with a bunch of footage and ton of pictures and a parts list