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jfryjfry
jfryjfry SuperDork
10/29/22 12:47 p.m.

Decided that instead of a crew cab pickup, a large 4wd van would suit the family better and more or less work for me with what I use a pickup for. 

i think this means a ford e-350 as I want as much interior space as possible for motorcycles  


(that being said, I'd entertain a 6-door pickup conversion as well!)

Needs the large gas or Diesel engine (to tow 8500 lbs) and I need <150k miles.   

 

email is my username at yahoo. 

Datsun310Guy
Datsun310Guy MegaDork
10/29/22 12:54 p.m.

Ebay

search "quigley van"

pucker up for pricing 

Pete Gossett (Forum Supporter)
Pete Gossett (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
10/29/22 9:33 p.m.

In reply to jfryjfry :

You might be better off buying a 2wd van that suits your needs & doing the 4x4 conversion. People are absolutely rabid for Quigleys regardless of condition. 

I might saved the info somewhere, but a couple years ago I found a kit for a diy conversion. I think the company was in CA so it could save you quite a bit on shipping too. 

John Welsh
John Welsh Mod Squad
10/30/22 9:13 a.m.

Used 4x4 vans are never cheap!  Previously, Ford never officially made one but a company named Quigly did convert Ford Econolines to 4x4.  

Just recently, Ford started offering the new Econoline in awd in some configurations.  I do not think you can get new Ford van with 15 seating with the awd unless you get a dually rear end.  But in the cargo version you can get awd and single rear wheel.  

This then coinsides with another thing that Ford recently offers and its called a Crew Van.  This is generally a cargo van that adds just one rear bench making the van a 5 seater.

Here is a link to a 2020 Crew Van asking $63k.  It is also the medium high roof and ecoboost engine.  The spotters guide for these Crew Vans is the one side window on the driver's rear side.

There is some simplistic finishing to the middle row seating area like wall trim,  headliner and flooring but the rear-most portion remains unfinished from the factory allowing for your own customization back there.  

 

Your title states 15 passanger but could you get by with just the 5 seats and a lot of room?  

John Welsh
John Welsh Mod Squad
10/30/22 9:27 a.m.

Chevy made the Express van with awd for a few years but they are rare and can be expensive. 

The recently ended Nissan NV3500 van was never offered with 4x4 but since it is built on the Nissan Titan truck platform, people retrofit them. 

https://www.quigley4x4.com/products/nissan/

jfryjfry
jfryjfry SuperDork
10/30/22 9:28 a.m.

Good ideas....

I am indeed thinking about just getting a 2wd and converting at some point.   The reality is I have never really used the awd on my truck but I like having it just in case. 
 

And I don't need 15-pass capability but I want the interior room so I can have a bench seat and room for motorcycles behind it. 
 

i just need to hold 6 plus the ability to add some kids' friends if desired. 

jfryjfry
jfryjfry SuperDork
10/30/22 9:30 a.m.

Hmm hadn't thought of the Nissan.....   I'll broaden my search.  
 

 

mechanicalmeanderings
mechanicalmeanderings New Reader
10/30/22 9:57 a.m.

Chevy never made the 15 passenger factory AWD, but there is a company called weld Tec in California that seems to make a conversion and ifs lift kit.   
I am a ford guy but always liked the long wheelbase the gm twins offered instead of the long tail of the ford 

John Welsh
John Welsh Mod Squad
10/30/22 10:13 a.m.

Could Excursion be your answer?  

That gets you V10 and Diesel options with all the seating but the motorcycle has to stay outside.  

Nice examples still wont be cheap, ha.  

jfryjfry
jfryjfry SuperDork
10/30/22 10:16 a.m.

In reply to mechanicalmeanderings :

I'm having a hard time figuring out if both ford and Chevy 15-pass vans have the same box length.   Might you know??

