How to tell Crow/TJ Conversion?

[demech11]

I'm looking at getting into the SMB game. Would love to make a little project out of it, slowly converting it over time.

I thought I found the perfect candidate, but then started reading about the horror stories of Crow/TJ 4x4 conversion.

What are things to look for to determine if it's a Crow/TJ conversion without getting under the van to inspect it up close?

Here's the post
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...4446715236408/

Cheers!

[simplesez]

They usually are high mileage 7.3 PSD vans with a fresh paint job and bolt on parts including 4*4 and bumpers. Usually located in southern California. If it seems like too good of a deal to be true it probably is.

[Turbo]

If it’s underpriced located in SoCal it’s almost always a Javier/Crow conversion.

[Twoxentrix]

Unless its a coincidence, the last couple that have come up had the same side step rock sliders and the front bumper on each had the same inverted double-V braced brush guard. Undercarriage is almost always painted.

[TomsBeast]

New shiny "hello officer" Red paint, new flashy wheels that belong on a southern california 'brodozer', rocksliders, roof rack and ladder, steering stabilizers, looks like it's never been down a firetrail since built, 7.3 with higher miles, are all tell tale signs that this one shows, that are in common with Crow builds

[86Scotty]

As stated above, almost always advertised out of San Diego.

Almost always a high mileage 7.3l diesel.

Every one I've ever seen has the same smaller tube hoop steps like the van in the link and the bumpers/racks are often the same material and similar.

another trend I've noticed is they are often less desirable vans than most of us would pick for conversions, such as passenger vans and base model vans with worn interiors.

None of these telltales jump out as a Crows for sure except maybe the metal fab but 2-3 of these or all of em pretty much nail it every time.

[Lilnuts2]

In that 3rd picture that shows the driver's side full length sure looks like the front wheel could be rubbing pretty severely.
Doesn't look like the wheel has been pushed forward in the wheelwheel as done with most quality conversions.

[carringb]

The center seam in the headliner is a big red flag on its own. That thing had a roof repair, but somebody was too lazy to pull the seats out to drop the headliner in one piece. Keep in mind the seats are quick release.

[blair]

double steering stabilizers

[tedujam]

If you see Ruben Pina III involved anywhere, it's a Crow. He's either a paid Crow shill or works for them. Every Crow sales post I see on FB vanlife threads, he's on there shilling Crow 'reliability' and insulting posters who dare to bring up Crow issues.