SMB 4x4 conversion - questions.

[yonah]

Good evening,

I've checked out a handful of used vans in my neck of the woods; of the 4x4 converted rigs, three have been SMB 4x4 conversions.

From the three vans I've seen ('04, '07 (I think), and a '14) and from Googling, it seems like the SMB 4x4 standard recipe is/was a ProRock front axle, custom (?) leaf springs, and an Atlas transfer case. It's kind of hard to glean a lot of info about these conversions as a Google search for "Sportsmobile 4x4 conversion" simply generates vehicle for sale listings and it looks like SMB is only converting vans for their Classic model (built on the cutaway chassis).

-What other details do you guys know about these SMB 4x4 conversions?
-Anything to look out for or any known issues with SMB 4x4-converted rigs?
-Are there any non-Ford wear parts that would make serviceability a pain?

Thanks in advance for the help ,

[martinli]

I know there is a thread where different conversions are compared. But I did not find it quickly.

Here is another thread which might help you :
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ions-3497.html

[Twoxentrix]

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ion-31279.html

[yonah]

I also found this post comparing various conversions:
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...tml#post295051

Here are some more details regarding the SMB conversion:
https://octopup.org/sportsmobile#4x4

[Steve_382]

From the Sportsmobile website. SMB west did all the 4x4 conversions, but SMB still has this info on their website.


https://sportsmobile.com/sportsmobile-4x4/


SPORTSMOBILE’S 4×4 SYSTEM
The Sportsmobile 4×4 Vehicle is for the most discerning of off-road enthusiasts. Only the best heavy-duty components are used to provide the maximum off-road performance while maintaining exceptional on-road comfort.

This combined with over five decades of experience designing and manufacturing van campers makes the Sportsmobile 4×4 a truly unique product.

Ford discontinued the E-Series Van with model year 2014.

The only way to get the Sportsmobile 4×4 build is via the Sportsmobile Classic.

SPORTSMOBILE 4×4 CONVERSION INCLUDES
Advance Adapter Atlas II All Gear Driven Transfer Case
Dynatrac Pro-Roc 60 Front Axle
Dana 60 Rear Axle
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks
High Knuckle Front End for Extra Tie Rod Clearance
Extra Heavy Duty Steering Arm
True horizontal drag link Spicer 1350 one-ton rated driveline components
Your choice of open, limited slip, or locking differentials
Partial military wrap springs designed specifically for a Sportsmobile Conversion
Reverse Shackle leaf spring design
Front sway bar with quick disconnect system and custom shocks
Front End Upgrades including new casting, larger knuckles and hubs
F550 rotors and beefed-up the calipers
GVWR 10,050 lbs

[yonah]

Steve, thank you for the reply. This matches up with what I've seen in person and via ads.

I wonder if the above list has changed any over the years?

One thing I've noticed is the newer SMB 4x4-converted rigs appear to have a thicker front leaf pack - maybe two additional leaves over the older, early-mid 00s, conversions. On the earlier conversions, the leaf packs look almost flat in the front (no curve), while the newer rigs have a more robust leaf pack with what appears to be more leaves and a pre-loaded curve that is seen in most off-road/heavy duty leaf springs. Just an observation that I haven't explored in greater detail.

[JoeH]

I didn't re-read the linked threads but the SMB 4x4 conversion is pretty bomber. Except to save costs many rigs were spec'd with semi-float rear axles. That, and as already mentioned using the stock ford leaf springs in the rear made for a jarring ride and the ARB leafs in the front were woefully inadequate and ended up reverse-arched. The solution back in the day was to go with Deavers but I think Sportsmobile did switch to a different spring. Betts maybe?

The other odd thing is they spec'd the Dynatrac front axle with 32 spline outers. Standard on even jeeps is 35 spline.

[yonah]

Further information for those who may be seeking additional information. I found these threads over on ExPo.

https://forum.expeditionportal.com/t...ystems.183950/

https://forum.expeditionportal.com/t...gley-4x4.5113/

[JoeH]

Originally Posted by yonah

Good evening,

-What other details do you guys know about these SMB 4x4 conversions?
-Anything to look out for or any known issues with SMB 4x4-converted rigs?
-Are there any non-Ford wear parts that would make serviceability a pain?

Thanks in advance for the help ,

This was one of my posts from one of the portal linked threads above regarding the parts spec.

I don't think there is anything proprietary about how SMB is (was) doing the front end. Hubs are Warn and bearings are Timken. Axle shafts and ball joints are Dana Spicer. Tie rod ends are Moog. Brakes are OEM. Rotors are 95-98 Ford F350. The ABS sensors, however, are GM. It doesn't vary much from year to year but bigger brakes did come on the 2008+ vans.

[REF]

Right…..SMB came out with their own front leaf sprung 4X4 system as an option in ‘03/‘04 along side having exclusively used Quigley’s coil sprung front end 4X4 up until that point. The early SMB iterations were pretty harsh with I thought it was OME (old man emu) springs and either Rancho or OME shocks, Atlas transfer cases, Dynatrac pro-rock axles were an option, not standard. They dropped OME (or ARB?) and made improvements over the following years.
As said, most parts are off the shelf, every SMB should come with build sheet specs. It’s when you look at ‘03 and older vans with the Quigley 4X4 that you’ll run into some issues finding OEM parts off the shelf, they converted the F series front axle from 8X170 to 8X6.5 to match the van with custom drilled hubs/rotors, replacements are available through Quigley, or like I did, have a set of upgraded aftermarket rotors drilled out.
Both are good systems, SMB used better components, the Atlas TC being one. I’d be more concerned with the engine options available starting in ‘04, I’d personally stay away from the 6.0L diesel, unless it’s had extensive work done to address known issues, sometimes called “bulletproofing”, but even that has varying interpretations.