MY 4x4 VANS
My first 4x4 van, a 1966 Ford Falcon Econoline Window Van
This was the original "BLUE THUNDER", a 1966 Ford Falcon Econoline window van where I first took my CB handle. Blue Thunder started life as a work van that my dad used to haul linens and towels to the cleaners for his motel. I have many great memories driving her as a teenager in the late 60's and early 70's. I learned how to drive in this van and of course how to shift with a clutch. I also had lots of fun taking it on dates! Thunder had full curtains and a couch that made into a double bed, need I say more. ;-)
In 1980, I caught the 4x4 van bug after seeing a Chevy 4x4 van at Nags Head, NC. I started to do some research about 4x4 van converting, but there was not much info to be found nor many businesses that knew how to convert a van to 4WD at that time. After making the crucial measurements, I bought a late 50's model Ford 4x4 pickup with the correct axle width and enlisted Moe of Four Wheel Drive Engineering in Richmond, VA to convert my 2WD drive van to 4x4. At that time I was going to keep it 3 on the tree. After delivering the frame to Moe and discussing the options we decided to take it one step forward and make the van an automatic. With leaf springs already on the van, Moe installed an early Bronco Dana 44 front axle, a C4 automatic transmission and transfer case using the vans unibody frame. Of course a custom transfer case mount was built to fit to the van's unibody frame and a custom made front drive shaft was custom built. The rear driveshaft was shortened and also modified. 4WD shifter was mounted and the steering box relocated. These are about all the details I know as I wasn't present when it was converted.
I drove "BLUE THUNDER" for about 3 years and found that the 240ci 6 cyl. just didn't "feed the need for speed" and wanted MORE POWER! After many different conversations, I finally talked my mechanic, Melvin Hairfield of Hairfield Automotive in Fredericksburg, VA, into swapping in a 1969 429ci engine mated to a C6 automatic transmission we took from a donor Ford LTD wagon I had bought for $300.00. This set-up would have worked well in any pick-up, but with the narrow radiator being between the front seats inside the cab, I just couldn't keep the engine cool without major reconstruction of the dog box, front nose and a custom built 4 core radiator.
Finally, I decided that comfort was more my style than power and I sold the 1966 to a buddy in PA where the body frame still sits today. I wanted a newer, more comfortable ride with power steering and all the bells and whistles....
In 1980, I caught the 4x4 van bug after seeing a Chevy 4x4 van at Nags Head, NC. I started to do some research about 4x4 van converting, but there was not much info to be found nor many businesses that knew how to convert a van to 4WD at that time. After making the crucial measurements, I bought a late 50's model Ford 4x4 pickup with the correct axle width and enlisted Moe of Four Wheel Drive Engineering in Richmond, VA to convert my 2WD drive van to 4x4. At that time I was going to keep it 3 on the tree. After delivering the frame to Moe and discussing the options we decided to take it one step forward and make the van an automatic. With leaf springs already on the van, Moe installed an early Bronco Dana 44 front axle, a C4 automatic transmission and transfer case using the vans unibody frame. Of course a custom transfer case mount was built to fit to the van's unibody frame and a custom made front drive shaft was custom built. The rear driveshaft was shortened and also modified. 4WD shifter was mounted and the steering box relocated. These are about all the details I know as I wasn't present when it was converted.
I drove "BLUE THUNDER" for about 3 years and found that the 240ci 6 cyl. just didn't "feed the need for speed" and wanted MORE POWER! After many different conversations, I finally talked my mechanic, Melvin Hairfield of Hairfield Automotive in Fredericksburg, VA, into swapping in a 1969 429ci engine mated to a C6 automatic transmission we took from a donor Ford LTD wagon I had bought for $300.00. This set-up would have worked well in any pick-up, but with the narrow radiator being between the front seats inside the cab, I just couldn't keep the engine cool without major reconstruction of the dog box, front nose and a custom built 4 core radiator.
Finally, I decided that comfort was more my style than power and I sold the 1966 to a buddy in PA where the body frame still sits today. I wanted a newer, more comfortable ride with power steering and all the bells and whistles....
This is BEACH BUGGY!
