Pre-1991 Ford 4x4 conversion???

[Mwilliamshs]

Anybody know anything specific? UJoint is Post-1992 only and I've only found some very general anecdotal stuff on these older bodies, as in no build threads or DIY type stuff. I know Quadravan and Quigley and all the other major converters did it back in the day but that was 20+ years ago. I'm planning to swap axles to get 8 lug hubs on my 1989 E150 anyway so figure $ spent on 2 axles might as well get me some more traction. My major concern is not raising the van too high. I know there's a minimum of 4" lift and some trimming on the newer vans but have no clue what's necessary on the older ones and don't have any real off-road plans (there's dirtbikes, 4wheelers and jeeps for that) but some winter traction would be nice I guess. Soooo....anybody?

 

[packmule]

I would start at Pathfinder Vans: http://www.pathfinder-vans.com

 

[Mwilliamshs]

I've looked through that a few times, packmule. They do sell suspension kits but all the parts are labeled as universal and they weld to the frame, not my plan. I'm leaning toward swapping a stock E250 or E350 front and rear axle pair and but before I spend the $ and time I'd like to at least explore the 4wd options. Hoping someone with one of these vans will chime in and have pics or testimony of their conversion.

 

[VANMAN]

I have the axle you need.....came off of a 1990 E350 Diesel van....its in great shape never gave me any issues....Dana 44HD with 3.55 gears/8 lug/manual locking hubs/brakes good and has the 4 link Quigley setup attached...

All you need to have fabricated is a frame mounted box on both sides where the 4 link attaches to...very simple I can send pics and measurements....this axle is perfect for your E150.....I used it for 20 years and my van is bigger and heavier than your E150...zero problems...YOU WILL NOT CONVERT YOUR VAN CHEAPER THAN IF YOU GET THIS AXLE...I have been waiting for someone with an older body style who needs it....and will sell for a good price..plus I want it out of my garage....I would also replace bushings (8) with poly bushings not expensive...

So...this axle....transfer case.....shortening driveshafts and you are in business....again this axle will bolt right on and no suspension mods need to be completed to it (read no extra $....)

Its in Reno NV...I will be home in about 3 weeks.....shipping last time I checked was under $200 but don't quote me....

So bottom line....I bet you could do it all for under $2000....my axle....judicious search for a transfer case ...a few hundred dollars....shortening driveshafts...maybe less if you put it all on...which is bolt on in your driveway...

Its a deal....

 

[VANMAN]

PS I think original specs only raised front end a couple of inches....very minimal....

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

We converted a 1990 to TTB earlier this year. Owner posted some pictures here somewhere - I'll have to look for them.

 

[Mwilliamshs]

VANMAN, I'm listening. Let me know when you get home.

BajaSMB, show me a link when you find it.

 

[VANMAN]

I will be home Friday 6 June will try to post PM to you...

 

[spencyg]

I would start at Pathfinder Vans: http://www.pathfinder-vans.com

Stay as far away from the "Pathfinder" front end geometry as you can. It is absolute garbage. I would either do a leaf spring setup similar to what you see on the later E series conversions, or a coil spring setup similar to a bronco. I will eventually tear the living daylights out of my pathfinder front end and replace it with a more traditional crossover 3-link setup (aka, Bronco). The primary failings of the pathfinder suspension is terrible dynamic geometry leading to bump-steer, and a very harsh ride.

SG

 

[GorillaJoe]

My 88 E-350 is going to be VERY similar to the ujoint kit. I figure at this point, might as well customize it to how I want it, which is the right way. My concern is mating a T-Case to my transmission. I'll know more when I get the van back this Thursday.

 

[NTOLERANCE]

We converted a 1990 to TTB earlier this year. Owner posted some pictures here somewhere - I'll have to look for them.

Ever find these pics? I would be interested in them,

 

[Shocker]

Stay as far away from the "Pathfinder" front end geometry as you can. It is absolute garbage. I would either do a leaf spring setup similar to what you see on the later E series conversions, or a coil spring setup similar to a bronco. I will eventually tear the living daylights out of my pathfinder front end and replace it with a more traditional crossover 3-link setup (aka, Bronco). The primary failings of the pathfinder suspension is terrible dynamic geometry leading to bump-steer, and a very harsh ride.

SG

Is the current Pathfinder stuff the same as the original? Mine is a Pathfinder 1982 version. It uses the trailing arms like a Bronco with coils. I am still working on the Poly Vee belt conversion so I haven't driven it much.

 

[spencyg]

Pathfinder Industries hasn't been producing anything in years. I also have the trailing arms like a Bronco but they are very short and the axle centering linkage (Inverted "V") is where the real problem lies. When I finally get around to modifying my own Pathfinder suspension it will involve trailing arms that are maybe 12" longer and a more traditional crossover linkage with a parallel steering drag link to eliminate bump steer while providing a far more enjoyable ride.

More info on Pathfinder conversions can be found at http://www.pathfinder-vans.com/

SG

 

[Shocker]

Hmm. My trailing arms are quite long. How long are yours? How about some pics?

 

[VANMAN]

I still have the axle..call me if you want it 775 848 7591