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FAQ'S
These are some of the most common questions I get about my 4x4 van conversion kit. Be sure to view the parts page for more info.
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 from place to place. 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 Vans.
Q. What does the kit include? A. As pictured, the kit includes the front spring hangers & sleeves, shackles & shackle sleeves for the frame, and a complete grade 8 hardware kit. 2 & 4" leaf springs are available for your desired lift height. Taller springs are available (additional cost) All leaf springs are built to YOUR exact specs. Everything is considered; gas vs diesel?, bumper? winch? desired ride quality? everything is factored in. My springs move the axle forward 2", which allows a larger tire with a smaller lift. Without the "push", the front fenders need to be trimmed. This usually costs $1000-$1300 (done properly) Rear springs are available also.
Q. Will I get instructions? A. Yes, a detailed step by step instruction sheet is included, and I'll even have DVD instructions soon....
Q. What axles can I use for the conversion? A. My kit is designed to use 99-04 Ford F250/350 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.
Q. What is done about the bolt pattern difference? A. The vans have an 8 on 6.5" bolt pattern, and the donor axle uses an 8 on 170 metric pattern. There are a few options to make this work. The better (more expensive) option is to use a Dynatrac free spin hub conversion that I have specially modified to the proper bolt pattern. This replaces the sometimes troublesome factory unit bearings and converts the axle to a traditional Dana 60 bearing setup. Another is to install rear wheel spacers. These will increase the track width to match the front, and change the bolt pattern. You will have to use superduty wheels with this option. The third option is to swap the rear axle to a Sterling 10.25"(drum brakes) or 10.5" (disc brakes) from an F series truck.
Q. What's the lowest I can lift the van? A. The minimum lift I recommend is 4". This is done with my kit & a 2" spring. This lift height will fit up to a 33" tire. Tire sizes increase in 2" increments: 4" spring for 35's, 6" spring for 37's, etc.
Q. Does my engine crossmember need trimming? A. It depends on lift height. If you install a 4-6" lift, the answer is yes. The x-member will need to be trimmed for differential clearance.
Q. What steering parts do I need? A. That depends on lift height as well. 4-6" lifts can use stock superduty components with a drag link extension. Anything larger will require crossover steering. I will have full steering options available soon.
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.
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 BW 1356 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. There are two options for shock mounting. If you choose to leave the coil buckets installed, a standard shock can be installed using a stem eliminator kit. If you remove the coil buckets, a stock superrduty upper shock mount can be modified to work. I will have more shock options as I develop new product.
Q. Will extended brake lines be needed? A. Yes, I offer custom steel braided brake lines for every lift height available.
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.
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