Thoughts on new GM van with Lifted IFS 4x4 by Quigley

Steve_382 · 11-11-2015, 04:05 PM

Since we can't get a new Ford van, and SMB seems to have stalled out on the Classic project (???), what about the GM van with a Duramax and the Quigley LIFS 4x4 system? How durable off road, etc?

j.whitbread · 11-11-2015, 04:53 PM

Very durable. Look at some of the videos Quigley posted last year of them pre-running the Baja.

86Scotty · 11-11-2015, 05:49 PM

That's cool! I hadn't seen those videos. I'm impressed.

carringb · 11-11-2015, 05:51 PM

One big negative I ran into is front axle capacity. Note: I only considered a EB. The RB van might fare a little better.

Anyways.... when I configured a van how I would want it, which is decently equipped, an EB Duramax 3500 Wagon only had 150 pounds of front axle reserve capacity left. That would surely be eaten up completely by a 4x4 conversion (The 4x4 axle still is only good for 4600 pounds) much less a good sturdy off-road bumper and a winch. Then, about the same time I read about the torque converter problems in the vans. Basically the 6.0 and Duramax's can burn up the lockup clutch in the transmission if they are loaded heavy or towing. The fix is is a re-flash to let it run unlocked more, but that also makes more heat. I'd be pushing the ratings anyways, so I decided that was enough to not look into one any further.

WhitH · 11-12-2015, 11:33 AM

Its something I've considered and would likely go that route if I do ever decide to move on from my current E350. Ron (BettyFord) I know really likes his. A local brewery here in Eugene that is close to my office has one and i know the guy who drives it around doing events here in the PacNW. I'm amazed at how quite it is compared to my 6.0.

Steve_382 · 11-12-2015, 12:25 PM

Thanks for the inputs. I am always amazed at how quiet the Duramax is also. I talked to a guy out west last year with a 4x4 Duramax and he said he gets about 17 mpg. I get 12 in my V-10. The extra 100 pounds of torque would be nice also. Just trying to think ahead. The Quigley video about running a van in the Baja 1000 in 2013 was pretty interesting.

86Scotty · 11-12-2015, 02:51 PM

Whit, Ron sold his. He drives a crew cab truck nowadays. His van was awesome though.

WhitH · 11-12-2015, 03:11 PM

Thats right he did! Totally forgot, in fact I considered buying it for a fleeting moment. He loved it and encouraged me to go Duramax and never look back.

PezGallo · 11-20-2015, 06:43 PM

We don't have the IFS version, so I can't comment on that, but our Dmax Quigley has been great.

I did a EFI live tune with Adrenaline Truck Performance to build a tune for our heavy rig and improve mileage, performance, while making sure the tranny lives as well. I also added a deep tranny pan to help keep fluid temps lower. While we were at it we built a tow tune that uses the variable vane turbo as an engine brake while under deceleration. It is selectable through the tow/haul button on the dash.

Additionally we corrected the speedometer for the larger tires.

Fuel mileage from May 1st through today (about 12,000 miles) is 17.16 with a high of 18.8 and a low of 15.2. That includes all off-road, boat towing, and 1,000 miles towing a loaded car trailer.

The Dmax is quiet for sure. I upgraded the down pipe and swapped out for 4" exhaust and it's still way quieter than the PS. I installed dynamat in all the doors, the dog house, and the floor to get the interior as quiet as possible.

A little birdie told me that GM is looking to discontinue the Dmax in the van after 2016. If so, we're all going to need to plan ahead sooner rather than later.