I own a 2002 E350 Power Stroke (van) and wished it was a 4x4. The van is used 100% for work ( contractor) and I could use the 4x4.
It has 18k miles and would like to look into what it would take to convert it.
Is there any particular F series truck stuff that would work under a van? I know of companies that might do the conversion, but understand that only one does coil spring conversions and then only on new trucks. what options do I have?

Honestly, the tranny and t-case shouldn't be a problem. As for the front axle I don't see why putting a coil sprung 44 or 60 under it with radius arms and custom steering or possibly even stock components.

Here's the big question...How much are you willing to spend on this and can you write it off as a buisness tax thing. Either way it won't be too cheap unless you are good at the fabrication part, or are real good friends with a welder of sorts.

I'll pitch in more once you reply.

well if they only do coil springs you will most likely have modify any heavy duty solid axle out there... the new '05 dana 60s are coil hung, so if you can find one off a newly purchased and totalled superduty you're good to go.

are you looking to do it yourself or have it done?
if you're feeling lazy here are the places I know of that will do it for you.


Quigley (http://quigley4x4.com/)

Sportsmobile (http://www.sportsmobile.com/)

Salem Kroger (http://salemkroger.com/)

Quadvan (http://www.quadvan.com/)

Edit: fixed link

sportsmobile has traditionally done coils, but I saw one in Oregon recently with a dynatrac 60 slung with leaves that supposedly they did themselves instead of having Quigly do it for them.. Very nice setup..
I have also heard very good things about salem kroger

call off road unlimited
talk to chris
tell him you read on the intronet that they were working on a van 4x4 conversion
finished
http://www.offroadunlimited.com/

here the one that plug mentioned Click (http://sportsmobile.com/4_4x4sports.html)

Also ORU is thining of producing a kit to convert to 4x4 With leafs.

Brock,
Yes I own a business (finish carpentry) and that's what I use the truck for. anything I do to it and to everything else I own, from seat covers to quarters in a car wash is a tax write off. We do our own taxes and that ensures we get as close to the non profit level as possible ;)
I expect to pay a pretty penny for it but I want it done right ( something I usually find I have to do myself if I want it that way!). I expect to have this van for 15+ years. However I do not want to void any warrenty especially on the drive train, which for me, should easily last another 4 years.
I've heard that leaf spring conversions screw up the air bag system voiding that, and to me, the leaf spring appearance is uncomely in comparison to the coil spring 4x4 vans I've seen.
I'd like to keep the cost to maybe 8k if possible. This isn't for competition , it's a work van... and spending all my time on new construction sites means I could really use the 4x4...especially in the mud and snow.

Thanks for all your help guys..keep the tips and liknks coming.

ranger,
I'd prefer to have it done by others only because of the time constraints. I use the van for work and she's loaded up..I'd have to do something about getting my stuff to work everyday while the van was down. Not having experience doin a conversion would drag the project out for months I'm sure...can't do that.
The second thing is any fabrication needed...I'm highly mechanically minded, but lacking good exp on welding etc. If it was a bolt on kit thing with some measuring and drilling it would be simple for me, but the planning and forsight of an experienced van conversion mechanic is invaluable.

Some of those outfits posted above will do the swap for you, but its going to be better to just buy a new 4x4 Van from Ford

its not that easy to get a 4x4 van from ford, and more costly. I just looked into this before I got the stupid duty, I always have wanted a van.

IF I have my facts straight, some dealers will not void the warranty if quigley does the conversion for you, others will. IF you get it through ford, it will cost more but likely be warrantied. My suggestion would be to talk to the fleet guy only if thats the route you go (which I doubt you will)

Either swap is pretty straight forward, but the newer vans do have the crumple zone to deal with if using leaves, but that recent one I saw with leaves was sweet.

Quigley is back east somewhere, and is prolly your best bet. Plan on about 8K maybe more. I think sportsmobile wants 10, but they mark up from whatever quigley charges since quigley has historically done the swaps for Sportsmobile (until the leaf swap one if the owner had his facts right)


There is a company in Oregon or washington also that is using ttb dana 50 parts that supposedly doesnt add much lift, if thats what you wanted. Im not a tb fan, but it all depends on what you are looking for out of your rig I guess. (Oops, thats the quadvan link above)


Good luck, let us know what you do.

Ford doesn't make 4x4 vans.. they farm it out when you special order it.

right, and its through Quigley. But even at that, i "think" only some will warranty it and others will not.