E-Series 4x4 Conversions
Parts
In this section, you will find a list of our available parts for E-Series 4x4 conversions. Please click the tabs above for more info and resources.
Info
The Ford E-Series van is the most common and widely available platform for 4x4 van conversions. The body-on-frame design is super durable, and when paired with a solid super duty axle, the Econoline can be very capable in the offroad environment. E-series vans have fortunately been very similar throughout the years, parts are widely available, and there is a good deal of support from the vanning community.
The conventional Econoline van ceased production in 2014, so the availability of these vans in good condition with low mileage continues to wane, but the production was very high so there's still a lot of them out there.
The chassis design makes it ideal for a solid axle front-end conversion which means maximum offroad ability and ground clearance. If you're up for adventure, the cab and chassis models are still made today, and Sportsmobile even has its own retrofit body conversion if your checkbook is up to the task.
We started with the E-series and have a lot of experience building and selling them, so when you run into that quirk with your build, there's a pretty good likelihood we've run into it before and can sort through it with you.
There are various motor options all of which are inherently reliable or can be made so. The E-series is not available with a high top from the factory, so it's expensive to add that after purchase or pop the top. Cab and chassis models obviously open up box-truck-type options.
Coil V Leaf
There's the big question, isn't it? We've met many people who were very happy with their leaf spring vans and we've had people ask us to build leaf spring kits, so there's got to be something good about them, but we chose to lean into the coil spring design. Our opinion on this isn't gospel, it's just an opinion, so here's why we do what we do:
1) Availability- the 2005+ Superduty axle is one of the most widely available axles in the country. Ford built scores of these trucks over a long period, and they're everywhere. You won't find Ford telling you parts are obsolete, every corner parts store carries parts for them, and they are very easy to work on.
2) Ride quality - Coil springs, your van came with them, that's how Ford designed it, and they've already picked out a coil spring rate for you in the front of your van that matches the basic weight and usage of your van. Can this be done with leaf springs? possibly, but we haven't driven one that felt right. This becomes a particular issue on lighter-weight vans. A dead empty gas 4x4 E-series cargo can weigh as little as 6,000 lbs, and a fully built diesel high top can often weigh closer to 10,000 lbs loaded. Bolting up a Superduty axle in place of your existing front end only adds about 200 per front corner, basically like adding an extra passenger, so keep your springs, and keep your ride quality.
3) Turning radius - Is this a big deal? Probably not for everyone. In the shortest answer, we've driven (and built) leaf spring vans and coil spring vans and there is a noticeable difference in the last bit of the steering that feels like the later model axle has the capacity to allow the vehicle to turn tighter. Ford vans have a 135" wheelbase which is not super long, so either choice is fine, but you can roll up to a standard American intersection and make a U-turn easily across 2 lanes and that's what makes our design feel like it works.
4) Compatibility - There is no additional programming required, RSC, ESP, TCS, 2WH ABS, 4WH ABS, or whatever flavor you have, there will be no complications in the operation of your brake system. It just works. You won't need a drop pitman arm, we have steering solutions up to 8" of lift that require no drop-pitman arm so even in RSC vans, it just works. 2007 and older vans get one sensor, 2009+ vans get another, and 2008 is a split year we can help you with, that simple.
Resources
Please visit our "how do I convert my van to 4x4" page for a good overview of the options, process, and budgeting.
Timberline Ford 4 Link Kit
Timberline SupplyDescription: The Timberline 4-link kit is a high-performance bolt-in solution to connect your Superduty axle (2005-2023) to your Econoline van (1...
View full detailsFord Econoline 4x4 Van Core Conversion Kit Gen 4 (1992-2024)
Timberline SupplyDescription: The Timberline Ford E-series core 4x4 conversion kit streamlines the van conversion process by providing most non-standard components...
View full detailsTimberline Econoline to Superduty Trackbar Kit
Timberline SupplyDescription: The Timberline track bar kit is the most advanced kit we sell in terms of time spent on development. In 10 years we have gone through...
View full detailsSuperbeef Roof Rack Bracket System GM+Ford
Timberline SupplyDescription: The Timberline Superbeef roof rack bracket system is the perfect solution for mounting your custom-built roof rack on your full-size ...
View full detailsNP271 NV271 Transfer Case Shifter Kit
Timberline SupplyDescription: This is our transfer case shifter kit most commonly used on Ford E-series 4x4 conversions with the NP271 / NV271 transfer case. The d...
