"Do it nice, or do it twice"
Many of my potential customers are doing their research before deciding how to get a 4x4 van. There are quite a few options out there... Do I convert my existing van? Do I buy another van to convert? Do I buy a van that is already converted to 4wd? The main question that needs to be answered is: What will you be using your van for? And how much work can you do yourself?
Buying an existing 4x4 van works for some people, but it can create problems for others. Off road performance isn't usually a priority with the larger conversion companies. They build vans that have very limited suspension travel, and they're built as cheap as possible to keep costs low. The hard parts are usually good (front axle, transfer case) but the craftsmanship can sometimes suffer. Most coil sprung 4x4 vans cannot be modified easily. It's very complex, and would require a lot of custom fabrication.
My conversion enables you to build the van to your specs. No matter what you use the van for, we can build it. Every leaf spring gets built custom to your van. Everything is considered. I spend a lot of time on the phone discussing leaf springs & ride quality. It seems that when everyone thinks of a leaf spring suspension they think back to the old GM trucks, and Jeeps. Those trucks didn't ride well, especially when lifted. There are two things that make my vans ride well. My springs are 52" long, which gives a nice ride, especially at the lower lift heights. The other is a quality shock that is valved properly for the application and proper shackle placement.Two words describe why I use a leaf spring suspension: Simplicity & Durability. No matter what you use the van for, these are qualities we all want. I've taken my van on several Death Valley trips, usually over 100 miles off road. Everything from 1st gear low range mine roads to 60mph washboard dirt highways. You don't want something breaking out there, unless you find humor in very high tow bills!
Keep in the back of your mind that a 4wd van conversion is an investment. It will hold it's value for the life of the van.
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| Flex test. (before fender trimming) |
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| My background in the off road industry has taught me the proper way to manufacture parts & build trucks. I only use the highest quality materials, and refuse to cut corners.
All of my kits start as CNC laser cut 3/16 HRPO steel. Once the material is cut, the brackets are bent in a CNC press break. From there they move to a jig for welding. Every kit has been welded in the same jig, by the same two hands. If it's not perfect, it goes to the scrap pile.
The shackle sleeves are machined from DOM tubing. The machining guarantees the sleeve is the perfect size, and makes the shackle bushings last longer. Having every single piece machined isn't cheap!
My hardware kits are all grade 8 hardware. Bolts, washers, lock nuts. This is the only way, in my opinion. The front hangers also include sleeves, adding strength to the front of the frame.
The shackles are plated for protection against corrosion.
Once everything is built, I check everything & assemble each kit. Just me!
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WARRANTY INFO: Ujoint Offroad extends a lifetime warranty on all product to the original purchaser. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship. The warranty does not apply to wearable items such as bushings. It also does not apply to products not manufactured by UJOR. All warranty claims are subject to inspection, and pictures or damaged items will be required before any warranty claim is issued. Please contact us for more info.
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