Help identifying 4x4 swap

[bennj512]

Hello everyone! Purchased a 4x4 van sight unseen from an auction back in December that I have been working on. The van is a 1985 gmc vandura that Rocky Mountain power used as an underground fault locating rig. Small block 350 with a semi float 14 rear, np205 and what I believe to be a ford Dana 44 up front. I have reached out to quigley, quad van and advance and have not had any luck figuring out who did the swap. Rocky Mountain power is a big corporate company so I wouldn’t imagine them sending it just anywhere. I am using the van as a Dirtbike hauler and it’s just about perfect for that. If any one has any information I would appreciate it! Thanks and glad to be a part of the community.

 

[Twoxentrix]

It may have been Pathfinder - check out this link:

The Ultimate in off grid Full size van 4x4 GMC G3500 Pathfinder Lynchburg, Va $27k

The best part about this van is that the parts are all available at most any Napa store. 65k original miles and it was institutionally maintained for over 30 years then babied ever since. The history of this van is as follows.... 1985 it was ordered by the City of Los Angeles shipped directly...

forum.expeditionportal.com

This was a result of a quick Google search:

Unfortunately, it's tricky to pinpoint exactly who did the 4x4 conversions on GMC Vanduras back in 1985. Here's why:

• GMC didn't offer a factory 4x4 Vandura: GMC produced the Vandura as a rear-wheel-drive van. Any 4x4 versions were the result of aftermarket conversions.
• Conversion Companies: A number of companies specialized in converting vans to 4x4 in the 1970s and 1980s. Names that often come up in relation to van conversions are Pathfinder, Quigley and Centurion.
• Custom Conversions: Many 4x4 Vanduras were also one-off custom conversions done by smaller shops or even individuals, making it difficult to track down who exactly did the work.
• Limited Records: Records from that time are often not readily available, especially for custom work.

How you might be able to learn more:

• Check for Badges or Labels: If you are trying to determine who converted a specific van, look closely at the van itself. Sometimes conversion companies put a badge or sticker on the van to indicate who performed the conversion.
• Look at the Axles and Transfer Case: Examining the axles and transfer case might give clues to the type of 4x4 system installed which might help you determine the company that might have done the conversion.
• Van Forums and Communities:Consider exploring forums or online communities dedicated to vintage vans. You might find someone who knows more about your specific van.
• VIN Number: While the VIN won't tell you who did a 4x4 conversion, it can help determine other factory details that might be useful if researching.

In conclusion: It's unlikely there's one definitive answer. The 4x4 conversion on a 1985 GMC Vandura was probably done by a specialty conversion company or a custom shop.

 

[bennj512]

Thank you for the reply. I ended up finding a badge on the door that lead me to advance out of Salt Lake City Utah. In contact with one of the reps now getting the low down on the swap. Ever since I bought the rig I had been trying to decode the swap and parts used so I can rebuild the front end. I feel silly now knowing there was a sticker that lead me right to them this whole time. Anyone in the future that stumbles across this thread should know that advance 4x4 put a sticker either in the door frame or on the door itself and that they were also known for the Danna 44 np 205 combo. Thanks again for the reply Two.