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FAQ'S
These are some of the most common questions I get about my 4x4 van conversion kit. Feel free to email me for more details.
Q. The question I get asked most is "how much will the entire conversion cost me?" A. There is no solid answer to this. Several of the main components vary in price. You may find a front axle for $250, $500, or $1500. Same with the transfer case, prices vary. If you do all the work yourself, you will save substantial amounts of $$. If you do some of the labor yourself, and sublet a few things that take more skill (transmission mods, fuel tank) you will still be in good shape. Some of my customers have taken their time to find good deals on parts, and some want the van converted asap. This is the beauty of my kit, you can do it at your pace. One thing that needs to be stressed is that the 4wd conversion is an investment!! It will hold it's value!!
Q. What vehicles will the kit fit? A. My kit fits 92 to current Ford E150, E250, & E350 Vans.
Q. What does the kit include? A. As pictured, the kit includes the front spring hangers & reinforcement sleeves, shackles & shackle sleeves for the frame, frame shackle bushings, and a complete grade 8 hardware kit. See the "More kit info" page for more details.
Q. Will I get instructions? A. Yes, a detailed step by step instruction sheet is included, and DVD instructions will be available soon....
Q. Does the conversion require any special tools? A. Nothing specific. A 90 degree drill will make the shackle sleeve install much easier. You will need a 1 3/4" hole saw, a good 1/2" drill bit (the longer the better), and a 3/4"drill bit.
Q. What axles can I use for the conversion? A. My kit is designed to use 99-04 Ford F250/350 & Excursion front axles. These came as Dana 50's as well as Dana 60's. These axles have a 38" spring pad width, and have ball joints & unit bearings. You can retain ABS with these axles (if you choose). The super duty axle is a bolt in unit for this kit, no modification to the axle is needed. I always recommend to try and get the front sway bar with the axle, and make sure you get all of the u-bolt plates.
Q. What is done about the bolt pattern difference? A. There are a few options to correct the bolt pattern. Option 1: Install rear wheel spacers that change the bolt pattern as well as increase the trac width to match the front. Option 2: Swap the rear axle assembly to a Sterling 10.25 (drum brake) or 10.5" (disc brake). Option 3: Install a Dynatrac free spin kit that I have specially modified for the new bolt pattern.
Q. What's the lowest lift with the conversion? A. The minimum lift is 4". This lift height will fit up to a 33" tire. The lift sizes go in 2" increments. 6" lift for 35's, 8" lift for 37's, and we can go up from there!
Q. Does my engine crossmember need trimming? A. It depends on lift height. All kits using a 6" or lower spring require trimming. The x-member will need to be trimmed & reinforced for differential clearance.
Q. Does my exhaust need to be modified? A. On gas models, yes. The drivers side exhaust will need to be re routed in order to make room for the front driveshaft. Diesel models don't require any exhaust mods.
Q. What steering parts do I need? A. I have steering kits available for every lift height.
Q. Does my fuel tank need to be modified? A. Yes, the fuel tank will have to be shortened to make room for the transfer case. This is a simple modification when done by a qualified welder. I can give instructions for this.
Q. What do I do about a transfer case? A. I recommend to have your transmission removed to have the output shaft replaced with a 4x4 unit. Once this is done by a professional, a 4wd adapter can be installed to mate the transfer case. To determine the model transfer case you need, the transmission needs to be identified first. I always recommend a manual shift t-case. The BW1356 with flanges is a good t-case, as well as the NV271 from the superduty. (recommended for all V10 & diesel models)
Q. What do I do for shocks? A. I'm currently working on several shock options. The donor front axle upper u-bolt plate has the lower shock mount, and I'll have a new upper shock mount in production soon. Then some dual shock hoops.....
Q. Will extended brake lines be needed? A. Yes, I offer custom steel braided brake lines for every lift height.
Q. What do I do about driveshafts? A. This depends on what transfer case is used. I can give you options once this is determined.
Q. How much time does the conversion take? A. It all depends on skill level and the tools available. I recommend to install the front spring hangers while the van is still 2wd. All you need to do is remove the front bumper, remove the sway bar, and start drilling. With a lift and proper tools, the axle can be installed in a full day. The other major components will depend on the suppliers time frame.
PLEASE SEE THE "KIT INFO" PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS
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