Quigley vs. Quadvan

[BajaSportsmobile]

The only honest way to measure wheel travel is from ride height to full bump and to full droop as measured from the center line of the tire.

The Dana 50 Twin Traction Beam system I put on my Sportsmobile has 5 inches of bump travel and 7 inches of droop from ride height for a total of 12 inches of travel, it also sits lower than a Quigley or Quadvan with the same size tire. When we do the same system on a Bronco or F150 we can get 17 inches of travel, but it requires relocating the lower Ball Joint to correct the Camber Curve - not something I wanted to do on the SMB, and in truth, 7 inches of droop might be too much. The droop is restricted by a Limit Strap, so I could shorten it up to 5 inches and tighten up the ride.

[Gnarvan]

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

The Dana 50 Twin Traction Beam system I put on my Sportsmobile has 5 inches of bump travel and 7 inches of droop from ride height for a total of 12 inches of travel, it also sits lower than a Quigley or Quadvan with the same size tire.

To give everyone an idea of what Ramsey means when he says his SMB sits lower than a Quigley or a Quadvan this is an image I took of his van during the Mexican 1000, close to the start of day 2 at Bahia de los Angeles. I hope he doesn't mind me sharing a pic of his smooooth riding van. Not only is it low it rides very soft in the bumps.

[BajaSportsmobile]

Thanks John, I really don't have any good pictures of it - that one illustrates my point well.

We need to do that trip again next year!

What we really should do is build a "Race SMB" with a cage and safety equipment and enter the race. Anyone want to partner up?

[j.whitbread]

Keep in mind the newest Quigley's are the best one's they've made. Improved turning radius, improved geometry to address bumpster, etc. A problem with almost all makes and models of solid axle 4x4's. Less money but still top notch product.

Larry helped me buy mine in July 07 and he and everyone else I deal with there, including Todd Quigley, continue to provide me with top notch customer service.

As for all Ford parts. If I was in the middle of nowhere with a broken part, I'd rather deal with Quigley than Ford to get me that part. Have no experience with Quadvan.

FWIW

[lndshark]

Hey CTB!

I stumbled upon the pics of your van in the gallery...it looks GREAT! Love the color! So...tells us all what you think of the Quadvan conversion! And more pics of the van, too! I'm thinking about heading down to SMB-North at some point...when will your van be there?

[travelguy2500]

I am not an aggressive off-roader so my experience is pretty mild though I must say I've been totally pleased with my quigley (2012 model). No complaints, problems, etc and i tow my 6000# airstream with my van

[4MacFam]

I went with Quadvan and will NEVER be worried about bump travel because I'll never want to put Sherman on any trails that aggressive. I also had Quadvan install the larger gas tank, air bags, on board compressor, bumpers, tires, and wheels. Quigley will not do some of this stuff. Flew out to Quadvan and drove it back home and then on to SMB North (cheaper than shipping it). I love the way it drives. It took a few hundred miles to "settle" into place and everything is smooth driving now. I've only done some light off road driving so far so I can't speak to that....yet.

Good luck with your build.

[ctb]

Got our SMB-MACHINE on Valentines Day (full moon too)! What a great present to each other! What a fantastic build! John (yes we went with Quadvan, for what he does for converting, and almost as important what they DON"T do). HIs suggestions, expertise, and actual user advice made it less of a leap of faith and more of a very comfortable feel-right decision for the 4x4 converter...Chad was our builder at SMB North (Straight up talented-cool a#@ bearded builder/designer...six days on making the marine toilet/shower-yes a wife must-PERFECT) and Nancy Nix visionist-designer was our Sales chick (what a sweetheart-doll) that made our wants/needs/dreams all possible. Jim(VP- THE MAN) was there making sure it all went like butta' (he's only been there 35 years!) Anyway, I just wanted to update. I'll put some pics up in my gallery of the operation and the players. There is only a few of the pickup in Indy... What a cool party to join! SMB forever eh!

[daveb]

Super looking rig you got there. Hopefully you'll post some trip reports soon.

Wish I had satellite myself but plan on waiting till I retire. I'd sure like to watch a Superbowl in the hills one of these days.

Enjoy your new ride

[Ocsmb]

Gorgeous van ctb. Nice int too