Downside to E250 5.4 conversion to 4x4

[witoke]

Mike, my comment was meant to be slightly tongue in cheek. I don't want to bring up the actual weight versus weight rating again unless someone has something new and valid to add. Perhaps one of these days I will look into it but for now, it still fascinates and perhaps scares me a little that that SMB, Quigley and I assume other conversion companies are allowed to convert and then sell vehicles that cannot be driven without exceeding the original approved weight rating.

[carringb]

Originally Posted by witoke

It still fascinates and perhaps scares me a little that that SMB, Quigley and I assume other conversion companies are allowed to convert and then sell vehicles that cannot be driven without exceeding the original approved weight rating.

Those guys are all final-stage converters. If they are willing to perform the tests and documentation to prove compliance with FMVSS performance standards, they can revise GVWR and GAWR's. Remember the original door sticker only reflects the vehicle as it leaves the factory.

[witoke]

[color=red]"If they are willing to perform the tests and documentation to prove compliance with FMVSS performance standards, they can revise GVWR and GAWR's."

Fair enough, but are these companies really doing that? And if they are, why don't they post the revised weight rating on the door? My Quigley has the original sticker on it and if Bones is right I am pretty close to the front axles weight limit with an empty van with just a PH top and passenger interior. I also remember a member of the forum having a new SMB Sprinter that was out of compliance with the manufacturers weight distribution specs. If I remember correctly he had a bit of a struggle to get it recognized as a problem by SMB.

Apologies for the thread hijack but if there are any of the 'upfitters' who are on the forum, maybe they could post some definitive answers?

[Ford_6L_E350]

Salem-Kroger was willing to up the GVWR and FAWR on my van after the 4x4 conversion with a stronger F350 front axle and brakes. Craig said they have the engineering numbers to support it, no testing needed for small manufacturers, just engineering data to justify the change.

You might call Craig (now at Whitefeather) and see what their policies are.

http://whitefeather4x4conversions.com/

Mike

[UJOINT]

The 5.4's have the little 4R75 tranny, and parts to convert it to 4wd can be hard to find and they're more expensive. Besides that, the exhaust re routing is tricky, especially on the lower lift heights and if the van has 2 cats on that side.