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Hi all, I’m new here and I want to convert my 1993 econline e-150 to 4x4 and do a 4” lift. So my question is where do I start? I’ll include pictures, I am mechanically inclined.
Transmission out, cut and weld the frame to accept upside down dana 44 chev axle. Remove midship fuel tank cut and reweld / modify. Install 4 wheel drive trans and t case. Fabricate drivelines modify crossmember
That is a start
I have a 1994 and am going to do the same thing someday. There are a lot of them around here (Utah) where I live (all the ski resorts have them) Mostly 250 and 350 vans
Transmission out, cut and weld the frame to accept upside down dana 44 chev axle. Remove midship fuel tank cut and reweld / modify. Install 4 wheel drive trans and t case. Fabricate drivelines modify crossmember
That is a start
I have a 1994 and am going to do the same thing someday. There are a lot of them around here (Utah) where I live (all the ski resorts have them) Mostly 250 and 350 vans
Douglas,
Nice candidate for a 4x4 convert.
I have built two in my younger years. First was a '75 club wagon w/ windows. Second was a '78 Chateau wagon.
Anyways I used leaf springs up front. First van was converted in 1990. Second was converted 1993.
You must remember this was way before I had digital camera's or internet, so no photo's of construction.
And, back then was before SuperDuties w/ coil and radius arm suspension.
If you do a search, with word "Chateau" you'll find my Van thread. I'm currently giving my '78 Chateau a Do-Over.
A note, here, _ _ if you choose to go leaf suspension, the front spring pack sourced from a late '70's Wagoneer or J-Truck fit very nicely under the front of the van frame (frame brackets, shackles and spring length. They are cheap at Pick-n-Pull yards.
If you are somewhat mechanically inclined and can use a Mig welder and Torch set, you're IN.
First Decision is choosing what front diff and suspension you will hope to use. ( I'd go superduty w/ coil suspension ).
Use a Coparts.com website or similar for recycler parts and search for a set-up from a wrecked or retired 4x4 van.
Take very good measurements of how every component references each other before removing from donor vehicle.
You will need to source a Transmission with Transfer case also. I'd source one from a Ford pickup.
Save your driveline worries until last. Pay attention to corresponding angles of pinion angle to transmission shaft.
Mismatching of corresponding angles can be somewhat nulled by including a CVJ (constant velocity joint) in the driveline.
You can see how I made my crossmember for supporting the trans / transfer-case with 2-inch square tubing.
Think about how you will be able to disassemble components for servicing in the future.
On and on and on.
I try to source parts from OEM Fords or chevys or Jeeps, and modify as required for them to fit.
Note: on my '78 which has a belly tank, I did not have to move it back to allow room for the NP205 married T-case !
You will like the finished product when completed.
Ujoint offroad used to sell conversion kits for 1/2 tons I think. Maybe less fab than doing totally on your own. But a custom job would be interesting! Do you really need 4x4? I only have rear wheel drive, am in Montana for the winter working, only needed chains once.
Greaser007,
Thanks I needed that. Going to convert my 94 E150 soon
I like to go wheeling up in the mountains around here and need the clearance
The 4x4 sure would be a bonus
Originally Posted by highest_vision;[url=tel:20333083
20333083[/url]]Ujoint offroad used to sell conversion kits for 1/2 tons I think. Maybe less fab than doing totally on your own. But a custom job would be interesting! Do you really need 4x4? I only have rear wheel drive, am in Montana for the winter working, only needed chains once.
need is an interesting word. I probably don’t have to have it but it would be nice since I have to deal with mud sometimes.
Douglas,
Nice candidate for a 4x4 convert.
I have built two in my younger years. First was a '75 club wagon w/ windows. Second was a '78 Chateau wagon.
Anyways I used leaf springs up front. First van was converted in 1990. Second was converted 1993.
You must remember this was way before I had digital camera's or internet, so no photo's of construction.
And, back then was before SuperDuties w/ coil and radius arm suspension.
If you do a search, with word "Chateau" you'll find my Van thread. I'm currently giving my '78 Chateau a Do-Over.
A note, here, _ _ if you choose to go leaf suspension, the front spring pack sourced from a late '70's Wagoneer or J-Truck fit very nicely under the front of the van frame (frame brackets, shackles and spring length. They are cheap at Pick-n-Pull yards.
If you are somewhat mechanically inclined and can use a Mig welder and Torch set, you're IN.
First Decision is choosing what front diff and suspension you will hope to use. ( I'd go superduty w/ coil suspension ).
Use a Coparts.com website or similar for recycler parts and search for a set-up from a wrecked or retired 4x4 van.
Take very good measurements of how every component references each other before removing from donor vehicle.
You will need to source a Transmission with Transfer case also. I'd source one from a Ford pickup.
Save your driveline worries until last. Pay attention to corresponding angles of pinion angle to transmission shaft.
Mismatching of corresponding angles can be somewhat nulled by including a CVJ (constant velocity joint) in the driveline.
You can see how I made my crossmember for supporting the trans / transfer-case with 2-inch square tubing.
Think about how you will be able to disassemble components for servicing in the future.
On and on and on.
I try to source parts from OEM Fords or chevys or Jeeps, and modify as required for them to fit.
Note: on my '78 which has a belly tank, I did not have to move it back to allow room for the NP205 married T-case !
You will like the finished product when completed.
thanks for all the help! I’ll look into all of that. With current gas prices I got to thinking about a smaller engine to save on $$$…
I take it Doug you have many guns? Me too, I almost went antler hunting the other day.
We saw a deer with only one horn (4 point) while Chukar hunting
Snowed like hell and so we never went antler hunting
I take it Doug you have many guns? Me too, I almost went antler hunting the other day.
We saw a deer with only one horn (4 point) while Chukar hunting
Snowed like hell and so we never went antler hunting
hahaha yeah I like guns. I do a lot of gunsmithing. That’s one of the main reasons I’m mechanically inclined. I have a big metal lathe and a few welders, so that should help with my van conversion.
unicorns are really cool to see!!!! I’ve actually not shed hunted.
I have patience out the ying yang but do not feel comfortable with gunsmithing
I wish you lived close. I would send you some work
Inherited dads collection of Browning Arms and a few need looked over from sitting so long
You should not have to move your power steering box, which makes it nice for cross-over steering.
If you use a Ford pickup solid front axle assembly, you can bolt on flat top knuckles from a chevy Dana 44 and use the DynaTrac cross over steering arms. You can source a draglink and panhard rod from DynaTrac or another vendor like WFC in Auburn, Ca., or Grass Valley. Remember, if using Full Sized Jeep front spring packs, when mounting to your frame, the leaf packs don't have to be exactly parallel. But make sure your front axle is squared-up with the rear diff assembly.
Food for thought. Keep dreaming
No idea if I could manage this but today I thought about gutting two Prius’s, putting independent electric motors on each tire hub to make it AWD, install the two sets of battery banks, solar panels on the roof so it can charge while not in use. To make it a hybrid van….
It’ll be difficult to repurpose Prius motors as direct traction motors. They don’t have a case since they live in the CVT. The control system will be a nightmare too but you can borrow from a Highlander hybrid mullet with gas engine for the front wheels and electric motor for the rear.
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