John Welsh
John Welsh Mod Squad
10/30/22 10:19 a.m.
jfryjfry said:

In reply to mechanicalmeanderings :

I'm having a hard time figuring out if both ford and Chevy 15-pass vans have the same box length.   Might you know??

https://vandimensions.com/database/ford/e-series-2008

 

Expedition Portal (ExPo) could be a huge resource to your endeavors here. Sample: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/chevy-3500-express-vs-ford-e350-test-driven-but-still-have-s.53216/

mechanicalmeanderings
mechanicalmeanderings New Reader
10/30/22 10:56 a.m.

In reply to jfryjfry :

As I recall the gmc/chevy twins are a few inches longer overall, but it was years ago.  I think the interior is a bit longer in the twins as well.

Hope that helps

jfryjfry
jfryjfry SuperDork
10/30/22 11:02 a.m.

In reply to John Welsh :

Yeah I considered them but I just need to be able to move several motorcycles so they're just not quite what would work

jfryjfry
jfryjfry SuperDork
10/30/22 11:02 a.m.

Awesome, thanks for the info you guys! 

Rons
Rons GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
10/31/22 12:52 p.m.

A test of concept search yielded this

https://www.usednanaimo.com/4x4-trucks/32964405

I searched 4x4 bus for sale    Smaller versions may be available

clownkiller
clownkiller Dork
10/31/22 1:16 p.m.

In reply to Rons :

Short bus usually has a lift on the side. Idk if you could get those in 4x4. HongNorrth used one as a tow vehicle. 

 

 

californiamilleghia
californiamilleghia UltraDork
10/31/22 1:20 p.m.

Chevy Express  15 passenger model has a longer wheelbase than the longer Ford or Dodge.

that helps if you are putting a lot of weight on the tail , 

 

jfryjfry
jfryjfry SuperDork
10/31/22 5:14 p.m.

In reply to californiamilleghia :

This is exactly what I'll be doing.  
 

i have shifted my search to the 1-ton Chevy extended van.  2wd is ok but 4x4 preferred

thatsnowinnebago
thatsnowinnebago GRM+ Memberand UberDork
10/31/22 5:25 p.m.
Pete Gossett (Forum Supporter) said:

In reply to jfryjfry :

You might be better off buying a 2wd van that suits your needs & doing the 4x4 conversion. People are absolutely rabid for Quigleys regardless of condition. 

I might saved the info somewhere, but a couple years ago I found a kit for a diy conversion. I think the company was in CA so it could save you quite a bit on shipping too. 

UJoint Off-road does conversions too and will ship you a big ol pallet of parts if you want to DIY it.

They also amusingly offer a "dequig" service if you buy a Quigley conversion and don't like it.  

Datsun310Guy
Datsun310Guy MegaDork
10/31/22 5:55 p.m.

somedays you wanna...................

 

californiamilleghia
californiamilleghia UltraDork
10/31/22 6:30 p.m.
jfryjfry said:

In reply to californiamilleghia :

This is exactly what I'll be doing.  
 

i have shifted my search to the 1-ton Chevy extended van.  2wd is ok but 4x4 preferred

What year , panel or windows etc ?

there was one on Inglewood ave  last week with a for sale sign on it , I can stop and see what it is next time it's parked there.

Datsun310Guy
Datsun310Guy MegaDork
10/31/22 6:34 p.m.
Datsun310Guy
Datsun310Guy MegaDork
10/31/22 6:39 p.m.

I thought Chevrolet made an AWD Express van.  I'm sure with a lead foot you'd see 10mpg?

 

mechanicalmeanderings
mechanicalmeanderings New Reader
10/31/22 6:45 p.m.

In reply to Datsun310Guy :

They did make AWD units but the 2500 models were just 6-lug half tons and only in a panel.  I've never seen a 3500 AWD from the factory.

jfryjfry
jfryjfry SuperDork
10/31/22 10:32 p.m.


I'm looking for windows and a pretty comfortable ride  

 

In reply to Datsun310Guy :

I saw this and might ask them which motor it has and if it is 3/4 or 1-ton. 
 

my wife just heard of "our" plan and is not stoked.  She doesn't realize there aren't many options that haul 8k+ lbs and can haul motorcycles as well as 8 people comfortably

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