Van Compass Ford Transit Build - 1 TON 4x4 conversion

[Van Compass]

Steering box is in the final resting place. We are waiting for a tie rod end reamer to show up to modify the WJ pitman arm to match the super duty taper. When the TRE set properly into the pitman arm, the track bar bracket will be built at the correct height.

 

[Van Compass]

Front end set to approximate ride height. The lift is about 6.5" over stock. 35" Milestar MT tires and Blackrhino wheels.

 

[Van Compass]

Roller!!

Still a ton to do, but we like where this is going.

Front end will come down a little with the correct spring rate and fenders will be trimmed. Front axle is pushed forward 1" and rear back 1"

 

[luthj]

So, when do the test drives start?

 

[Raul]

I should not click on this thread again. I can not afford to start daydreaming with this.

 

[Van Compass]

We changed gears for a few days and did a test fit of our prototype Transit overhead shelf. There is a lot of unused space above the driver and passenger seats on these high roof vans. This simple shelf bolts in easily for extra storage space.

The factory overhead console shook around a lot during normal driving. The shelf ties into it and eliminates the annoying flex it once had.

The part has been added to our site to pre-order. Shipping early January.

https://vancompass.com/collections/t...f-2013-present

Link to installation instructions:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/08...99125752681041

 

[Van Compass]

A couple updates:

- Steering box is mounted in place, high and low pressure lines are hooked up to the pump, steering shaft connected to steering wheel and pitman arm in its final place.

- Track bar bracket built, additional gusseting still to come.

- 40 gal fuel tank arrived from our fabrication shop. It will mount further back on the chassis to make room for the transfer case and provide 15 more gallons of fuel. This will most likely be a part we sell to people wanting more range on their 2wd vans. We kept tank depth the same as stock for use of the factory sending unit.

 

[b. rock]

Wow. Impressive, and that transit looks so right with 35s under it. Fab works rather extensive...guessing this will be a shop only conversion?

 

[Van Compass]

Prototype tank hangers done.

 

[ujoint]

Lookin goooood

 

[Van Compass]

Atlas 3:1 transfer case mounted. Driveshafts will be measured and ordered soon.

 

[Van Compass]

Final tube work and welding on the front suspension. A nice coat of Blue paint under way.

The track bar bracket should not go anywhere.

 

[Van Compass]

Front winch mount and bumper back in place.

 

[Van Compass]

The cats are back on the van. We had to move the driver side crossover tube back for axle/driveshaft clearance.




Steering gear connection finished up.

 

[Scotty D]

Do you plan on building an kits for the new AWD units?
Can you even speculate without seeing one in person?