Modifying existing 4x4 conversion vs starting from scratch

[b. rock]

Looked at a pretty nice van this weekend - 97 E350 V10 EB with all the spark plug inserts done, fresh full exhaust, trans rebuilt w/ some HD components, it wasn't white, and it had a 4x4 conversion from Advanced 4x4. The current owner bumped the front axle up to a dana 60 (with a rebuild) and rebuilt the rear dana 60. T-case is rebuilt, added dual steering stabilizers.

However, I wasn't super stoked on the spring rate (although it was an empty van), it had some wander on the road (low or bad caster? the tie rod ends and ball joints were tight), and it was a bit taller than I would have chosen. I know Advanced has some mixed reviews on this board, my preference would have been a UJOR kit or Agile, but so be it.

This got the wheels turning - would it be easier to modify an existing setup to track better and have better spring rates, or just start from ground zero with a 2wd van? I'm concerned it'll be a leaf spring swap at first, then modifying the track bar, then modifying steering stabilizers then....you get the picture, vs just starting out with a 2wd van and doing it right out of the gate. This van is particularly enticing due to the recent mechanical work and the fact that the asking price is about what a 4x4 conversion costs in the first place.

 

[kcernest]

Since it comes with all the expensive bits (4wd trans, T case, axle), I would say it would be much easier to just change the suspension out; depending on price difference vs 2wd obviously. Chris at Ujoint does de-Quiglification all the time, I'm sure he could answer your questions. You could probably sell the old parts too.

 

[Pntyrmvr]

My Advanced 4x4 conversion had the death wobble until every bushing on the front springs was replaced.

I'm no fan of the work done during conversion like a chewed crossmember and obvious corner cutting, but it is 4wd and it works.

I bought it because I figured working on it was cheaper than engineering it and then building it.

I suggest the same for you. Crushed shackle bushings are cheap and a simple to fix. Tighten the u bolts too.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

 

[jfman]

You did not mention but I am suspecting this van is priced a lot higher compared to similar 2wd vans.

Reengineering and redoing a 4x4 suspension could be more costly than just doing it right the first time from a 2wd van bought at a lower price.

I would say either learn to accept this van for what it is and making small improvements or start from scratch and do it the way you would want it be.

Otherwise it sounds to me like you are paying a premium to get a 4x4 an and then throwing buckets of money at it afterwards is not the way to go.

 

[b. rock]

I mentioned that it's priced at about what a conversion costs - ballpark $15-16k. So kind of like getting a free van with a conversion, and a bunch of recent maintenance. 2wd E350s can be had for pretty cheap, cheaper than I would have thought, so it wouldn't take much rework to offset the cost. I guess I was drawn in by the thought of a turn key rig but the more I look at it, the more I'd do differently.

 

[jfman]

I mentioned that it's priced at about what a conversion costs - ballpark $15-16k. So kind of like getting a free van with a conversion, and a bunch of recent maintenance. 2wd E350s can be had for pretty cheap, cheaper than I would have thought, so it wouldn't take much rework to offset the cost. I guess I was drawn in by the thought of a turn key rig but the more I look at it, the more I'd do differently.

Sorry I missed that. If you are patient, and not too picky, you can find a van setup like you like. The is a Facebook group for 4x4 vans for sale if interested.

 

[b. rock]

Oh really? I have not found that one yet.

 

[jfman]

Not a classifieds group but people share 4x4 vans for sale there

https://www.facebook.com/groups/4x4vans/

 

[b. rock]

Related question - it seems like Quigley changed their design somewhere in the relatively recent past. Upgraded brakes, better turning radius, different control arms. Can't seem to find a ton of info on the details however, any one out there have a breakdown?