4x4 vans

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Aug 6, 2002 | 02:01 AM

mutant

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From: Silver Creek B.C. Canada

4x4 vans

I hav'nt seen anything on 4x4 vans here yet. Anybody have one, built one, going to build one, etc?
I have a 1987 E350 15 pass van, air, cruise. and I've just swapped in a 400 from the 351W. Mucho power diff as I'd done some serious mods on the 400 a few yonks ago.
The other day I bought a 1984 F250 4x4 for parts for the conversion for $300- CDN. Body's rough, but everything seems to work ok. Hav'nt had time to realy suss it out yet.

Cheers

--Heaven will be inherited by every man who has Ford in his soul--

Aug 7, 2002 | 11:04 AM

bambamn

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4x4 vans

I wouldnt go with the Independent front end that comes on the F-250 I would use a late 70s straight axle and a leaf spring setup

Aug 8, 2002 | 01:36 AM

mutant

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From: Silver Creek B.C. Canada

4x4 vans

The problem inherrant with any straight axel for such a conversion is that the van frame nose is too short for leaf springs and will possibly have to be custom made. I was going to go with the F250 IFS 'cos the suspension is the same, IFS . This isn't for off road really, it's more for the winters around here. I have my '74 Crew cab
F350 for the off road stuff, (when it's finished that is.)

--Heaven will be inherited by every man who has Ford in his soul--

Aug 8, 2002 | 04:05 AM

4_speed

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Joined: Jun 2002

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From: Canada

4x4 vans

Hey bud, I have been looking for some 4x4 van info myself. I did find an article about one guys swap...if you would like to e-mail me at fourspeedkillerbee@yahoo.ca I will see if I can find it for you.

I could really use a van, & since I can't remember how not to get stuck with a two wheel drive LOL, I would like to get that front axle working instead of just steering! Anyway, I know I have some pics of a cool conversion I saw in Whitehorse this summer. ALthough some people choose to use the Van rear (which has the spring pads in a different place & is a different width than a pick-up (I think), and then install leaf springs & a solid front axle, this van looks like he put the van body on the truck frame, 1-ton, free floater, body lift, winch & all. Although I never did get to talk to the owner & I'm just guessing. I am interested in any info you or anyone else can share.

Hey Mutant(?) Are you fron the great white North? I'm in Edmonton, Alberta! Have a good day!

Aug 8, 2002 | 10:31 AM

jim_fischer

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Joined: Jan 2002

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From: Corvallis, OR

4x4 vans

Check out the 4x4 van list at yahoo groups chat. I'm a member there and they have been doing this for years.

Also, check out www.glinx.com/~sbest/ for a home brew conversion of an '88 or '87 E350 15-passenger van to 4x4.

This was so thorough, and the list was so much help, that I was able to do a conversion in my driveway on my '88 E350 15-passenger. I used a Dana 60 from an '88 F350, a BW1345 case and added ARBs to both front and rear diffs.

I have pics, CAD files and lots of info if you're interested.

Good luck!

Fish
Corvallis, OR

Aug 8, 2002 | 01:44 PM

mutant

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From: Silver Creek B.C. Canada

4x4 vans

Hi Jim
I've been to Steve Best's site on 4x4 vans. He's done a nice conversion. Good info there. Thats one reason I picked up the '84 F250.
I am interested in and would appreciate whatever info you have. Whatever I can get to help me to make good job of it. I only want to have to do any given vehicle once.

Thanks.

Cheers

--Heaven will be inherited by every man who has Ford in his soul--

Aug 8, 2002 | 02:46 PM

bornagain4x4

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Joined: Aug 2002

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From: Highlands USA

4x4 vans

Your comments about the conversion were like manna from heaven. Could you email me the info you mentioned? I am heading up an ad hoc team to convert an '85 E-250 diesel so that it can be sent to a missionary couple who are living in the boonies in Kenya. I found the van today nearby in super condition with only 106,000 miles showing on the odometer. It already has the Gale Banks turbo conversion and sounds great!

I have located a Dana 70 rear axle with disc brakes that may be used in place of the OE Dana 60. Maybe the OE rear axle could be swapped to somebody for a Dana 60 for the front.

Any info you have would be greatly appreciated.

Stephen Swain
(mediaproco at earthlink.net)