A 1986 Chevy Astro 4x4 Window Van
With the new ride bug in my brain, I started to check around to some of my sources. I called 4 Wheel Drive Specialty Co. in Richmond, VA and talked with Bob Blevins who just happened to have a converted Astro 4x4 van that his wife was driving that was For Sale. Moe of 4-Wheel Drive Conversions, Cartersville, VA fabricated the front clip to hang the suspension from, added a early Bronco Dana 44 front rear and installed a S-10 transfer case. With the 4x4 conversion already installed, I could feel the ride and handling characteristics before I bought it. Cool! I have found this is the best way to buy a 4x4 van if at all possible. This Astro had all the bells and whistles that I was lookin' for, but rode a little low for my taste. I first tackled the suspension, adding a add-a-leaf in the front spring set and then replaced the rear springs with a H/D aftermarket fiberglass set which lifted her 2 additional inches to clear the 31-10.50R15's I wanted to use. I also had to trim the front wheel wells, front and rear, a little to clear the bigger tires in hard turns.
I have always enjoyed entering truck shows, so I decided to work on a theme van when getting new paint. "BEACH BUGGY" was always one of my favorite terms as I enjoy vacationing in Nags Head, NC, cruisin' the beach and surf fishing. This name seemed to really fit her. Building a theme van with some 90's ideas and colors was what I wanted to accomplish. Neon paint was just starting to become very popular on the left coast, so I decided to work it into the theme. As you can see it all came together using a beach theme.
After buying this ride, I replaced the stock steering column with a tilt steering column. I also replaced the stock radio with a factory top of the line AM/FM/CA stereo. Next I installed a lot of aftermarket accessories like: CB radio/antenna, limo tinted the factory tinted windows, added a center console, Western wheels, overhead console, removable custom steering wheel, front 2" receiver, outside tackle box and surf pole holders, grade & tilt indicator, front sun/moon visor, fog & driving lights, Carr light bar with 4 KC off-road lights, bumper mounted light bar with driving lights, and blue reflector tape just to name a few of the add-ons. I had lots of fun showing & camping in Beach Buggy for the next 5 years.
I like to sleep inside my van when camping and but had to constantly move my gear around all the time because of the limited interior space. I really needed a bigger, more spacious ride to haul all my STUFF. My buddy, Rick Dickens who bought "BLUE THUNDER", happened to see an ad for a 1983 Ford 4x4 van that he said he thought I would like and boy was he right! The next day I traveled about 4 hours north in the snow, to Quigley Motor Co. in Manchester, PA to purchase "BIG RED". While there I got a super tour of their facility, computer design department and had the chance to view some of the project vehicles that were under construction at that time.
I kept "BEACH BUGGY" for about another year and then sold her to a family in Harrisonburg, VA who needed a 4x4 to transport their family and horses to horse shows where their daughter rode in barrel competitions. They first saw Beach Buggy in the Van Show at the Van Nationals that year. After buying Beach Buggy they later contacted me to get the name and address of the painter who sprayed on the graphics so they could have him paint their horse trailer painted to match. KEWL! Check out the neat trailer in the last picture. I put this trailer together from a old fiberglass truck shell that I found in a utility bed junk yard. I had a flat bed utility trailer I wasn't using much and had it resized it to fit under this fiberglass shell. It was big enough to sleep in, but most important it carried all my camping gear and left the inside of the van free for people and the necessities.
This is what she looked like when I bought her...
A 1986 Chevy Astro 4x4 Window Van
With the new ride bug in my brain, I started to check around to some of my sources. I called 4 Wheel Drive Specialty Co. in Richmond, VA and talked with Bob Blevins who just happened to have a converted Astro 4x4 van that his wife was driving that was For Sale. Moe of 4-Wheel Drive Conversions, Cartersville, VA fabricated the front clip to hang the suspension from, added a early Bronco Dana 44 front rear and installed a S-10 transfer case. With the 4x4 conversion already installed, I could feel the ride and handling characteristics before I bought it. Cool! I have found this is the best way to buy a 4x4 van if at all possible. This Astro had all the bells and whistles that I was lookin' for, but rode a little low for my taste. I first tackled the suspension, adding a add-a-leaf in the front spring set and then replaced the rear springs with a H/D aftermarket fiberglass set which lifted her 2 additional inches to clear the 31-10.50R15's I wanted to use. I also had to trim the front wheel wells, front and rear, a little to clear the bigger tires in hard turns.
I have always enjoyed entering truck shows, so I decided to work on a theme van when getting new paint. "BEACH BUGGY" was always one of my favorite terms as I enjoy vacationing in Nags Head, NC, cruisin' the beach and surf fishing. This name seemed to really fit her. Building a theme van with some 90's ideas and colors was what I wanted to accomplish. Neon paint was just starting to become very popular on the left coast, so I decided to work it into the theme. As you can see it all came together using a beach theme.
