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Turning a mid into a 4x4
#380640 April 26th 2010 12:08 am
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Well in my study for upgrading the steering and brakes, it came to me, sling a live axle under the front of it, get disc brakes and corrected steering geometry. I have a sneaky suspicion after viewing some Quadravans, they have radius arm axles just like the old Broncos, exactly like it, so it could possibly be a drop in. I have been offered a complete axle setup from a 78 F-150, so I'll have it sometime next week, I'll do tons of measurements, once I'm satisfied I can adjust it to a straight drop in, I'll paint it and prep the subject. Funny, the things that seem to fall in your lap, will require a rear axle to make it 5 on 5 1/2" bolt pattern to match the front. I really need to get my lift placed in it, then, hand controls before starting the transition, be certain the lift will touch the ground after I do it.
This is an obsession, I've yet to get the interior straightened out, and things are piling up for a future to do list.

Re: Turning a mid into a 4x4
maples01 #381057 April 27th 2010 6:46 pm
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It's not a "drop in".You're closer to putting the van on the 1978 frame then you are to just sticking a Dana 44 under it.Quadravans were basically a bread box on top of a skateboard.They had to build a frame for everything.


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Re: Turning a mid into a 4x4
Hoofbeats #381359 April 29th 2010 12:12 am
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The mid is a unibody, so you can't just swap the frame.
I was hoping for some pictures of one to get an idea, but seems I can't find anything other than a regular van photo.

Re: Turning a mid into a 4x4
maples01 #381360 April 29th 2010 12:35 am
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I know.That's why you'd be closer off to putting the van body (uni body and all) on the F150 frame then to try to put radius arms on it for a solid Dana 44.


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Re: Turning a mid into a 4x4
Hoofbeats #381363 April 29th 2010 2:21 am
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I'm wanting a solid D44 with radius arms in it as is, I can't imagine stripping the frame from it to set it on a F-150 frame, it's too much for me alone to do. I may give up on the whole idea and replace the spindles with those from a 78 E-150, modify a bracket for it's power steering box to bolt on the frame. Should correct all that crap from the old arrangement, Ford didn't offer power steering boxes in the early 70's.

Re: Turning a mid into a 4x4
maples01 #381717 April 30th 2010 5:04 pm
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I would say do front leaf springs. Would not be that hard at all to swap in. You can fab up or even use the leaf hangers and mounts off a truck. Trans , transfer case, driveshafts and steering. Are you on the mid ford site? www.econolines.ipbhost.com There is a 4x4 section, ask them about it.


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Re: Turning a mid into a 4x4
Twisted #381797 May 01st 2010 3:25 am
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Uh Twisted, I was there in that sites conception, my van is in the banner. Hahaha
I've asked, received no answer, I don't want leaf springs, they are a nightmare in dealing with steering arrangements, coil springs are it. If I can't work it, may look at a rack and pinion arrangement to the I-beam setup, using later 70's spindles and disc brakes.

Re: Turning a mid into a 4x4
maples01 #381881 May 01st 2010 8:54 pm
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yes they did offer power steering in the early 70's , . in the club wagons i believe , i took a whole system out of a 74 and put it into my 72 the WARSHIP , its the mid in my signature .

Re: Turning a mid into a 4x4
spaceman&maria #381890 May 01st 2010 10:24 pm
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Well it's a manual steering box with a hydro assist setup, I hate that ram arm setup, I want a box, I saw where some have put the steering setup in front of the axle so the linkage is hooked straight from pitman arm to spindle. The solid 4x4 axle setup simplifies it too, but need the steering box changed out to accomplish it.

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