Converting 4x2 to 4x4 on a 1998 E250

[wander]

I have a 1998 E250SD with 5.4L and about 140k miles. I've been thinking 4x4 would get me more places I'd like to go. I love this SMB and trust it - mechanically and functionally. The new Classic 4x4 is likely out of my price range.

How out of my mind would I be by having a Quigley installed on my unit?

Also, I still want to be able to get the unit through my garage door with 8' clearance. Is that possible?

Thanks! Terry

[marret]

Not crazy to convert, but you will need to use Ujoint, Agile, Weldtec, etc. as I am pretty sure Quigley only does newer vans with less than 60k miles and may not be doing non-cutaway E series now.

[BrianW]

Quigley doesn’t convert used Econolines any more, according to their website. They will convert used GM vans 2013 or newer with fewer than 60k miles I believe.

[wander]

Originally Posted by BrianW

Quigley doesn’t convert used Econolines any more, according to their website. They will convert used GM vans 2013 or newer with fewer than 60k miles I believe.

Yes, I just saw that. Thanks!

[mikracer]

I dont think you'll be able to get a Ford 4X4 SMB into an 8' garage.

[wander]

Originally Posted by mikracer

I dont think you'll be able to get a Ford 4X4 SMB into an 8' garage.

Yeah, that's what I'm figuring out. That's a deal breaker. I've read elsewhere that I can make a big improvement with a locker on the rear end (I'm such a green horn, I don't even know what that is). I sent an inquiry to Weldtec, I'll see what they have to say.

Thanks mikracer.

Terry

[1der]

Actually, if it fits in a garage now an Agile TTB converted will fit as well. That conversion can be done with no lift blocks at the rear, the front will come up to an even stance vs the normally slightly nose down attitude. You just have to tell them you want no lift. So it should be no higher than stock.

What you get with the Agile TTB is the best riding on and off road 4x4 system for these vans.

Your other alternatives are all solid front axle configurations. These raise the front end by about 4 inches and the back end by two inches to even out the height. The four inches is necessary to fit the solid front axle under the front cross member.

Quigley will not touch anything older than about a year. If you find a Quigley system take off from a wreck, this could be retrofitted to your rig. Downside to Quigley is they use a mixture of wear parts some of which are Quigley source only. IF you find a Quigley setup make sure to get the VIN number it came out of so they can send you the build sheet and VIN specific parts that went into that build.

Quadvan in Portland. OR is a Ford certified upfitter. They use all Ford parts in their coil sprung conversions many of which are from your own rig. This makes maintenance much more convenient when figuring out what parts you need.

Expo Vans / MGMetalworks Portland OR - If they are still doing conversions, they offer a coil sprung front end . If they are still doing their install kits but not doing conversions themselves, the kit can be installed by a capable 4 wheel drive shop.

UJOINT Offroad in North Carolina - A leaf sprung front axle that accommodates quite a bit of lift.

Colorado Camper Van - Loveland, CO - they do a very stout Dana 70 conversion. Might be worth considering if you are doing extensive wheeling.

I do not believe WedTec is doing 4x4 conversions. They do make lift kits for the 2wd vans.

Whatever, BEFORE you decide on a conversion - I STRONGLY recommend finding rigs with the various conversions and driving them to see what the ride is like. If you have to fly somewhere to drive one, do it. The cost of a flight or two is nothing compared to the $14k to $20k the conversion will cost. There are significant differences in the ride characteristics between each of the four above.

[MSD]

Originally Posted by 1der

Actually, if it fits in a garage now an Agile TTB converted will fit as well. That conversion can be done with no lift blocks at the rear, the front will come up to an even stance vs the normally slightly nose down attitude. You just have to tell them you want no lift. So it should be no higher than stock.

What you get with the Agile TTB is the best riding on and off road 4x4 system for these vans.

Your other alternatives are all solid front axle configurations. These raise the front end by about 4 inches and the back end by two inches to even out the height. The four inches is necessary to fit the solid front axle under the front cross member.

Quigley will not touch anything older than about a year. If you find a Quigley system take off from a wreck, this could be retrofitted to your rig. Downside to Quigley is they use a mixture of wear parts some of which are Quigley source only. IF you find a Quigley setup make sure to get the VIN number it came out of so they can send you the build sheet and VIN specific parts that went into that build.

Quadvan in Portland. OR is a Ford certified upfitter. They use all Ford parts in their coil sprung conversions many of which are from your own rig. This makes maintenance much more convenient when figuring out what parts you need.

Expo Vans / MGMetalworks Portland OR - If they are still doing conversions, they offer a coil sprung front end . If they are still doing their install kits but not doing conversions themselves, the kit can be installed by a capable 4 wheel drive shop.

UJOINT Offroad in North Carolina - A leaf sprung front axle that accommodates quite a bit of lift.

Colorado Camper Van - Loveland, CO - they do a very stout Dana 70 conversion. Might be worth considering if you are doing extensive wheeling.

I do not believe WedTec is doing 4x4 conversions. They do make lift kits for the 2wd vans.

Whatever, BEFORE you decide on a conversion - I STRONGLY recommend finding rigs with the various conversions and driving them to see what the ride is like. If you have to fly somewhere to drive one, do it. The cost of a flight or two is nothing compared to the $14k to $20k the conversion will cost. There are significant differences in the ride characteristics between each of the four above.

You’re forgetting a great resource & converter in Timberline vans Golden, CO Tim has a great conversion, gives excellent customer service & the conversion is solid. www.4x4vans.com give him & call to discuss it will be worth you while 👍

[wander]

Originally Posted by MSD

You’re forgetting a great resource & converter in Timberline vans Golden, CO Tim has a great conversion, gives excellent customer service & the conversion is solid. www.4x4vans.com give him & call to discuss it will be worth you while 👍

I hadn't heard of them, thanks for the suggestion.

It might be good to attend an Overland Expo, but I don't think the timing will work.

~Terry

[macmcintire]

Originally Posted by wander

Yeah, that's what I'm figuring out. That's a deal breaker. I've read elsewhere that I can make a big improvement with a locker on the rear end (I'm such a green horn, I don't even know what that is). I sent an inquiry to Weldtec, I'll see what they have to say.

Thanks mikracer.

Terry

I put a locker on the rear of my 2002 Ford E-250 SMB. I've only used it a few times for a few minutes each, but I have not been stuck anywhere yet. Of course, I cannot go everywhere a 4X4 might go (serious rock crawling) and I wish I had a low gear when going up or down some nerve-racking areas. But, for what I do, I'm satisfied with just having the locker. At times I think I would like to do the White Rim Trail near Moab and wonder whether I would make it with just my locker, but my vertigo probably would keep me from doing that trip anyway, so it is probably good that I don't have 4X4.