After buying this ride, I replaced the stock steering column with a tilt steering column. I also replaced the stock radio with a factory top of the line AM/FM/CA stereo. Next I installed a lot of aftermarket accessories like: CB radio/antenna, limo tinted the factory tinted windows, added a center console, Western wheels, overhead console, removable custom steering wheel, front 2" receiver, outside tackle box and surf pole holders, grade & tilt indicator, front sun/moon visor, fog & driving lights, Carr light bar with 4 KC off-road lights, bumper mounted light bar with driving lights, and blue reflector tape just to name a few of the add-ons. I had lots of fun showing & camping in Beach Buggy for the next 5 years.
I like to sleep inside my van when camping and but had to constantly move my gear around all the time because of the limited interior space. I really needed a bigger, more spacious ride to haul all my STUFF. My buddy, Rick Dickens who bought "BLUE THUNDER", happened to see an ad for a 1983 Ford 4x4 van that he said he thought I would like and boy was he right! The next day I traveled about 4 hours north in the snow, to Quigley Motor Co. in Manchester, PA to purchase "BIG RED". While there I got a super tour of their facility, computer design department and had the chance to view some of the project vehicles that were under construction at that time.
I kept "BEACH BUGGY" for about another year and then sold her to a family in Harrisonburg, VA who needed a 4x4 to transport their family and horses to horse shows where their daughter rode in barrel competitions. They first saw Beach Buggy in the Van Show at the Van Nationals that year. After buying Beach Buggy they later contacted me to get the name and address of the painter who sprayed on the graphics so they could have him paint their horse trailer painted to match. KEWL! Check out the neat trailer in the last picture. I put this trailer together from a old fiberglass truck shell that I found in a utility bed junk yard. I had a flat bed utility trailer I wasn't using much and had it resized it to fit under this fiberglass shell. It was big enough to sleep in, but most important it carried all my camping gear and left the inside of the van free for people and the necessities.
This is what she looked like when I bought her...
Then after some lifting, trimming, tires, wheels, graphics, and a bunch of add-ons...
This is BIG RED!
1983 Ford E350 Fiberglass Hightop Camper Window Van
WoW! "BIG RED" was just the BEAST I was lookin' for...
This big guy had all the goodies thanks to Quigley Motor Company. Starting with a 1 ton chassis and 460ci engine, Quigley installed a 750 Holley double pumper, 4-speed manual transmission w/granny gear, power mirrors, power door locks, window screens, all the interior comfort goodies, storage cabinets and extended fiberglass camper top w/almost a queen size folding bunk in the top. Quigley also fabricated skid plates for both gas tanks, the front axle, and for the complete drive train.Stock items were cruise control, AM/FM/CA, tilt wheel, dual exhaust, dual heat, dual gas tanks, tinted windows, sway-bars front and rear.
Moe, of 4-Wheel Drive Conversions in Cartersville, VA, installed the 5" suspension lift, 12" monster wheels, 36x14.50R-16.5 Super Swamper radials, dual shocks (2 Rugged Trail Nitro Cells at every corner, 8 total, for the perfect ride and handling experience), polyurethane bushings all around, Aero-tube elliptical side steps, 2" square receivers (front & rear) and dual steering stabilizer. Jimmy Jacobs, of Jacobs Auto in Thornburg, VA, followed up with the body work, installing the rear fiberglass gull wing door and dual batteries.
Since the aftermarket seats were trashed, I hit the junk yard and found a color matching set of Camaro bucket seats (w/lumbar support for driver). Then I went to work installing a tach, grade & tile gauges, power windows, PA speaker, center console, CB radio, Kenwood stereo system with 8 speakers & dual subs, TV, VCR, refrigerator, lights ( custom interior, fog, driving, off-road and reverse ), air horns, outside tackle box with surf pole holders, walk-in drop down hitch, modified the front bumper, fabricated a custom H/D rear bumper and all the miscellaneous fun stuff.
I never could find snow deep enough to stop her. I did see pictures of this van tearing through a 36 inch snow fall. ( That was before the suspension was lifted and the big boots. ) Thanks to a web sell, "BIG RED" now resides in New Mexico, climbing the snow covered mountains at 10,000 plus feet. This sale is what gave me the idea to start listing 4x4 vans for sale at my web site to help other enthusiasts find rides for themselves.
