4x4 Anymore?
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Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 85
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From: Western PA
4x4 Anymore?
From what I've seen, 4 wheel drive is an option discontinued on Ford full size vans. Are there any other options for a 4x4 full size van, besides Chevy's 1500 AWD? I've tended to have a far better impression of Ford's structural reliability than Chevy's, which is better suited for my uses (bad roads and off roads), and I'd prefer selectable 4x4 over AWD. I'm considering a van over an SUV or pickup due to lower price, especially used, and the immensely superior cargo space.
I've wondered how interchangeable an E-150's drive would be with an F-150, ie could a 4x4 system from a pickup or SUV be installed in the van?
I've wondered how interchangeable an E-150's drive would be with an F-150, ie could a 4x4 system from a pickup or SUV be installed in the van?
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Hoquiam, WA
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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Ford never offered it as an OEM product but there are conversion companies who will install the 4x4 for you. Quigley is probably the best and located in PA. Current prices are about $9000 for the conversion. A neat "How I did it" web site for a 4x4 conversion is http://www.glinx.com/~sbest/4x4van.htm. You'll see that the frame rails on the van are wider apart so it is not a bolt on application. Need to do some metal work and welding. I was planning on ordering a 2005 4x4 this year but decided to see if I could get another 100,000 miles out of the current van. 200,000 doesn’t seem to be an out of the question expectation
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 527
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From: Wonderful, Fun, Pahrump!
Besides Quigley, there is also Sportmobile. They sell mostly camper 4x4 vans. They sometimes have unfinished ones that are more like cargo vans. There are several companies around the country that can do a conversion for you also. You can also do a google search on 4x4 van and get lots of hits.
You can also go here: http://www.thundersgarage.com/index.html for a list of used vans for sale around the country. You may also want to try ebay, that is where I found my 3rd 4x4 van (and the best one).
There is also a yahoo group, http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/4x4van/ where you can ask questions, and get leads on vans for sale.
Good luck on your search.
bob
You can also go here: http://www.thundersgarage.com/index.html for a list of used vans for sale around the country. You may also want to try ebay, that is where I found my 3rd 4x4 van (and the best one).
There is also a yahoo group, http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/4x4van/ where you can ask questions, and get leads on vans for sale.
Good luck on your search.
bob
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Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 85
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From: Western PA
I checked out the Quigley site and am very impressed. For less money than a Suburban or Excursion you can get a bigger vehicle that's better off-road. I may seriously look into getting one when my carreer gets off the ground.
I'm thinking in terms of the E-250 extended myself. I'd like to go for a front and second row seats with windows on the side and back doors, but no windows at the sides towards the rear since I'd want to use that space for cargo and possibly cabinets.
I'm thinking in terms of the E-250 extended myself. I'd like to go for a front and second row seats with windows on the side and back doors, but no windows at the sides towards the rear since I'd want to use that space for cargo and possibly cabinets.
