87 E350 Pathfinder 4x4 conversion van?

[BigAl]

I am looking at an 87 E350 conversion van on craigs list. It is about 3 hours away. I called the owner, he said the 4x4 conversion was done by a company called pathfinder. He said it had coil springs but didn't know what the axle was. The motor is a 460.

Does anyone know where I can get more info on "Pathfinder"?

Can anyone point me towards any 4x4 van forums?

 

[mike h]

Yahoo has a 4x4 van forum where you can find a lot of info. I don't believe Pathfinder is in business anymore but a lot of the vans show up for sale. Thunders Garage may have info as well? He is pretty knowledgeable about the 4x4 vans.

http://www.thundersgarage.com/

Some expo members own them as well:

http://www.nomadicman.com/kvan.html

m.

 

[jkam]

Pathfinder info can be found here http://www.pathfinder-vans.com/

The guy took over when Pathfinder went out of business, I believe he was an ex employee,. He purchased the remaining stock of parts and can help with questions you have.

They were done as a drop off, like Quigley. Van was sent from the manufacturer to the converter, and when the 4x4 conversion was done, sent on to a dealer to deliver.

I haven't joined the yahoo 4x4 van forum because I don't like yahoo groups, they are a PITA.

If you any questions, I'd be more than happy to help, if I can.

Good luck, if you decide to get it.

I love my Pathfinder Chevy, although it is for sale http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5381 as I just don't use it much anymore. I'll sell it to you at a reasonable price, it's been fixed up pretty nicely, Pathfinder did an excellent job with their conversions, although I do prefer the leaf spring front ends.

 

[ujoint]

I had a 78 pathfinder for about 10 years. Most likely it's a Dana 44 8 lug front axle. The biggest downfall of the Pathfinders were the dual trac bar setup, and the "quality" of the conversion. I think some of the conversions were done by children with torches. But some look really nice. It's a basic conversion, and parts can sometimes be hard to find, like replacement steering components. Gordon (contact info above) has allot of replacement parts, like suspension bushings. If the van is in good rust free condition, and you don't want anything larger than a 33" tire & minimal suspension travel, go for it!!

 

[BigAl]

I love my Pathfinder Chevy, although it is for sale http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5381 as I just don't use it much anymore. I'll sell it to you at a reasonable price, it's been fixed up pretty nicely, Pathfinder did an excellent job with their conversions, although I do prefer the leaf spring front ends.

Thanks for the links guys. I tried the yahoo board and agree, it is very frustrating. Jkam, you have what I'm after. From your pics it looks like your out west somewhere. I'm in central PA. I'm basically looking for one that is done for ~$5000.

The first one I found needed too much work. I am trying to reach a guy in Fayetteville WV who has this one for sale. Anyone know him?

 

[jkam]

Yes, my van is in Las Vegas.

Finding one that is done for ~$5000 isn't easy. I put that into the engine alone.

I'd entertain reasonable offers, I am looking at getting a small motorhome, if I do then the van will need to be sold for sure. Somewhere around $7500 depending on what stays on the van, like the Engle, Powertank etc.

This is a New Mexico :sombrero: van so no rust, hard to find back east.

Good luck in your search.