NOT YOUR ORDINARY FAMILY VAN

2006 FORD E350 SUPER DUTY VAN 4X4 CONVERSION

Since 1996, Ken Montes has designed, developed and mass-produced automotive components. His desire to create and invent products started at a young age and eventually led him to launch his own company, Agency 6. A passion for the outdoors and activities such as camping, snowboarding and hunting motivated him to start the company when he realized there was a lack of functional products in the marketplace for his lifestyle. His vision and goal are to create products with the user in mind.

From the beginning, Agency 6 has created and manufactured American-made camping products such as shovels and tools, as well as off-road vehicle components, including recovery hitch blocks, fairleads and winch pull straps.

Many companies own vans for their cargo capacity and utility aspects, but after using his 2006 Ford E350 Super Duty van for work-related projects, Ken decided to convert it to a family-hauler built for adventure. This father of two young girls wanted a capable vehicle that could handle various terrains and snow to get his family safely to their mountain cabin. He needed something that would be reliable and fun for their family trips and decided to properly outfit his van.

Beefing it Up

Ken worked with Chris at U-Joint Offroad to convert the van into a 4x4 with an NV271

“... AFTER USING HIS 2006 FORD E350 SUPER DUTY VAN FOR WORK-RELATED PROJECTS, KEN DECIDED TO CONVERT IT TO A FAMILY-HAULER BUILT FOR ADVENTURE.”

“THIS FATHER OF TWO YOUNG GIRLS WANTED A CAPABLE VEHICLE THAT COULD HANDLE VARIOUS TERRAINS AND SNOW TO GET HIS FAMILY SAFELY TO THEIR MOUNTAIN CABIN. HE NEEDED SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE RELIABLE AND FUN FOR THEIR FAMILY TRIPS AND DECIDED TO PROPERLY OUTFIT HIS VAN.”

transfer case and a substantial 8-inch lift. This would allow him the capability to travel just about anywhere with enough off-road performance, along with ample clearance.

It required a bit of work and multiple upgrades to achieve this suspension lift. New shock towers were installed, along with a dual shock upgrade. Fox 2.0 Reservoir shocks were installed in the front and rear to help enhance the ride quality off the pavement. Atlas leaf springs, as well as spring hangers, shackles, sleeves and bushings, were also installed to aid with the new suspension setup. The van received a new frame support to ensure everything was straight and proper. Helping to beef up the suspension, new sway bar links and hardware were added.

To increase the van’s off-road capabilities, WFO Concepts prepped Dana 60 front and rear axles to pair with ARB lockers and a Drive Line Service custom CV driveline.

The extra clearance, paired with Bushwacker fender flares, allows for a set of 18x9 Method Double Standard wheels wrapped in 37x13.5 Toyo Tires Open Country M/Ts. The tires provide the maximum traction on all four corners through all four seasons and add confidence while driving in the snow. A full-sized spare wheel and tire are mounted on the rear, with an Aluminess rear tire carrier. For quick airing-up and airing-down ability, an ARB Twin Air Compressor was installed.

Power Updates

Larger wheels and tires, in addition to extra weight from the aftermarket parts, required updates to the van’s brakes. To aid with the van’s stopping power are Power Stop Rotors and steel-braided and -coated DOT brake lines. And, for convenience while on the road, a U-Joint Offroad expanded capacity aluminum gas tank was installed; it cuts down on the amount of fuel stops by increasing the driving range. This addition also helps Ken stay prepared on long journeys off the grid.

To improve steering, ensure unrestricted gradual movement without the sudden shock and avoid tire shimmy from the large, heavy wheels and tires, Ken installed an Agency 6 in-house-fabricated dual steering damper kit.

Powering the van is a Ford 6.0L Turbo Diesel engine with a host of upgrades from Sinister Diesel: an upgraded turbo, stainless EGR coolers, diesel air intake, fuel filter kit, blue spring kit and coolant filter kit. Agency 6 in-house-fabricated parts accompany the modifications with a down pipe and 4-inch exhaust.

Solar panels are mounted to the roof rack, along with recovery boards.

Below: The suspension upgrades, combined with proper tires and wheels, make romping through the snow easy.

The Montes family is never short of adventures with their E350 Super Duty.

The addition of a Keurig coffee maker, as well as a sink and monitor, helps bring the comforts of home to faraway destinations.

03. A custom setup houses the Go Power 3,000-watt inverter and secondary battery.

02. A U-Joint Offroad front bumper houses a Warn VR10 winch, an Agency 6 fairlead and billet winch shackle, and Lightforce HTX2 lights. The top of the bumper holds the Agency 6 shovel with mega mount device.

05. The rear bench seat folds down to provide a comfortable bed.

01. An Agency 6 GRIDS MOLLE panel holds an additional Agency 6 shovel, making it easy to grab when it’s needed.

04. A Switch Pros 9100 controls exterior and camp lighting. The solar control panel is easy to reach.