4x4 conversion

Can't go anywhere without a working drivetrain
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Denco
Weekend Camper
Posts: 93
Joined: Sun Jan 30, 2011 1:00 am
Location: NORCAL Sierras

4x4 conversion

Post by Denco »

Can any one here talk 4x4 conversions on our b190 vans.

Real time experiance with 4x4 on these vans.

Info like handling and has any one deal with Advanced Four Wheel Drive in SLC Utah..

I have found conversions from $10.5k to $16k.

Thank you in advance.
Keystone
Seasoned Traveler
Posts: 199
Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2010 1:00 am
B190 Year: 1994
Location: Boulder, Colorado

Re: 4x4 conversion

Post by Keystone »

We have a converted, lifted 1994 B190 van, and have driven it about 8K miles in the 2 years we've had it. The conversion was done at Boulder Off Road by the previous owner, and that conversion is described here in the gallery: gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=857. I have all the paperwork from the P.O., and am happy to share it with you.

Almost all of the miles since the conversion are ours. We have driven it on many Forest Service roads, some pretty rough, and we have done a lot of winter mountain driving. The biggest off-road test was at the White Rim National Park, which pushed its limits (ask me about Murphy Hogback...), and in hindsight is probably too rough for it. We broke a sway bar and had to get some welding done in Moab (I can recommend the shop), but that fix is still holding up fine.

We bought this vehicle because we wanted a 4x4 van, but a Sportsmobile--the only real competition--seems just too pricey. You ask how it handles in 4-wheel drive, and the answer is "sure footed". Still feels kind of heavy and lumbering compared to a pickup in back-road situations, but it always gets there. Bottom line: we avoid jeep trails--too big and too heavy.

In 4WD we keep it at or below 55 mph on the highway because if we're in 4WD on the highway, it's probably because the roads are icy or snowy. In 2WD, I doubt it really handles much differently than a stock b190 but I've never driven one so can't really compare.
Last edited by skater on Wed Nov 16, 2022 10:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: correct link to old gallery
Keystone
1994
B190 4x4
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Denco
Weekend Camper
Posts: 93
Joined: Sun Jan 30, 2011 1:00 am
Location: NORCAL Sierras

Re: 4x4 conversion

Post by Denco »

Thank you very much for the info. I also got your PM. your a bit far from us for a test drive but again appreciate the offer. your info is valuable and will help us work through thethought.
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RCR
Site Admin
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2012 5:29 pm
B190 Year: 1995
WBCCI: 0
Location: Southern California

Re: 4x4 conversion

Post by RCR »

Here's a page listing companies that provide 4x4 van conversions

http://www.thundersgarage.com/4x4vc.html
1995 WHITE B190 7.5L - 108k
Banks PowerPack System installed 4/2012
Helig Swaybars installed 1/2012
ThomasS
Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Nov 14, 2022 8:00 pm
B190 Year: 1993

Re: 4x4 conversion

Post by ThomasS »

I used Cuervo 4x4 in San Diego.
He’s great and affordable.
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kstills
Seasoned Traveler
Posts: 126
Joined: Thu May 26, 2022 1:02 pm
B190 Year: 1996

Re: 4x4 conversion

Post by kstills »

ThomasS wrote:
Wed Nov 16, 2022 9:27 am
I used Cuervo 4x4 in San Diego.
He’s great and affordable.
That is a great looking B190!
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