The 4x4 thread

[BBQ]

Originally Posted by Robert Ryan

Small Japanese 4x4 Vans are quite common here.. I have been on that dirt road near a place called Capertee( Cup of Tea)

Where is here? Australia?

[Robert Ryan]

Yes Australia ,more specifically not that far from the Blue Mountains in my State. Japanese small Vans are smaller than the Ford Transit and are used for a fairly vast range of uses

[BBQ]

Originally Posted by Robert Ryan

Yes Australia ,more specifically not that far from the Blue Mountains in my State. Japanese small Vans are smaller than the Ford Transit and are used for a fairly vast range of uses

You are fortunate. We don't get those in North America.

[gregmchugh]

Originally Posted by BBQ

You are fortunate. We don't get those in North America.

You can buy a 25 yr old Delica 4wd that was originally sold in Japan. Many have been imported into Canada and once they are 25 yrs old they can be imported into the US. Google to see lots of examples...

[Andonso]

I recently purchased a 1988 Vanagan E-150. It would be nice to convert it to a 4x4 but I think it would be too expensive, so I'm thinking of just raising up 2 or 3 inches.

I sometimes go off-road disperse camping on logging and forest service roads.

I haven't yet been able to find any suitable springs to raise it up.

The 88 has a 138 inch wheelbase which became standard from the 124 inch.

Has a 4 speed transmission , 3 speeds plus OD.

Spring code = 44P.

It was suggested by someone to install air shocks. Is this a good idea?

For off-road I don't know if I would want air-bags or helper springs?

The front and rear would probably need to be nearly the same height. I was told by one 88 E-150 owner he ran into front wheel camber issues when he swapped out his springs for new ones, where the rear springs raised the rear of the vehicle a little higher than the front.

I'm uncertain about differential and u-joint problems as sometimes a lift can through off the degree of driveline angles when going over bumpy terrain, etc.

I think since it's two wheel drive drive shaft angles wouldn't be as much as an issue as a 4x4 with transfer case.

[BBQ]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2_taXSkiiY