I'll post up my new ride in a few. I'm excited that I'm back in a van, a 4x4 van to be exact! The interior is pretty set up but I'm not sure if it will suit my needs.
Nice to see others working on different ways to convert vans to 4x4. I have experience with both TTB front ends (on trucks) and solid front axles (on trucks and my van). From my experience, a D60 front axle is much stronger than a TTB set-up both in driveline parts and weight capacity. I've seen TTB's not hold up so well over time (cracked and broken cross members primarily), not to mention broken axles. I just don't think they are up to heavy duty 1 ton use, especially with a heavy van sitting up top.
Again, not hating on these guys, quite the opposite...I like that they are working on converting vans. Not sure that it's fair to assume that SFA can't do this sort of thing tough. What I do know is that I really like how my 1 ton Duramax Van handles on and offroad with it's D60 up front, riding on 2.5 Kings and long radius arms. I have 10" of travel up front.
Food for thought: know any trucks with SFA that can do this stuff just as well? Maybe a certain Carli Truck?
EDIT: I have no affiliation with Carli other than as a customer. I'm sure there are many other capable SFA trucks out there built by other shops...
Nice to see others working on different ways to convert vans to 4x4. I have experience with both TTB front ends (on trucks) and solid front axles (on trucks and my van). From my experience, a D60 front axle is much stronger than a TTB set-up both in driveline parts and weight capacity. I've seen TTB's not hold up so well over time (cracked and broken cross members primarily), not to mention broken axles. I just don't think they are up to heavy duty 1 ton use, especially with a heavy van sitting up top.
To be clear, the D50 uses the exact same spindles, wheel bearings, hubs, u-joints, axle diameter... as the king ping D60. Cracked cross members are the result of poor modifications by the builder - that and the fact that you can abuse them so much more than a straight axle as typically designed.
The video is of a 1 ton van (weighs over 9K lbs) being "used" harder than any other van I know of and more often - and there has never been any failure.
I realize TTB is not for everyone - but is the only choice for me - too impatient to go slow.
4x4 TTB on the van looks nice. Sucks that the Agile website doesnt give any info about the conversion and price.
"We can install our long travel 4-wheel drive system in your existing 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive van for a price that will (pleasantly) surprise you"
I would think if the price would pleasantly surprise you they would list a cost. Or at least a cost range as I can understand that the conversion can vary depending on the van.
Anybody know the approximate cost of the conversion.
Hey guys - I realize that this isn't the exact thread to be replying to, but figured someone on here would be able to help me out.
I've recently purchased a 2014 Express 2500 that I'm having Quigley's in PA convert to 4x4. They couldn't give me specs on what size tires would fit without lifting it (or with lifting it) for liability reasons.
Does anyone know what the max size tire that fits a stock van is?
I'd like the van to look just like the red van on the link below.
Not sure about Quigley's conversion, but for reference/comparison these are 305/70R17 (approx. 34") on my '06 D'max. Is the Quigley conversion IFS or solid axle? That might matter so you can get the right offset wheel.
I should have read the Quigley site before posting...I see it's IFS. They also say no increase in height. If indeed the ride height is the same as stock, I think you'll have a hard time getting tires much larger than stock under there.
For reference, mine has approx. 6" lift in front and 5" lift in rear from stock height. I also moved my front axle forward 2" for tire clearance at the back of the front fender.
Hope this info helps!
EDIT: I should state that this is NOT a Quigley van. It's my own home brew conversion. Don't want to give the wrong impression - just trying to show tire size relative to vehicle for comparison sake. Maybe expedition portal has some guys with actual IFS conversions who could help with tire size.
Looks like you polished the wheels too. Looks sharp! So is that thing still in commission?
If not, are there any legal issues driving an Ambulance on the streets with the 911 pasted on the side that isn't an actual Ambulance service (similar to impersonating a police officer or the like)?
Just picked this up in AZ. Will be in MO around the end of the month. Original 7.3 diesel with the running gear from an 07 F350. (so I'm told...) Any recommendations on a awning that I can attach to the roof rack?
So, I recently had Agile Off-Road convert my straight axle to a TTB. It was the best thing I've ever done and worth every penny. The van is such a nice vehicle to drive now and it has lots of travel (Boone Rd at 70mph!)
While Agile was doing the front end, they swapped in a 14 bolt rear end with 4:56 gears, a Detroit locker, and disc brakes. The locker sucks on the road...going to put in an ARB real soon.
So, I recently had Agile Off-Road convert my straight axle to a TTB. It was the best thing I've ever done and worth every penny. The van is such a nice vehicle to drive now and it has lots of travel (Boone Rd at 70mph!)
While Agile was doing the front end, they swapped in a 14 bolt rear end with 4:56 gears, a Detroit locker, and disc brakes. The locker sucks on the road...going to put in an ARB real soon.
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