This is what she looked like when I bought her from Quigley...
1983 Ford E350 Fiberglass Hightop Camper Window Van
WoW! "BIG RED" was just the BEAST I was lookin' for...
This big guy had all the goodies thanks to Quigley Motor Company. Starting with a 1 ton chassis and 460ci engine, Quigley installed a 750 Holley double pumper, 4-speed manual transmission w/granny gear, power mirrors, power door locks, window screens, all the interior comfort goodies, storage cabinets and extended fiberglass camper top w/almost a queen size folding bunk in the top. Quigley also fabricated skid plates for both gas tanks, the front axle, and for the complete drive train.Stock items were cruise control, AM/FM/CA, tilt wheel, dual exhaust, dual heat, dual gas tanks, tinted windows, sway-bars front and rear.
Moe, of 4-Wheel Drive Conversions in Cartersville, VA, installed the 5" suspension lift, 12" monster wheels, 36x14.50R-16.5 Super Swamper radials, dual shocks (2 Rugged Trail Nitro Cells at every corner, 8 total, for the perfect ride and handling experience), polyurethane bushings all around, Aero-tube elliptical side steps, 2" square receivers (front & rear) and dual steering stabilizer. Jimmy Jacobs, of Jacobs Auto in Thornburg, VA, followed up with the body work, installing the rear fiberglass gull wing door and dual batteries.
Since the aftermarket seats were trashed, I hit the junk yard and found a color matching set of Camaro bucket seats (w/lumbar support for driver). Then I went to work installing a tach, grade & tile gauges, power windows, PA speaker, center console, CB radio, Kenwood stereo system with 8 speakers & dual subs, TV, VCR, refrigerator, lights ( custom interior, fog, driving, off-road and reverse ), air horns, outside tackle box with surf pole holders, walk-in drop down hitch, modified the front bumper, fabricated a custom H/D rear bumper and all the miscellaneous fun stuff.
I never could find snow deep enough to stop her. I did see pictures of this van tearing through a 36 inch snow fall. ( That was before the suspension was lifted and the big boots. ) Thanks to a web sell, "BIG RED" now resides in New Mexico, climbing the snow covered mountains at 10,000 plus feet. This sale is what gave me the idea to start listing 4x4 vans for sale at my web site to help other enthusiasts find rides for themselves.
This is what she looked like when I bought her from Quigley...
After a lot of body work, gull wing door replacement, lifting, suspension work, new tires and wheels, etc...
This is Big Red today.
Movie star in "ShowDevils" aka Thunder aka Zombie Hunter Van now owned by Sam Marcus.
Movie star in "ShowDevils" aka Thunder aka Zombie Hunter Van now owned by Sam Marcus.
- - BIGGER and BETTER AGAIN - - -
1994 Ford Four Winds 4xDually RV 5000 Series with a Quigley 4x4 Conversion
This is a one of a kind find. It is a 29 foot long Class "C" RV which sleeps 6. It sits on a Ford chassis equipped with a gas-powered EFI 460 V8 with ONLY 28,000 miles at this posting. It has oversized GoodYear Wrangler RT/S LT245/75R16 all-terrain tires w/chrome wheel covers. There is factory C/C and T/W. Also installed you will find an aftermarket AM/FM/CD stereo and a CB w/twin trucker antennas. There is a front mounted (huge) fishing tackle or ice box with a stainless steel frame with "8 surf pole" holders on the side. This camper was well maintained from day one and had lots of exterior storage areas.
Pictured here is the 29-foot Class "C" 4x4 RV I use to own! It sits on a Ford E350 van chassis equipped with a gas-powered EFI 460-V8 engine with ONLY 28,000 miles. It is considered a factory 4x4, which was converted by Quigley Motor Company. Quigley is the company who converts factory ordered 4x4 vans for Ford and Chevy. This means it can be serviced at most any Ford dealership or by any competent backyard mechanic using off the shelf parts. It has oversized GoodYear Wrangler RT/S LT245/75R16 all-terrain tires w/chrome wheel covers, cruise control, tilt wheel, AM/FM/CD stereo, A/C, and a CB radio w/twin trucker antennas. There is a front mounted (huge) fishing tackle or icebox with stainless steel frame and "8 surf pole" holders. This camper was well maintained had lots of exterior storage areas. Here is a one of a kind 4x4 RV that will make any camping enthusiast a very happy camper!!! This was my personal RV.
