Hello everyone,
I am new to owning an econoline and I would be grateful if some of you could share your knowledge of the econoline with me. I purchased a 1997 Chinook RV earlier this year and I want to convert it to a 4x4. The RV is on a 97 cutaway e350 with the triton V10 engine. I have found someone local selling a 2008 e450 Quigley converted rv that had a fire. The camper was destroyed but the 4x4 components were not damaged (so I'm told). It looks to have all the parts necessary to do a conversion.


Does anyone know if the 4x4 Quigley parts from a 2008 e450 would work on a 1997 e350? I am aware that I may have to relocate the RV holding tanks.


I will not be doing the work myself and will have to hire someone. If anyone knows of a good mechanic in Long Island NY that could perform the conversion I would love their contact info.


My sincere thanks to anyone taking the time to help me out,
Chris

 

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I contacted Quigley. They said that they could not legally share any info with me regarding compatibility between years.

 

That sounds a lot like dont wanna share compatibility info 'cause if you aint puttin money in our pocket....

 

That's what I thought but the will not do a new conversion on a 1997 even if I could afford it

 

UJOINTOFFROAD.COM

All you need to know.

He does installations as well.

 

I tried ujoint. They wanted $8000 just for the parts. I'm hoping to get this donor Rv for $3000

 

why does that sound like BS ? Are they CYA or just trying to make a buck ?

 

I should also mention that the donor Rv has the transfer case and transmission included

 

Another view of this............

-Quigley has spent their own money discovering what parts etc are compatible so why are they obligated to share that info? Its intellectual property, their choice whether to share or not.

-IF Quigley did share info and some less-tnan-skilled DIY shade tree owner/mechanic was subsequently injured and a greedy lawyer argue Quigley was partially at fault they'd be in for one helluva costly lawsuit.

While I understand the need/desire to keep things within a budget those with the skills, parts and knowledge how to safely effect such a thing charge what's fair for the task. Simple truth is if you/we/they can't afford it perhaps we shouldn't be attempting it?

On another note I'll bet there are a few 4WD vans out there for sale fairly priced for what you're getting. OTOH a 4WD van for $3K ain't something I want to trust me or a family in.

 

I'll agree with the above statement.

From what I've heard over the year, and meet in-person an employee (mechanic/installer from York, PA) for Quigley, they have "contracts" with the major auto manufacturers, as in FoMoCo, where they install the 4wd components for fleet sales, and the vans are shipped directly from the exit door of the assembly plant to Quigley for conversion, with the correct "OEM" equipment provided thru vendors. In other words, Quigley is a "vendor" for the big 3.

They also do "in-house" conversions for "walk-in customers"

Their response to not provide any info, is based on what JWA wrote, and also there vendor static for the big 3 contracts.

Having been in the Jeep world for years, and seen some "caveman" conversions done to vehicles, where the idea was there, and the person would not listen to other experts (me not one of them) and really co-bashed something, then found out it didn't work, and put the said vehicle on the market to "get rid" of it, which I know is not the case here, to pass off there mistake.

There is a major liability issue with a vendor, and what they do/supply, vs. a DIY to what is the finial results. As JWA stated, some down and out atty is going to look for a meal ticket and where the "blame" points.

On topic...........If the donor vehicle is available, then you have a great start to the project. If you can find a 4x4 shop that can do/help you, then your heading in the correct direction.

Compatibility issues may come up, and a good shop that can fab, will be your best resource.

What you don't want to do, is half bag something, that you might think is right, and become a hazard to yourself and other's (like me) on the road.

Any shop will assume the liability issue, and thus, this cost is passed on the the customer. But also, you'll be assuring that you have a safe road worthy vehicle on the road for yourself and others.

Sorry if long winded here, but I just don't like short "assume" post on subjects.

 

Exactly Wildman on both thoughtful replies.

The process of "thinking" that's done in a vacuum wherein there's no real knowledge of previous experience doing something like a 4WD conversion can and does result in potentially very dangerous outcomes. Not casting doubt on the OP but doing it right or not doing it at all seems the best action, at least to me. Of course I'm scared of hurting others and myself so tend to be chicken hearted in that that way.

The time to brain storm this sort of thing is now, in our forums if only to point out the unforseen downfalls or flaws in "thinking". We're not bashing anyone, just trying to produce the best outcome for such a project.

 

makes sense.....CYA basically

 

And justifiably so.

Also, as was pointed out above, they've invested significant R&D time and money into their company. Why should they give the info away for free?

Edit to add: An approach you could take would be to ask Quigley if you could hire them to do the conversion and if so, how much would it cost. This might give you an indication if it were even possible.

 

What I would do is take a tape measure and a friend and measure everything myself. I'm not sure if the quigley kits are bolted or welded on.

Even if you do have to have the brackets fabbed (easy for an experienced shop) you would be way ahead of the game if the axles, suspension, transfer case, and transmission are in good shape. That can EASILY run you over 3k depending on what route you go

 

Would it be easier or possible to swap the bodies rather then the axles?