4x4 conversion
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4x4 conversion
I am looking at a 1998 E-350 15 passenger van with the Triton V-10. I have been looking for a 4x4 version but thus far I have not been able to find one for a reasonable price. I guess my question would be what vehicle (if any) will provide a bolt-on conversion? Does an F-350 have the same frame or possibly an Excusion? I know several companies make conversion kits but I simply do not have the money to buy one. I have found numerous chats on converting pre-1997 trucks to 4wd but nothing about newer trucks.
Thanks
Thanks
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Hey this is cool but I am trying to figure out how much of the conversion can be done if I got a donor vehicle, what parts specifically I have to buy at a minimum, and which vehicle works as a donor.
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Pike, NY
"Factory" 4x4 conversion
Will never be inexpensive. It starts out as a $10,000 option on a new Quigley 4x4 conversion...other converters are more, depending on the equipment.
I was seriously looking into doing what you want to do, but there is so much to consider. It's do-able, but will it handle well? How is your state about inspecting self-modified vehicles? Then you have to be able to insure it. Do you have a place to do this with equipment available?
It's going to weigh much more and will cost more to push around. A daily driver these things ain't. If I did all my commuting all year long I'd have to spend an entire very nice car payment each month to do so.
So think it out. If you can find one to look at, take notes or get pictures...there are plenty on the web as well. Check the used page at Quigley 4x4 dot com, there have been some very affordable older models in ther for sale by owner...Quigley just provides the page for owners to get together with buyers. You might be surprised.
I was seriously looking into doing what you want to do, but there is so much to consider. It's do-able, but will it handle well? How is your state about inspecting self-modified vehicles? Then you have to be able to insure it. Do you have a place to do this with equipment available?
It's going to weigh much more and will cost more to push around. A daily driver these things ain't. If I did all my commuting all year long I'd have to spend an entire very nice car payment each month to do so.
So think it out. If you can find one to look at, take notes or get pictures...there are plenty on the web as well. Check the used page at Quigley 4x4 dot com, there have been some very affordable older models in ther for sale by owner...Quigley just provides the page for owners to get together with buyers. You might be surprised.
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As far as inspections go there are none that I know of in MN. As far as insurance, that would be an issue if I have full coverage but it is much more minor when I only get liability. As far as gas goes this is not a daily driver. It would be used for camping trips occasionally and if I need to haul a bunch if people around. So, yes, it would burn more gas but that is not really an issue. My main concern is handling. ujointoffroad.com (see earlier post) has the parts I need for the conversion for under $3000 (minus t-case) and if I found a donor car that number falls to roughly $700-800. The only thing is that it seams like a pretty weak set up. That is why I was wondering if there was a truck chassis that has the same front frame rails as an E-350. Even if there were minor variations I could work around that. But at least if all the parts were made to fit together there would be a higher probability that they would work.
So the question still remains, Is there any front ends that would come close to bolting up?
So the question still remains, Is there any front ends that would come close to bolting up?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 214
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From: Grain Valley, MO
The best and probably only way you're going to get an answer to the question of if an existing configuration will bolt up is to measure your frame points. Width of rails, spring mounts in relation to the front frame ends, cross bracing, shock locations and any other points of contact. Take these to a yard and measure some trucks there for a comparison. Do not consider 1/2 ton trucks as donors. 3/4 ton and above will have a frame more stout and better braced. Also consider the location of a crossmember that will support the transmission/transfer case as a unit. Drive shafts will have to be modified as will the fuel tank to allow room to extend the running gear from the tranny back. Adding off-road capable suspension to a 2wd vehicle also requires adding lift to the rear to level the truck. Steering geometry is crucial in control of the truck and the safety of the driver and passengers. There's no such thing as a bolt up conversion. Modifications, major and minor, will be necessary. Do it right and consider the kit from ujointoffroad or have it converted by a company specializing in such a product. Either way it's not cheap but then again safety is worth the cost.
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