Posted by R.Davis on April 10, 1999 at 06:30:46:
In Reply to: 4x4 dodge vans-early conversion posted by David on April 09, 1999 at 22:43:51:
David,I never attemped this type conversion but the possiblities have crossed my mind whenever I see an older vehicle with front springs and straight axle.You could end up with a longer than rear,front dr. shaft,possibly necessitating the need for a two piece shaft w/hanger bearing?
Also the issue of manual or auto transmission would be governed by the van's original setup(to keep it simpler)I have a friend who once converted his chevy van,3spd colume shift,to a 4spd colume w/rev. on the floor,worked like a champ!Just throw the colume into neutral then shift into rev.on the floor.OF course a topshift truck type tranny would be out of the question.
I guess the doghouse would be a hassle if you had the transfer case shifter on the passenger side.
I believe it could be done,w/alot of research before hand.If you try it and run into a problem,just post it,surely someone can help solve it!
One last bit to offer help,I always collect those big sheets of cardboard from the furniture store as I research any type conv. or building plan.A boxcutter,ruler,masking tape lets me make lightweight models of items like trannys,transfer case and yes even engines,that are easy to hold in place by hand or tape to do my measuring and design work.They don't have to be perfect,just close, it lets you step back and see what how it will look or work.Also when experimenting with designs of bumpers,beds,etc.,you can build it with cardboard first,make changes easily,and never waste the first piece of steel. Then untape it for your pattern!Hope this helped,took me forever to type it with one finger!