Pre '92 Ford 4x4 conversion kit
- Thread starter gscott
- Start date
97heavyweight
Well-known member
FYI Agile off-road just quoted me 16-17k for an 88 E-250
another_mike
Adventurer
MG said nothing about 60-100k vans....
Two people today asking about 4x4 conversions on Gen III vans on the 4x4 & 2WD Off-Road vans Facebook page. I see discussions on Pirate 4x4 forum and Ford-Trucks forums, and those sorts of places, all the time. Seems like an under-served market, but their owners don't have the big bucks like the new Transit owners or expeditionportal folks, so I can't blame you for going where the money is. Looks to me like you are plenty busy!
BobbyJones
Observer
Although I agree with you about legacy kits from companies who used to make them, etc there's usually a good reason why they don't.
Let's not forget that the whole after market conversion thing started with a need or an idea that wasn't being met by the OEM and someone stepped up and did it.
It may be your time!
Let's not forget that the whole after market conversion thing started with a need or an idea that wasn't being met by the OEM and someone stepped up and did it.
It may be your time!
Haha. I'm at the end of my building days, after 45 years of car hobby. I think there is a market, but it's up to others to decide if there is or not.
If MG is still following this thread I don't know. But I am spreading the word and encouraging people to contact you about 3rd gen van conversions. If you have enough interest is for you to decide.
As for me, I will spend more money for a 4th gen van so I can get support for a conversion.
SirMrManGuy
Observer
http://www.glinx.com/~sbest/4vanhow.htm
Have a read through that, though the info on steering seems a bit dated, nowadays it's easier to do crossover steering as you can buy weld in threaded inserts for tie rods for cheap... No need to go to a machinist... Just call the two shops I listed above.
Buy an axle, some springs, take the old front end off, roll axle under the van, make some spring hangers for the front out of some box tube and plate, bolt up some rear shackle hangers to the frame(it looks like there is a Ford truck part that just needs some holes drilled), notch and plate the engine cross member, then figure out brake lines and steering. After that... New transmission, tcase and driveshafts.
Honestly I SASed two trucks years ago before so much info was available on the internet, it's not that bad, just get out there with a tape measure and start figuring it out.I'm still not sure why you need a kit for this after reading that old webpage, but I'm also now pretty sure that Sky's kit will work (might need a tweak or two to get the shackle hangers to work)
Have a read through that, though the info on steering seems a bit dated, nowadays it's easier to do crossover steering as you can buy weld in threaded inserts for tie rods for cheap... No need to go to a machinist... Just call the two shops I listed above.
Buy an axle, some springs, take the old front end off, roll axle under the van, make some spring hangers for the front out of some box tube and plate, bolt up some rear shackle hangers to the frame(it looks like there is a Ford truck part that just needs some holes drilled), notch and plate the engine cross member, then figure out brake lines and steering. After that... New transmission, tcase and driveshafts.
Honestly I SASed two trucks years ago before so much info was available on the internet, it's not that bad, just get out there with a tape measure and start figuring it out.I'm still not sure why you need a kit for this after reading that old webpage, but I'm also now pretty sure that Sky's kit will work (might need a tweak or two to get the shackle hangers to work)
Last edited:
Mwilliamshs
Explorer
I think SpencyG would have good input here. He totally reworked the front end of his van.
Backcountry Pursuit
Risk Taker
+1 He hasn't posted in quite some time. Wonder what he is up to.
OP THIS is his thread and it's full of win.
java
Expedition Leader
IIRC hes keeping from posting as much due to the North Maine Woods access issues.
Resurrecting my old post, just because. I bought a Gen 3 E250 Class B van last year. 80k miles, fully self contained in good shape for $3500. Decided the easiest / best way forward for me was using Quadravan parts. I'm picking up a complete non runner this weekend for $1000. It's the closest thing I could get for a conversion 'kit' since there is little support for Gen 3 Econolines. I will use the custom length HD low pinion D44 with custom radius arms and bolt-in brackets. And the D60 rear. I'll ditch the dual track bars for a panhard rod and go from there. Maybe I'll do a small build thread here eventually, but spencyg pretty much has it covered with his Boomer the Quadravan thread.
I've been building an information resource for these Ford Quadravan conversions, and DIY conversions in general on a Facebook page. (as much as I hate Facebook) For one thing, I'm trying to build a file library of information and document the parts that Pathfinder originally used for these conversions, so we can find replacements. If you are interested it's called Gen 3 Ford Econoline 4x4 Conversions and Quadravans. And if I got the link right:
www.facebook.com
I've been building an information resource for these Ford Quadravan conversions, and DIY conversions in general on a Facebook page. (as much as I hate Facebook) For one thing, I'm trying to build a file library of information and document the parts that Pathfinder originally used for these conversions, so we can find replacements. If you are interested it's called Gen 3 Ford Econoline 4x4 Conversions and Quadravans. And if I got the link right:
Log in to Facebook
Log in to Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family and people you know.
www.facebook.com