has anyone ever considered putting an early Bronco frame under an Econoline? Wheelbases are close (90 and 92) but the steering and shifting linkage would be tough....any thoughts? good?...bad?....why cut up 2 perfectly good trucks?...

 

Moved from ROTW.

Stewart

 

Aftermarket upfitters have been making 4WD Econolines for decades. That's probably why you don't see anybody doing it themselves.

4x4 Vans : Quigley Motor Company, Inc. > Products > Ford Products > Ford Products Home

There are lots of great reasons for a 4WD van, but it doesn't come cheap!

 

for a 61 econoline an early bronco frame might be perfect. have seen many different vehicles mounted on early bronci chassis. have yet to see a 1st gen econoline on one.

 

Ujoint has a kit you can buy:

4x4 Van Conversion kits

 

Yeah---no need to re-invent the wheel, whether they're all 4 driven or not!

Quigley is pretty much king of that upfitter end of things----using Ford components the warranty is enticing because they can be serviced at almost any Ford dealership.

Along with Quigley there are a few other well known 4wd upfitters, at least within that sphere of interest. The brand Sportsmobile is one such outfit although their general specialty is making RV's from vehicles we generally call "vans".

Within that market segment several smallish California-centered upfitters further specialize in modifying vans for severe desert sand and mud running or rock crawling duties. Some of the terrain they're able to successfully navigate and move through is pretty amazing---talk about able to access remote camping sites this is the way to go.

Now and again Quigley's show up on eBay---most are fairly priced for what they are, their age etc. As I recall someone here picked a NICE one up for a ridiculous price---just about equivalent to the same year, make, model, mileage and condition to non-4wd version---I want to say less than 20K out the door.

So with that available there's no need to cut up ANY vans at all!