View full detailsFord Econoline Sliding Door Extender
Timberline SupplyDescription If you have an E-series van with a sliding door and you're running adapters in the rear with a wheel offset slightly higher than a sto...
View full detailsFord Econoline Transmission Drop Brackets
Timberline SupplyDescription: Whether you use leaf springs or lift blocks to raise the rear of your van, you will need to consider the change in the driveline angle...
View full detailsSuperduty to Econoline Spring Perch Kit
Timberline SupplyDescription: Our standard 4x4 E-series conversion setup utilizes your original van coil springs. You can read up on our reason for pursuing the coi...
View full detailsFord Econoline to Superduty Sway Bar + Link Kit
Timberline SupplyDescription: This is our standard front sway bar and sway bar link mounting kit for the Ford Econoline to Superduty front axle setup. It is the str...
View full detailsFord Econoline Extended Front Brake Lines
Timberline SupplyDescription: These Ford Econoline front brake lines are direct replacements for the soft lines that run between the coil bucket and the brake calip...
View full detailsFord 4x4 Van Heavy Duty Pitman Stabilizer Kit
Timberline SupplyDescription: This is the perfect easy-install stabilizer system for E-series 4x4 vans with a Dana 60 front axle and Superduty drag link. It puts th...
View full detailsEconoline Pitman Arm for Superduty Drag Link
Timberline SupplyDescription: Problem: The Econoline pitman arm is incompatible with a Superduty drag link, and the Econoline drag link is incompatible with the Sup...
View full detailsEasy-Wire Transfer Case Range LED Indicator Kit
Timberline SupplyDescription: Take the head-scratching out of wiring up the indicator for your transfer case. This is our Easy-Wire kit that cuts way down on time t...
View full detailsFord E-series 4x4 Conversion Rear Lift Kit (Single Rear Wheel)
Timberline SupplyDescription: Our Ford E-series 4x4 rear lift kit is the most affordable and direct way to get the rear of your van lifted to match the front. Whee...
View full detailsDana 60 2005+ Steering Stabilizer Kit
Timberline SupplyDescription: This is a very basic no-frills Superduty stabilizer setup that works for vans and trucks alike. The simple bolt-up design takes minut...
View full detailsE-series drag link to F-series tie rod adjustment sleeve
Timberline SupplyDescription: This adjustment sleeve serves to correctly link the E-series drag link coming off the pitman arm to the outer Superduty tie rod, matin...
View full detailsTimberline Helper Kit
Timberline SupplyDescription: Are you building a 4x4 van? Let us help you with the consumables. Drawing on our experience of hundreds of 4x4 conversions, these are ...
View full detailsFord Econoline 4x4 Van Bump Stop Drop Kit
Timberline SupplyDescription: The E-series Ford bump stop drop kit offers a straightforward and speedy solution for lowering your van's original bump stops. These w...
View full detailsFord Econoline 4x4 Conversion Driveshaft + Transfer Case Hardware Kit
Timberline SupplyDescription: Our E-series Driveshaft and Transfer Case hardware kit for your 4x4 Ford van conversion is a quick solution for hardware needs when bu...
View full detailsFord Econoline to Superduty ABS Wire Jumpers
Timberline SupplyDescription: When converting your E-series van to 4-wheel-drive with a Superduty front axle, you'll find the wheel speed sensors on the hubs have a...
View full detailsFord Econoline Steel Fuel Tank Shortening Blank
Timberline SupplyDescription: Our CNC-cut steel fuel tank shortening blank for the Ford Econoline cuts down on your build time at this important stage of the 4x4 co...
View full detailsTimberline 4x4 Ford Master Conversion Manual
Timberline SupplyOur Ford Master Manual for 4x4 conversions is a 140-page guide to the 4x4 Ford Van conversion process and covers all aspects across various years, ...
View full detailsFord Econoline Rear Brake Line Extensions
Timberline SupplyDescription: When lifting the rear of your E-series van you can generally kind of bend down the brake line bracket that secures the lines at the fr...
View full detailsHigh Clearance Offset Sway Bar Links
Timberline SupplyDescription: Custom Econoline 4x4 conversions, modified Quigley vans and other custom 4x4s periodically run into clearance issues with the sway bar...
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