This 4x4 RV had a very new feeling quick pedal to engine response time and the automatic transmission shifts like it was new. Its powerful 460CI V8 engine is also very responsive and will carry you through rain, snow and mud without having to put it into 4-wheel-drive, but when the terrain gets rough, the easy shift manual 4-wheel-drive transfer case can be engaged along with the manual locking hubs to help keep you on the move. So if your one of us guys who likes to travel the not so beaten path, than this is the type of camper for you. Why settle for 2-wheel-drive RV when you can have a 4-wheel-drive RV.
It easily carries 7 (large) passengers in comfortable seats that all have seat belts. The middle bench seats three (large) adults and the 2 barrel chairs will swivel to face forward, sideways or towards the rear of the RV. The carpeting was in great condition and the wood galley/hall flooring was like new. Most of the large side windows open for fresh air. The original spare tire is like new and appears to never have been used.
This RV was a really fun ride, but I never had much time to use it properly, so it was sold. Maybe when I get close to retirement I will buy another one!
1994 Ford Four Winds 4xDually RV 5000 Series with a Quigley 4x4 Conversion
This is a one of a kind find. It is a 29 foot long Class "C" RV which sleeps 6. It sits on a Ford chassis equipped with a gas-powered EFI 460 V8 with ONLY 28,000 miles at this posting. It has oversized GoodYear Wrangler RT/S LT245/75R16 all-terrain tires w/chrome wheel covers. There is factory C/C and T/W. Also installed you will find an aftermarket AM/FM/CD stereo and a CB w/twin trucker antennas. There is a front mounted (huge) fishing tackle or ice box with a stainless steel frame with "8 surf pole" holders on the side. This camper was well maintained from day one and had lots of exterior storage areas.
Pictured here is the 29-foot Class "C" 4x4 RV I use to own! It sits on a Ford E350 van chassis equipped with a gas-powered EFI 460-V8 engine with ONLY 28,000 miles. It is considered a factory 4x4, which was converted by Quigley Motor Company. Quigley is the company who converts factory ordered 4x4 vans for Ford and Chevy. This means it can be serviced at most any Ford dealership or by any competent backyard mechanic using off the shelf parts. It has oversized GoodYear Wrangler RT/S LT245/75R16 all-terrain tires w/chrome wheel covers, cruise control, tilt wheel, AM/FM/CD stereo, A/C, and a CB radio w/twin trucker antennas. There is a front mounted (huge) fishing tackle or icebox with stainless steel frame and "8 surf pole" holders. This camper was well maintained had lots of exterior storage areas. Here is a one of a kind 4x4 RV that will make any camping enthusiast a very happy camper!!! This was my personal RV.
This 4x4 RV had a very new feeling quick pedal to engine response time and the automatic transmission shifts like it was new. Its powerful 460CI V8 engine is also very responsive and will carry you through rain, snow and mud without having to put it into 4-wheel-drive, but when the terrain gets rough, the easy shift manual 4-wheel-drive transfer case can be engaged along with the manual locking hubs to help keep you on the move. So if your one of us guys who likes to travel the not so beaten path, than this is the type of camper for you. Why settle for 2-wheel-drive RV when you can have a 4-wheel-drive RV.
It easily carries 7 (large) passengers in comfortable seats that all have seat belts. The middle bench seats three (large) adults and the 2 barrel chairs will swivel to face forward, sideways or towards the rear of the RV. The carpeting was in great condition and the wood galley/hall flooring was like new. Most of the large side windows open for fresh air. The original spare tire is like new and appears to never have been used.
This RV was a really fun ride, but I never had much time to use it properly, so it was sold. Maybe when I get close to retirement I will buy another one!
- - - Now check out my last 4x4 van - - -
It's a 1992 Ford E250 SportsMobile 4x4 Panel Van!
