E350 4x4 Conversion Advice Solicitation

[Okeebc]

First post n00b here!

I have a 2012 E350 EXT 5.4L with 36000 miles. I am about to pull the trigger on a Quigley conversion and have a date a few weeks away. Before I follow through with this appointment, I would like to get some opinions. Having read some of the threads here, I am afraid that I may eventually regret going with Quigley. I fear a future case of "lift envy" to put it plainly.

I also realize that I may be better off, given the 5.4L, sticking with the 4" lift and subsequent smaller tires. But man, that 6" lift and 35s tho....

This will be a camper conversion van and I will be pulling a small trailer at times with either a 4wheeler or waverunner plus supplies. These will be long multi state tour road trips.

Is there a ceiling that the 5.4L shouldnt really be expected to perform above? For instance the added resistance of the new 4x4 drivetrain and the larger tires plus the added weight = failure

I would like to know other's thoughts/experiences because I know I am not the first one here to think about this. I want the higher lift other outfits offer but can my van really handle it.

Thanks in advance for all replies :ylsmoke:

 

[Jsweezy]

You won't have any issues with a 6" on 35s if you re gear the axles. I think 4.56 is what most people go to with that lift.

I don't know if I would choose Quigley with all of the other options around now but it would take the least amount of work on your part to just drop off and pick it up.

 

[villageidiot327]

depending on what state you are in... if on the east coast, id just make an appointment with Ujoint and be done with it.

 

[shenrie]

I own a Quigley and if id known the other options, I likely would have gone a different route. im just not all that thrilled about how my van handles. with the agile rip kit and other small mods its TONS better, but still not 100% happy with it overall. the steering input is just so slow and delayed at higher speeds it takes a lot of getting used to. the original drive from georgia to idaho stock was downright scary. ive driven a ujor rig and loved the responsive steering, but the turning radius seemed pretty bad comparatively speaking. was hard to compare actual ride cause I only drove it on dirt roads, but coil springs will typically ride a little better. keep in mind, I had very little time in the rig for real serious comparisons. youre going to have to weigh whats important to you. being in florida makes it hard to consider the coil spring option at quadvan or the ttb option at agile when Quigley and ujoint are so much closer. if your handy with the wrench id seriously consider the mg conversion option. lots of good conversion options nowadays. do your research and choose wisely. lots of didn't have as many choices just a short few years ago.

 

[ujoint]

Don't want to get into a Quigley pro/cons discussion but there are much better options for long term durability, handling, wheel travel and avoiding proprietary parts.

Yes, 6" on 35's is always better! 5.4s do great with plenty of gear, 4.56 or 4.88s for the heavier rigs. Check out my handling/braking video on the website.

 

[Okeebc]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will be happier if Im sitting higher in a van outfitted by someone who at least allows me to make some damn choices! :wings:

 

[ujoint]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will be happier if Im sitting higher in a van outfitted by someone who at least allows me to make some damn choices! :wings:

What a concept! Get what you want? Hmmmm.

No soup for you!!!!!

 

[Bikersmurf]

Why Quigley... Never owned one, but from what I've read it leaves a lot on the table. An Rip kit helps, but why not build it better in the first place?

4x4s get most expensive when you pay for upgrades to replace upgrades. It's always cheaper to build it right once than to tear apart and rebuild it later. If it was my money, I'd cancel the appointment with Quigley... It's not like you couldn't call them up next week for a new one. If I was up to it I'd either do a Ujoint or MGMetal works DIY conversion. On your coast, I'd be visiting Ujoint before spending any money... Build it the way you want the first time.

 

[kccourtney]

Okeebc,

Take it from someone who's had a Quig, a Salem Kroger, and now a Ujoint. Avoid my first two mistakes.

 

[chiliVANilli]

I just bought a van with a brand new Timberline Van 4x4 conversion. So far,so good and seems to be thought out and well done. But I have only had it less than a week. Not sure what he charges to do a conversion. My purchase was definitely because of convenience and location. That being said, if I had the money, I would do a Ujoint for sure. But I feel pretty confident in my purchase and his work, and I have built many rock crawlers and my other 4x4 van.