2wd Lift kit/ 4wd options E-series

[Auto360]

So, expanding my thoughts more.
I probably wouldn't buy a previously converted van UNLESS it was actually converted by U-Joint at his shop. I would almost consider doing it myself but that is a really involved process and probably take awhile. But, personally, I would not buy his kit and then take the kit and my van to a shop to do it. I have trust issues with other people working on anything I own. I'm not saying I can do stuff better than others, but I have a vested interest in things being done correctly. I suppose, if I were going to spend the money to convert it, then I'll go ahead and spend a little more to have it done right by people who do it everyday by taking it to U-Joints shop. Otherwise, I'll do it myself.

Steamjam: I guess you saw on the website the amount of articulation they can get out of their conversions.

AngryVanMan: Yeah,the Maxtrax and especially chains with a locker can make a HUGE difference. You can pull up videos of how well chains work in mud...even on 2wd cars. As far as a conversion for the Ford Transit, I'll be curious to see if that happens. Two reasons make me doubtful, but hopefully I'm wrong. 1st is there is no "frame", it's a unibody. Maybe not a deal breaker but up front, wouldn't a whole separate subframe have to be made? 2nd,the transmission. The econolines have basically the same trannies as the trucks, just throw a transfercase on it and your good. The new Transit might use a non-standard tranny that unless an adapter was fabricated, might not be designed for a transfercase. I'm just speculating here though. I haven't actually researched it.

 

[steamjam1]

Steamjam: I guess you saw on the website the amount of articulation they can get out of their conversions.

Yeah. I attribute that to the Econoline's 4x4 conversion forgiving frame design, and Ujoints lifts the van quite a bit to achieve the room necessary.
My mistake was copying Pathfinder's goofy twin panhard rod system that limits suspension travel when I should have modified it to a single rod. I knew better, but was determined to have the van as "factory-built-looking" as possible even though I know darned well there is no such thing as a factory built Dodge B 4x4. I even took a few days to mimic the inconsistent welds, (Beer works great for this!) and added scratches to the frame to mimic the ones left by the radius arm locator brackets Pathfinder used to center the front axle.

Lesson learnt.

Next time I'm going custom 3-link using heim's and extended radius arms.

 

[AngryVanMan]

I'm not sure what the lift and axle mount looks like on the Quigley or QuadVan Transit conversions, they might build a new subframe. The Transit does use the standard 6R80 transmission that is in the F150, they use a lot of F150 drivetrain components on those conversions. Of course Ford has been making 4x4 Transits overseas for years, but didn't bring them to the US, bummer.

You can add both companies to your list if you are looking for a turn-key conversion instead of kits, they also do the E-series - but it's major $$$. Mostly Ford factory parts used.

 

[Auto360]

Oh wow. Didn't know the transits are being converted. Went to the website but learned virtually nothing although a forum said that it retains the factory independent suspension by using parts from the Ford Raptor. But honestly, it's very annoying when trying to research something and you can't find solid, concrete info from the website. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the transit use McPherson strut front suspension. I wonder if that changes to a dual arm? I'm not a fan of McPherson strut on large vehicles. Small cars fine...but not large vehicles. My opinion of course.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

I'm still very very intrigued and tempted to getting a van converted to 4x4. Ive talked to quite a few people who have recently had Quigley conversions done to their new Chevy's and they are all extremely pleased. Ran into a guy yesterday at the local gas station who had a 2015 Chevy Express converted by Advanced 4x4 in Utah. He drove the stock van out their from Maine to Utah and then back once it was converted. He also towed a 8k lb trailer back with him and he said it rode great, was extremely satisfied with their work. His had a 6" lift done, still had stock tires though. And lastly, talked to Chris at Ujoint and a few that had vans converted by them and they were beyond satisfied. I think he has the best product out there from the research i've done. He also costs twice as much as a Quigley or Advanced 4x4 conversion. If I do it it will be to a new van, so i'm leaning towards using Advanced and a Chevy Express or Chris at Ujoint and i'd buy a new 12' Ford E350 box and convert that.

I know there are a few cons, mainly one of the custom parts breaking and getting stranded, but most parts are factory supplied so the chances are at least lessened. And worst case, you break down somewhere remote and need to spend a few bucks getting out of the situation. I've been talking to and researching these for the last year and I for the most part most people seem to love theirs. I've found a few not happy with them for different reasons, but I think I've done enough research on them to mitigate that risk and would be very happy with one.

 

[highdesertranger]

if you paid that much for anything you would be happy with it too, even if you were not. just saying. highdesertranger

 

[AngryVanMan]

Some problem I had Auto360, virtually no information or pictures to be found while I was looking. The stock system is MacPherson struts, and unless they are custom engineering the knuckle and hub assembly, I'm not sure how they are grafting it together. There are probably a lot of strut options from the SUV segment, but if they are using F150 parts like they say, it would have to be some kind of dual arm conversion. I don't mind the strut system for a "normal" van duty, simple, cheap and durable on everything I've had them on so far, but time will tell. If I was going 4wd it would be to really go offroad, and I just think if I was sinking in $13,000+ it should be solid axles or bust! For real offroad duty the E-series is just a far better platform I think, and plenty of good options there.