After driving that plush Class C 4x4 RV, I just had to find me a current generation Ford van to enjoy. Surfin' eBay one day, I found this ride listed for sale that had been posted earlier at my web site about a year ago. I liked it then, but it was located in California, but now it was housed in New Jersey. After a couple phone calls and a lot of negotiating, I became the next owner of this 1992 Ford SportsMobile pop-top 4x4 van.It's a Quigley 4x4 conversion, EFI 351ci V8 engine, A/T, electronic transfer case, Dana 44 front-rear and a Dana 60 rear with a locker installed for positive traction. This van has the stock 2" suspension lift from Quigley, rides on new LT 285/75/16" BFG All Terrain TA's (FOR SALE) and new Eagle Alloys Series 055 Alloy custom rims (FOR SALE). It has all the factory accessories (PS, PW, PDL, CC, TW, air bag) and an awesome Pioneer Premier Super III AM/FM/CD tuner which thumps thru an 800 Watt Kenwood KAC-7202 amp running to a pair of 12" Kenwood KFC-W3009 sub woofers. It also has mounted to the front bumper, a set of Hella 550 driving lights with stone guards, a set of roof racks, rear ladder (later removed), Uniden Pro 538W CB radio, interior fluorescent lighting and a 2" sq. receiver.
This van had a lot of miles logged on her, 182,000 plus miles to be exact, so a good going over with a lot of TLC was in order. To keep the juices flowing I enlisted "The Gear Doctor", Ted of Ted's Automotive to install a new 130 amp high output alternator. Next, to accept all that extra juice, Ted put in a new Interstate main battery and then I replaced the auxiliary battery with a Power Connection marine deep cell battery. Having some intermittent running problems, I asked Ted to check it out and he traced the problem back to a weak fuel pump. Once found, Ted high pressure cleaned the gas tank of the floating garbage and he then installed a new Ford fuel pump to keep her running strong. Next, a good tune-up was in order. So Ted replaced the wires, cap, rotor, plugs, all the filters and adjusted the timing chain. WoW, what a difference! All kinds of power now! To compliment this tune-up I have installed oversized dual exhaust from the new Megnaflow muffler back to the rear of the van. Next week she gets all the fluids replaced with "synthetics" including the front and rear axles, transfer case, and all the bearings repacked. I also installed a K & N air filer.
I've just starting to do some customization and will keep you updated as time goes on. Needing to run some household accessories while camping and on the road, I installed a Xantrex XPower 1000 Watt Inverter which connects to a 12 VDC battery to provide up to 1200 watts of AC power. Since my ride was stating to look just a little too good, I had a full featured Python alarm system installed with all the bells and whistles.
The front bumper now has a 3" Westin Ultimate Bull Bar Light Bar and a welded in REESE 2" front-mounted hitch receiver. To this light bar, I installed a 6" pair of Navigator off-road lights with stone guards. The stock horn was lame, so I installed a electric diesel sounding horn with a volume out-put of 129db. Sweet! I also had new front HD shocks and a Rancho steering stabilizer installed. Since I still have my portable front mounted fishing box with pole holders, I will use it when going to the beach. I also still have my portable Warn Winch which I can mount to the front receiver. Maybe next year a full blown custom front bumper with a permanent Warn winch and a custom built rear bumper that will swing out and hold a 36" spair tire, high lift jack and a couple military style Jerry cans.
To help get passengers up into the cab, I have installed a set of Carr Super Hoop steps up front and a single Super Hoop step on the rear side doors.
PHASE ONE LIFT IS COMPLETE:
Well as you see, she has gone thru a few changes lately. Most noticeable, I had a set of Bushwacker fender flairs molded into the fender panels. Next I installed a Lund MoonVisor® that has 5 molded in clearance lights to the roof. Up front I blacked out the radiator front area and replaced the stock grill with a direct replacement bolt up polished billet grille for a cleaner look. I next had a custom, forward tipping, light bar built by Pro Trucks of Chesapeake, VA that was mounted to the front pop-up roof ladder rack. It houses 4 KC Daylighter® Off Road lights with KC light covers and a flexing off-road antenna. Dick Cepek DC-1 polished aluminum 18" x 12" wheels. Mickey Thompson Baja Radial MTZ tires 33X13.50R18LT (LT325/60R18) - The all new ultimate mud terrain tire with a new tread design utilizing aggressive tread-lugs and extreme looks. SW Racing adjustable hime joints. Skyjacker Nitro shocks and Super Lift 6" coil spring lift system to maintain a factory-like ride. Also used on this lift were Super Lift rear add-a-leaf springs, a drop down steering arm and sway bar extension brackets. Filling in the rear wheel wells were 8 on 6.6 2" wheel spaces to make the back axle width match the front.
Some custom paint work was also done. I had the van completely repainted to the original color, including the pop-top. I also had the bumper covers sprayed with Rhino liner. The axles were also totally cleaned and painted. I previously had a set of aluminum finned differential covers installed. Once painted, I sanded the fin edges to display a polished surface in contrast to the flat black covers.
