Not Happy with Advanced 4X4

[TomsBeast]

Originally Posted by Hands

... The bummer is I don't know any other way to go about getting it all done...

The problem with ordering a DIY 'kit', and turning it over to a shop, is there are so many little things to sort out, specific to your van's powertrain, year, etc.



Unless you are arrange a 'time and materials' type contract, protecting both you and your shop, it's difficult to say how it will turn out.



My van was converted by the previous owner, who bought a UJOR kit, and dropped it off at a shop in Idaho. When I got it a couple years later, I found a bunch of issues not related to the kit, but to the installation. There are so many systems a conversion touches, you have to address everything. The shop cut corners everywhere, didn't install some of the parts, and as the story from the PO went, they never did get 4x4 low working.



From just ignoring installing a vent tube for the top of the T-case and front axle, doing a crap job installing the stainless steel braided front brake lines, doing a poor job installing the front sway bar, to not trimming the cross member properly, letting the power steering cooler hit the steering tie rod (instead of moving it). The T-case linkage was completely FUBAR'd, the way the shop adapted and modified the Ford linkage, 2wd and 4x4 high worked, but there was no way 4x4 low could ever engage.


It's not a case of ordering and just 'installing a kit', but the installer has to address ALL of the systems, ensuring everything works as intended.

[Hands]

You're correct and that's why I'm hesitant. Hopefully I can either find a reputable shop who can do it or I might just have to buy an entirely new van to ship off to a reputable company. Being that I live in my van I don't see many other options. It's a bummer the guys took so many short cuts with the conversion on your van.

[shenrie]

Originally Posted by TomsBeast

My van was converted by the previous owner, who bought a UJOR kit, and dropped it off at a shop in Idaho.

happen to know the shop here in Idaho? pm if you don't want to air it publically. id just like to know personally so I can stay clear or keep people from having to deal with all the stuff you listed if possible.

[b. rock]

If you're in UT and looking for a conversion, there are at least 3 options in CO, maybe more. Otherwise OR isn't terribly far.