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Old 04-30-2007, 03:21 PM   #1
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Quigley or SMB 4wd?

So I've been kind of dead set on getting the SMB 4wd package, the Atlas II (run one in my Jeep) and the D60 are right up my alley, but I figured I'd ask people's thoughts on the Quigley vs. the SMB conversion?

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Old 04-30-2007, 09:51 PM   #2
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Quigley Here

I have a older 4X4 Ford Sportsmobile. I have the Quigley conversion. The only drawback I can see is the Quigley is automatic locking and the Sportsmobile have the manual locks. I think if I had a choice I would rather manually lock mine in. No chance for slipping out. I have had my 4X4 slip into neutral while moving very slow (once or twice). I was told that is a common occurrence with the older Quigley conversions. But they do work well. I've had that Sportsmobile down the SCORE Baja 1000 last December. Also was in Death Valley a month ago. Got some 4X4 workout there too!
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Old 04-30-2007, 10:08 PM   #3
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From what I hear, the SMB conversion has a tighter turning radius than the Quigley. Depending on your expected driving situation (4x4 or not), decide whether a tighter radius is important to you.

Of course, weigh the other pros and cons.
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Old 04-30-2007, 10:23 PM   #4
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That is correct! The Quigley conversions turn radius is huge. But on the straight and narrow they work great! Thought I'd add a little "Baja" photo of the Quigley in action...
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Old 05-01-2007, 08:51 AM   #5
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Well I have a Quigley so I'll give you my thoughts. I think Quigley leaves lots of room for improvement.

The front axle
- can't disconnect the sway bar without completely removing it.
- reuses factory shocks which look as if they will really limit suspension droop if the swaybar was removed.
- horrible turning radius - looks as if the front trackbar mount on the frame side needs to be moved up a little to gain more clearance with the pitman arm.

Rear axle
- reuses factory shocks (they actually weld on an attachment to the factory shock mounts) this i'm sure will limit the rear articulation. Not to mention I have to cut off the crap they welded on when I replace these with longer shocks.

Everything else
- quigley uses a transfer case from a ford superduty, should be plenty strong.
- the gas tank is shortened (mine is now a 29 gallon tank)

The sportsmobiles from what i have read have a much better turning radius, the atlas transfer case which allows for a lower low range, better articulation since they have swaybar disconnects and aftermarket shocks. I'm not sure if they all come with it or not but the 46 gallon transfer flow gas tank is at least an option, it might be included in the normal conversion. Sportsmobiles also come with spacers for the rear wheels so the front and rear track match which is nice, supposed to make for better handling.

Needless to say i'm glad I purchased my quigley but if i was buying new and had the extra $$ I'd go with the Sportsmobile conversion without a doubt. I'd kill for the better turning radius!

There's also some other conversion companies out there that are supposed to do nice work. http://www.quadvan.com and http://www.salemkroger.com/ are two that come to mind.

I'm gathering the Quigley info off of mine which is a 2004.
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Old 05-01-2007, 09:19 AM   #6
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Re: Quigley Here

Quote:
Originally Posted by captainkettel
I have a older 4X4 Ford Sportsmobile. I have the Quigley conversion. The only drawback I can see is the Quigley is automatic locking and the Sportsmobile have the manual locks. I think if I had a choice I would rather manually lock mine in. ...
My quigley came with manual hubs so quigley either changed from auto to manual or they offer both options. If you'd like to change yours from auto to manual it shouldn't be too big of a process. I'm pretty sure you just need to purchase some manual hubs and then swap with the auto hubs.
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Old 05-01-2007, 11:01 AM   #7
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turning radius - at rally

At the 2006 Sportsmobile Rally in Silverton, CO, the turning radius difference between the Quigley folks and the Sportsmobile 4x4 folks was very noticeable. There were many switchbacks where the Sportsmobile 4x4s could make the turn in one go, but the Quigley vans had to do 3-point turns.

(2006 rally pics: http://octopup.org/sportsmobile/rally2006)

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Old 05-01-2007, 01:56 PM   #8
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Which 4X4

There is also Salem Kroger, in Red Bluff CA. I’m having them install the new 2008 Ford 4X4 front axle, 3:73 with limited slip on our 2006 SMB RB50.. They are changing out the rear 4:10’s with a 3:73 limited slip to match the front. One benefit is the front brakes will now have better stopping abilities with a rating of 7700 pounds rather than the 4400 pound rated brakes equipped on the Quigley or Sportsmobile. On a test drive, I was impressed how the rig braked and how the turning radius was much reduced. They will also be changing out the exhaust and replacing the down pipe with a Kevlar wrapped pipe without the crush points at the bends found in the stock down pipe.

We owned a 2002 SMB RB50 with a Quigley front end and I was very unimpressed the stopping abilities.

SMB uses great components with their installations, but it was the brakes that made me go with S&K.

Saying that, S&K told be it would be a four week job and I continue to wait at 10 weeks. Each week something new is on back order. You won’t run into that problem with Sportsmobile.
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Old 05-02-2007, 11:14 AM   #9
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Which 4x4

I'd be interested in more info on the Salem Kroger retrofit. Is it an IFS system? Did you remove the SMB 4x4 and add the SK or was the van a 2wd? Is the ride height the same as SMB? Is the cost more or less than SMB? Why not locking axels? Thanks.
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Old 05-03-2007, 11:06 PM   #10
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4X4 options

The S&K system I've purchased has manual hubs. Cost: If you have S&K install the 46 gallon tank and the basic 4X4 system with new 17" rims and tires (17 required because of the larger brakes and different bolt pattern), you will spend around 14.6k. SMB west was about 15.1k for their basic 4X4 system with the 46 gallon tank. You can continue to have 16" rims with the SMB and Quigley conversions. My van was two wheel drive when I delivered it to S&K.

SMB West will give you a couple of years to make up your mind to have the 4X4 installed after you make the purchase. I don't know if S&K cares how old or how many miles you have driven.
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