GM IFS 4x4 conversion

[wolfmangk]

I am embarking on this, I bought late nineties 2500 Chevy frame with full floating rear axle, 9.5" diff. I am looking at a 3/4 or 1 ton Chevy astro/savannah van, and a kit from Timberline.

Timberline Supply

4x4 Van Conversion Kits, Parts, and Components for DIY 4WD Van Builders

timberlinesupply.com

If I do not go with the 6l90 transmission, which seems to have issues, and go with the 4l80E, I can save about $2,000 on the kit.

I am wondering what any pointers anyone has for me... The reason I am not going with solid front axle is, this is going to be my live-in home, and I do not want to "rock crawl" with something I am live in, BUT I do need 4x4 to "Get into" private camping areas, and to not get stuck in slippery conditions.

I am an experienced welder, but any tips for this are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[whith]

Offering congrats on the endeavor and some encouragement. I've had both a solid axle Ford setup and now for the last 6 years an IFS from Quigley. If all you're looking to do is get to private camping areas then you should have no concerns about the IFS. In fact on a lot of the forest roads and dirt roads you may drive the IFS will ride much more smoothly in general. Set up right, they can go over some pretty rough stuff as well if you need to.

One other add, I have the 6l90 in my van which is a diesel with a mild tune and 4.11 gears. I have almost 100K miles on it now and have had not issues with this transmission. It has hauled plenty of heavy loads over the years as well as done some towing. I will add that you want to keep it cool so make sure and get a trans cooler. GM offers a factory unit which what I've run for the life of the van, but I think there are some aftermarket units that aren't too hard to add as well.