FWIW
I haven't really had any traction issues or clearance issues here in Colorado when driving to trail heads in my 2wd EB van. The trails I've failed to make it up would have been almost impossible even with 4wd. The issue I run into most on mountain trails is the overall length, height and width of the van. Entry if fine, exit is horrible. Always dragging the hitch. Going up to the Via Ferrarta in Telluride, I had to do anywhere from 3-5 maneuvers to get around the switchbacks, would have been worse if I had a 4wd with a wider turning radius. A few weeks ago I was in Lake City CO hiking Uncompahgre Peak, roads like that or Como require short wheelbase and tall lifts. Any van, regardless of lift or 4wd will not make it.
It would be nice to have 4wd in winter on the roads though.
I'm sure you've already seen that 4x4 vans in the front range area go for a sizable price. The conversion shops I've stopped by are charging large amounts of money to convert, and the "mechanics" they have beating and torching the the system under vans are neither mechanics or skilled, just cheap labor. IMHO
It took me over 9 months to find/buy a van in Denver. Most were tourist haulers, ski resort or oil field vans, 50-100k miles and BTS. Bought my 2010 E350 EB van from Centennial Airport, 70k miles, all records and in mint condition for $14k.
If you're handy, I'd suggest buying a Ford E250/350 2wd RB and converting it yourself.
Just my .02
(Also, stay completely away from any Ford with a 6.0 diesel.)
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2010 Ford E350 EB 6" Weldtec Lift
2017 Subaru Legacy
1990 Volvo 240GL
2x 1987 BMW 535is
1995 BMW 540i6
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