TIME FOR SOME TWEAKING:
Wanting a little more front end control and less body bounce, I had 2 additional Skyjacker shocks installed up front. Production Off-Road of VA Beach, VA who fabricated the front shock mounts after the Phase One lift, also fabricated a second set of shock mounts and installed the shocks to the Dana 44. WoW, what a difference in handling and ride! This van now has the firm ride that I like. I also had Production Off-Road install a second Rancho steering stabilizer up front.
Next, Production Off-Road fabricated mounts and installed a second set of Skyjacker shocks to the rear axle. I also just completed a custom built "swing-out" tire carrier to mount a spare tire, high lift jack, extra gas can and digital license plate holder to do a little additional advertising for my web site. I also had the tire carrier and rear step sprayed with a Rhino coating. Here are some photos of the new accessories.
2009 upgrades: Front axle bearings / seals / bushings replaced, new steering box, new brake disc & rotors, new drive-shaft u-joints, new fuel pump, 2 new batteries, new serpentine belt and new 130 Amp. alternator.
Look-N-Good! See for yourself!
It's a 1992 Ford E250 SportsMobile 4x4 Panel Van!
After driving that plush Class C 4x4 RV, I just had to find me a current generation Ford van to enjoy. Surfin' eBay one day, I found this ride listed for sale that had been posted earlier at my web site about a year ago. I liked it then, but it was located in California, but now it was housed in New Jersey. After a couple phone calls and a lot of negotiating, I became the next owner of this 1992 Ford SportsMobile pop-top 4x4 van.It's a Quigley 4x4 conversion, EFI 351ci V8 engine, A/T, electronic transfer case, Dana 44 front-rear and a Dana 60 rear with a locker installed for positive traction. This van has the stock 2" suspension lift from Quigley, rides on new LT 285/75/16" BFG All Terrain TA's (FOR SALE) and new Eagle Alloys Series 055 Alloy custom rims (FOR SALE). It has all the factory accessories (PS, PW, PDL, CC, TW, air bag) and an awesome Pioneer Premier Super III AM/FM/CD tuner which thumps thru an 800 Watt Kenwood KAC-7202 amp running to a pair of 12" Kenwood KFC-W3009 sub woofers. It also has mounted to the front bumper, a set of Hella 550 driving lights with stone guards, a set of roof racks, rear ladder (later removed), Uniden Pro 538W CB radio, interior fluorescent lighting and a 2" sq. receiver.
This van had a lot of miles logged on her, 182,000 plus miles to be exact, so a good going over with a lot of TLC was in order. To keep the juices flowing I enlisted "The Gear Doctor", Ted of Ted's Automotive to install a new 130 amp high output alternator. Next, to accept all that extra juice, Ted put in a new Interstate main battery and then I replaced the auxiliary battery with a Power Connection marine deep cell battery. Having some intermittent running problems, I asked Ted to check it out and he traced the problem back to a weak fuel pump. Once found, Ted high pressure cleaned the gas tank of the floating garbage and he then installed a new Ford fuel pump to keep her running strong. Next, a good tune-up was in order. So Ted replaced the wires, cap, rotor, plugs, all the filters and adjusted the timing chain. WoW, what a difference! All kinds of power now! To compliment this tune-up I have installed oversized dual exhaust from the new Megnaflow muffler back to the rear of the van. Next week she gets all the fluids replaced with "synthetics" including the front and rear axles, transfer case, and all the bearings repacked. I also installed a K & N air filer.
I've just starting to do some customization and will keep you updated as time goes on. Needing to run some household accessories while camping and on the road, I installed a Xantrex XPower 1000 Watt Inverter which connects to a 12 VDC battery to provide up to 1200 watts of AC power. Since my ride was stating to look just a little too good, I had a full featured Python alarm system installed with all the bells and whistles.
The front bumper now has a 3" Westin Ultimate Bull Bar Light Bar and a welded in REESE 2" front-mounted hitch receiver. To this light bar, I installed a 6" pair of Navigator off-road lights with stone guards. The stock horn was lame, so I installed a electric diesel sounding horn with a volume out-put of 129db. Sweet! I also had new front HD shocks and a Rancho steering stabilizer installed. Since I still have my portable front mounted fishing box with pole holders, I will use it when going to the beach. I also still have my portable Warn Winch which I can mount to the front receiver. Maybe next year a full blown custom front bumper with a permanent Warn winch and a custom built rear bumper that will swing out and hold a 36" spair tire, high lift jack and a couple military style Jerry cans.
