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Old 01-24-2010, 06:51 PM   #1
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4x4 Conversion?

Does anyone know of a company in the NW that will do a 4wd conversion on a GM van? Are there any others besides Quigley?

I know there are a few out there that will do one on a Ford, but I'm really thinking of getting an express van (do a poor man's SMB buildup).

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Old 01-24-2010, 08:19 PM   #2
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Re: 4x4 Conversion?

Why no just get a Ford?
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Old 01-24-2010, 08:54 PM   #3
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Re: 4x4 Conversion?

You may be able to find someone to complete a custom conversion, but the process will be easier & cheaper with a Ford.
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Old 01-24-2010, 08:59 PM   #4
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Re: 4x4 Conversion?

I just had a great experience with Quadvan, but I don't know if they do GM.

Salem Kroger, in northern California, is probably game and I know they need the work.
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Old 01-25-2010, 01:12 AM   #5
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Re: 4x4 Conversion?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nomadcat
I just had a great experience with Quadvan, but I don't know if they do GM.

Salem Kroger, in northern California, is probably game and I know they need the work.
QuadVan will not do Chevy.

SalemKroger used to, but I don't see it on their site anymore.

Here's the closest I could find their website:
Quote:
Over the years we have found that Ford 4x4 vans and 4x4 trucks have a better engine selection and most importantly a stronger frame than other manufacturers. We don't do Ford conversions exclusively, but the great majority of our work is Ford Motor Company vehicles
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Old 01-25-2010, 01:15 AM   #6
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Re: 4x4 Conversion?

If you want better traction for slippery roads, the Chevy is fine. If you want to do any serious off-roading, you'll be making a big compromise with the Chevy. It's chassis is much smaller than the Ford vans, and you also lose rigidity because the walls on the Chevy are single-ply. Ford uses double wall construction, and the inner wall is stamped so it is structural.
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Old 01-25-2010, 09:24 AM   #7
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Re: 4x4 Conversion?

Good notes... thank you all. I've been hearing the same thing, that the Ford is better off road. I'd be doing a small amount while hunting and camping. Nothing extreme, but I sure wouldn't want my rig to limit me. Basically looking for it to perform at least as well as a stock 4x4 pickup.

I'd like to run a 33" tire also. Maybe a 285/75r16 which I know is common on most SMB's. Any companies that offer a GM conversion, could I run that big of a tire? It looks like the Quigley runs stock ride height? Then on a Ford, it looks like Quadvan and Salem-Kroger give an option for a 4" lift which should fit a 33, right?

If I decide to go with a Ford, I'd like the cost of the van to be around $10k or less (without 4x4 cost). Is there anything to look for in a later model E250? What about engines? I think I want to go with a gas engine. Not sure I need a V10. Is the 5.4 V8 any good? I've heard it's rather gutless...

Thanks again. I'm loving this forum.
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Old 01-25-2010, 12:19 PM   #8
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Re: 4x4 Conversion?

Yeah, +4" ride height will fit 33s.

The Quigley Chevy vans have a choice of IFS or silid axle. IFS will sit at stock height. Solid axle will be +4. The solid axle conversion on the Chevy will use all Ford front end parts, so make sure you have a dealer who's willing to work on a Frankenvan.
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Old 01-25-2010, 12:22 PM   #9
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Re: 4x4 Conversion?

From personal experience with my brother's van, Quadvan with a 2" lift will have no problem with 33" (285/70/17). Based on my Quigley with 305/70/16, I would recommend staying with the narrower 285 tire.
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Old 01-25-2010, 12:34 PM   #10
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Re: 4x4 Conversion?

Quigley wants roughly $11k for Ford or Chevy. How much does Quadvan want to convert a Ford, figuring a 4" lift?
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