Bob the E550 is not 4 wheel drive, it has the same straight axle as a Ford F650 mdt, thats why it sits high, and has the fender flares to help with the width.
the reason I'm so fond of the E550 is it comes with a 10K front axle so I wouldn't have to worry so much for ft axle wt.
also the short hood allows for a longer box without longer over all length.
the van cab is taller than a f650 or my gmc 6500 cab
the cab can be pimped out using standard conversion van parts.
The rear axle ratios can be as high as 3:08 , added to 22.5 rim and rubber makes for a very tall final ratio.
the 7.3 powerstroke is a very reliable efficient engine easily modded for fuel economy, I think this combo 12-13mpg could be very doable.
the E550 was disconinued in 03 the E450 lives on under RV's Busses and Emergency boxes, but lacks the heavy straight axle that the E550 had, and home building RV's we need all the ft axle capacity that we can get.
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2001 GMC 6500 Topkick, 22' box, dropped frame, designed to fit into a 9' garage door. 3126 CAT 6spd Man Lo-Pro 19.5's w/ 3.07 rear axle ratio
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