To help get passengers up into the cab, I have installed a set of Carr Super Hoop steps up front and a single Super Hoop step on the rear side doors.
PHASE ONE LIFT IS COMPLETE:
Well as you see, she has gone thru a few changes lately. Most noticeable, I had a set of Bushwacker fender flairs molded into the fender panels. Next I installed a Lund MoonVisor® that has 5 molded in clearance lights to the roof. Up front I blacked out the radiator front area and replaced the stock grill with a direct replacement bolt up polished billet grille for a cleaner look. I next had a custom, forward tipping, light bar built by Pro Trucks of Chesapeake, VA that was mounted to the front pop-up roof ladder rack. It houses 4 KC Daylighter® Off Road lights with KC light covers and a flexing off-road antenna. Dick Cepek DC-1 polished aluminum 18" x 12" wheels. Mickey Thompson Baja Radial MTZ tires 33X13.50R18LT (LT325/60R18) - The all new ultimate mud terrain tire with a new tread design utilizing aggressive tread-lugs and extreme looks. SW Racing adjustable hime joints. Skyjacker Nitro shocks and Super Lift 6" coil spring lift system to maintain a factory-like ride. Also used on this lift were Super Lift rear add-a-leaf springs, a drop down steering arm and sway bar extension brackets. Filling in the rear wheel wells were 8 on 6.6 2" wheel spaces to make the back axle width match the front.
Some custom paint work was also done. I had the van completely repainted to the original color, including the pop-top. I also had the bumper covers sprayed with Rhino liner. The axles were also totally cleaned and painted. I previously had a set of aluminum finned differential covers installed. Once painted, I sanded the fin edges to display a polished surface in contrast to the flat black covers.
TIME FOR SOME TWEAKING:
Wanting a little more front end control and less body bounce, I had 2 additional Skyjacker shocks installed up front. Production Off-Road of VA Beach, VA who fabricated the front shock mounts after the Phase One lift, also fabricated a second set of shock mounts and installed the shocks to the Dana 44. WoW, what a difference in handling and ride! This van now has the firm ride that I like. I also had Production Off-Road install a second Rancho steering stabilizer up front.
Next, Production Off-Road fabricated mounts and installed a second set of Skyjacker shocks to the rear axle. I also just completed a custom built "swing-out" tire carrier to mount a spare tire, high lift jack, extra gas can and digital license plate holder to do a little additional advertising for my web site. I also had the tire carrier and rear step sprayed with a Rhino coating. Here are some photos of the new accessories.
2009 upgrades: Front axle bearings / seals / bushings replaced, new steering box, new brake disc & rotors, new drive-shaft u-joints, new fuel pump, 2 new batteries, new serpentine belt and new 130 Amp. alternator.
Look-N-Good! See for yourself!
MY 2 WHEEL DRIVE VANS
These are some of the other vans I have owned over the years...
The above 1994 Ford E250 Sportsmobile Pop Top Weekender Camper Van is
FOR SALE
Assessed at $29,999.99 in eastern North Carolina.
Propane and water holding tanks have been deleted.
Cold A/C, hot heat, Cruise Control, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, curtains all around,
rear opening windows with privacy curtains, window screens and
a roof mounted solar cell with controller.
Storage shelf, closet, small refrigerator, microwave and a bench seat that converts into a bed.,
Rear camera & display (3 more cameras can be added and displayed),
new JVC KD-T710BT AM/FM/CD/BT Stereo & Speakers,
lifted 2", new shocks, side steps and new front A arms.
NEW oversized off-road tires w/spare tire (front mounted), and custom wheels.
Recent front end alignment for the new tires. Low miles 133,609 for a 1994.
Side canopy, new extending side view tow mirrors, front & rear 2" sq. receivers.
One upper rear corner dint and a little surface body rust. Runs great! No fiberglass cracks.
Driven up and down the east coast and good clearance for off-road 2WD adventures.
I was told this van has a posi-track rear-end and an automatic transmission shift kit was added.
Custom charging dual battery set up, start with 1 or 2 batteries or shut system off for extended storage.
Many other new parts, runs great, canvas and all window curtains are in excellent condition.
Upper bed to sleep 2 additional persons.
(Mobility scooter travel rack does not convey)
"Email" me if you are interested.
Providences and states I have visited!
visited 10 states (76.9%)
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visited 46 states (92%)
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