transit connect.. could it be made 4x4?

[Itsavanman]

not that I have one, but i think I will one of these days.. I wonder if one could use escape bits and pieces to make a transit 4x4? seems like ford should do that anyways, be a good way to make more sales on an already nice rig.. so, anyone else think this could be done? i think one of those things would make a good expo camper..

 

[haven]

Wikipedia says the Transit Connect is based on the chassis used by the pre-2012 Ford Focus. The V6 engine had an AWD option. That might be a source of parts for the conversion you're thinking about.

 

[bknudtsen]

I think the main issue is going to be electronics compatability. Everything is so computer dependent these days, and getting all the inter-connected systems in a vehicle to talk to each other is a pain. Stability control, traction control, ABS, etc... This is where the cost prohibitive part comes in to play.

 

[ujoint]

I think the main issue is going to be electronics compatability. Everything is so computer dependent these days, and getting all the inter-connected systems in a vehicle to talk to each other is a pain. Stability control, traction control, ABS, etc... This is where the cost prohibitive part comes in to play.

Yep. 3 letters...... R S C! It's unibody anyway, probably wouldn't hold up.

 

[Sheep Shagger]

The make an AWD Focus, so it should be possible. Transit Connect is Focus chassis I believe. But that focus is highly modified for rally, so I'm sure it's a very expensive option and probably not the 4x4 characteristics you want, AWD is quite different.

 

[Itsavanman]

no i just thought it would make a decent awd mini camper.. nothing hardcore... and any of the awd viscous coupling center diffs can be locked, so you could have awd and 4hi just no lo.. which in that rig.. don't think you would actually need it anyways.... or more specifically wouldn't be able to use it. I am not planing on doing this setup. just an idea that was bouncing around my head that wanted out... my 89 econoline is getting a 44 slid under the nose that will be a capable rig

 

[AeroNautiCal]

I think that it may be possible to re-engineer parts from a Dangel 4x4 system as used on the Citroen C15, Berlingo and Jumpy, (and/or variants thereof) to fit the Connect.

Dangel have a website, here, and are the converter of choice for several European vehicle manufacturer's, and they have a very good reputation.

Being as Dangel have been making 4x4 systems and converting vehicles for quite a while, there's probably good history of people retrofitting their own vehicles using these parts, and perhaps discussing it on forums.

 

[Itsavanman]

i wouldn't think it would be too difficult to put a driven rear axle sub frame under the floor of one of those, might be too much for the little 2.0 though.. 2.3 from the svt focus? might be enough with a different cam to trade some hp for low end torque... ford does offer the transit van in awd form over the pond, but that is a completely different chassis...

 

[Joash]

There are similar vehicles available in 4wd abroad such as the Peugeot Teepee/Partner or VW Caddy. http://www.motoring.com.au/reviews/2011/mpv-and-campervan/volkswagen/caddy/volkswagen-caddy-maxi-comfortline-4motion-road-test-27793 I would love to see a vehicle like the Transit Connect available in 4x4. I think as high gas prices become a fact of life, we will be seeing more and more of these foreign market type smaller vehicles.

 

[Itsavanman]

i think so too, and ford is usually the one to bring its foreign market vehicles in first anyways.. even as exactly as it is right now, the transit connect is a pretty impressive vehicle.. I will own one when their price comes down.. right now just too much dough...

 

[Joash]

I'm a fan of this type of compact, versatile, fuel efficient vehicle. I'm waiting for Toyota to field one. I'm also a fan of the Honda Element. I'd love to see something imaginative like that again, maybe from Scion?

 

[Itsavanman]

with the gas prices these days.. who knows.. I think the American public is finally realizing they don't need over 300 cubic inches and 300 horsepower to tow and haul things, (hell i towed about a 1/2 ton of shingles on a trailer with a 4 cylinder Camry lol) that combined with the fact that the manufactures know how to make powerful fuel efficient engines these days. I think we will see more and more vehicles like the connect, as they are a common place everywhere else in the world...

 

[Joash]

The other encouraging sign is the appearance of JDM (Japan Domestic Market) vehicles in the US. As the internet and more widespread travel connect the world and make it smaller, people begin to demand things that they see in other countries.