4x4 cost and advantage?

[mikracer]

Originally Posted by skoronesa

How much of that roughly 14k$ to convert is labor/parts? I have been really interested in turning my 06 5.4 to 4x4. If I could do the labor my self it might be worth buying a cheap sedan to use for the year or two my van is out of commision.

I recently had to buy a parts van just to get a tailshaft housing. I almost just got a transfercase and driveshaft instead.

If you do the labor yourself, just get a ujoint kit. You can hang the front end and still keep it drivable until you want to finish up the rest of the install. I think most people can get the front end installed in a weekend.

[jblaze5779]

Originally Posted by mikracer

If you do the labor yourself, just get a ujoint kit. You can hang the front end and still keep it drivable until you want to finish up the rest of the install. I think most people can get the front end installed in a weekend.

I've been driving like this for a year now. Hopefully I'll finally finish things up within the next few weeks.

[skoronesa]

So how much is a ujoint kit for an 06 5.4 e250? I want as little lift as possible.

[jblaze5779]

Originally Posted by skoronesa

So how much is a ujoint kit for an 06 5.4 e250? I want as little lift as possible.

Budget 10k-12k

[mikracer]

Originally Posted by jblaze5779

Budget 10k-12k

My quote was less than that but it was a few years ago so the price could have gone up. The most cost effective way to do a ujoint kit is if you source a front axle yourself rather than buying one of their rebuilt front axles.

[Bbasso]

Originally Posted by skoronesa

So how much is a ujoint kit for an 06 5.4 e250? I want as little lift as possible.

Just email Chris at UJOR and ask, he's not going to steer you wrong.
I think the basic starter kit is $5K, but it's best to ask him for details.

[jblaze5779]

Originally Posted by mikracer

My quote was less than that but it was a few years ago so the price could have gone up. The most cost effective way to do a ujoint kit is if you source a front axle yourself rather than buying one of their rebuilt front axles.

That's with your own axle, trans work and any gearing. You can source your own axle and just buy the stuff to hang it for about 4k (plus 750-1k for the axle) I think. All the little parts to finish the conversion add up.

I stopped adding everything up after I made the "stage 1" purchase.

[brp]

I bought a 2004 Quigley with 125,000 miles for $9,000. It might make the most sense to just be a patient and proactive shopper.

[karma]

Originally Posted by brp

I bought a 2004 Quigley with 125,000 miles for $9,000. It might make the most sense to just be a patient and proactive shopper.

wow good deal, what engine?

[jjtwister]

Hi:

I bought a spanking new 2011 E-250. I spent my $$ on having the interior done to my specs. I also had it lifted 4" (recommended) with an ACTION VAN suspension system. I put TOYO Open Country AT ll tires on it. FrOnt bumper was a BUCKSTOP custom bumper
Prineville, OR.....love the front bumper as it has cutouts for 2 pair of LED lights and room for a winch.....love it. I would suggest you save your $$ and NOT get 4WD and put the $$ into what really counts. If you use common sense you will not get stuck.