Ford Econoline 4x4 Van Core Conversion Kit Gen 4 (1992-2024)

Description:

The Timberline Ford E-series core 4x4 conversion kit streamlines the van conversion process by providing most non-standard components required for 4-wheel drive integration. This comprehensive approach saves time and money by addressing both the major components and finer details that distinguish Timberline builds apart from other DIY projects. 

Alongside this kit, you'll need to obtain the front axle, driveshafts, shocks, transfer case, and any necessary transmission or exhaust components. While specific requirements may vary based on year, model, engine, and transmission, our kit significantly reduces guesswork and consistently delivers safe, high-performance conversions.

We built several hundred vans over the last decade while designing and tweaking the kit, all with the DIY builder in mind. We are consistently regarded for our excellent instruction manuals and attentive customer support. We'll be there to assist you throughout your build and address any questions that arise along the way.

Kits come with a 140-page color-bound manual that is thoughtfully constructed and thorough, covering many variations with helpful tips and tricks we've found along the way. 

We have both a "Prerunner" kit and a more comprehensive "Everything But The Axle" kit. We can build you a custom-kit if you need a few things added or deleted and just send you a link to checkout, you'll have to email for that.

How does this work?

1) Start with the FAQ section and Ford Design pages will help you wrap your head around everything that goes into this process and at some point you'll want to visit the How-to section, particularly if this is a new concept for you. Call us for a consult if you have questions. 720-515-5933.

2) Choose the kit type from our available options and if you like, email us over your VIN number and a few photos of your van for a more detailed build sheet, mentioning what kit you'd like to work with. 

3) Order your parts either from our site, or we can send you a checkout link or pay by phone/mobile. 

4) Source your remaining parts and assemble your axle while we wrap up your kit and ship it to you, and once it arrives you can get right to work! 

Manual Sample

Here are some sample pages from our Ford 4x4 conversion manual. Our manuals include detailed photography, mechanical drawings, torque specs and helpful tips.

It is our goal to make the process as seamless and productive as possible and we've gone to a great deal to design a product that is field-tested and made for a pain-resistant install.  

4-Link & Track Bar design

We chose the 4-link suspension system for several reasons. Having worked on Superduty trucks before vans, we knew they were sturdy but not ideal for everyday driving with varying loads and occasional off-road trips. Many agree that the extra pivot point and adjustable axle placement of a 4-link setup make for a smoother ride compared to standard radius arms.

Setting up the geometry correctly can be challenging. Through years of testing, we've developed a plug-and-play system that consistently works well with our other components. Our parallel 4-link design is simple, durable, and low-maintenance, thanks to high-quality leaf spring bushings, grade 10 hardware, and easy bolt-up installation.

The track bar system is our most rigid and durable design to date. It reinforces the cradle, provides a deflection free pivot link between the axle and the frame, and it's even now available as a bolt-in affair. If you can weld, that kit is a little more affordable to install and can be done in slightly less time. Drilling is minimized as much as we can across all kits.

Coil springs vs. leaf springs

The ongoing debate between leaf springs and coil springs for 4x4 van conversions has clear benefits favoring the more modern coil spring design. Here's why:

1. Ride Quality: Your van was designed with coil springs by Ford, tailored to its specific needs. Coil springs offer varied spring rates matching different vehicles, ensuring a comfortable ride without guesswork. Additional weight from the conversion sits below the coil springs.

2. Turning Radius: Coil spring Superduty axles boast a tighter turning radius compared to leaf spring axles, making parking, U-turns, and navigating tight spots on trails easier.

3. Compatibility: Superduty axles require no extra programming or wiring for E-series vans from 1975 to 2023, seamlessly integrating with traction control and anti-lock brakes systems.

4. Availability: The 2005+ Superduty axle is widely accessible, with parts readily available and easy to work with. Our 4-link system is compatible with front truck axles from 2005 to 2023, and our track bar system works with axles up to 2016. Kits for 2017+ axles are available upon request.

While we respect other designs, the advantages of coil springs are apparent. Now, leaf springs can make sense in specific scenarios. Very heavy vans and extreme off-road enthusiasts may benefit from their durability and forgiving nature when other suspension components wear out, but with proper components and care, choosing a coil spring rig ensures a satisfying ride without regrets.

Where do I get an axle & T-case

We cover more of this in the How-to section, but the following is helpful even before you read up there: We've found the site car-part.com to be the easiest solution to finding an axle across the country.

2005-2010 F-250 & F-350 axles are the easiest to find in many gear ratios, make sure the axle you're buying has the ratio your van currently has or the one you plan to run.

Single rear wheel and dual rear wheel F-250/F-350 axles are identical with the exception of the dually adapter stubs and the front hub thread pitch which doesn't matter. Our kits are also compatible with the Super 60, Fatboy, Widetrack, etc, axles and Cab/Chassis units.  

Fitment Designed For:

Van Side: 1992-2014 current Ford E-150/E-250/E-350/E-450, Cab and chassis/cutaway variants included

Truck Side: Fits 2005-201 Ford F-250/F-350 SRW or DRW axles, 2013-2016 Ford F-250/F-350 axles (For largest brakes) 

Included in kit:

Dana 60 2005+ Steering Stabilizer Kit
Easy-Wire Transfer Case Range LED Indicator Kit
Econoline Pitman Arm for Superduty Drag Link
Ford 4x4 Van Heavy Duty Pitman Stabilizer Kit
Ford Econoline 4x4 Conversion Driveshaft + T-case Hardware Kit
Ford Econoline 4x4 Van Bump Stop Drop Kit
Ford Econoline Extended Front Brake Lines
Ford Econoline Steel Fuel Tank Shortening Blank
Ford Econoline to Superduty ABS Wire Jumpers
Ford Econoline to Superduty Sway Bar + Link Kit
Ford Econoline Transmission Drop Brackets
Ford E-series 4x4 Conversion Rear Lift Kit
NP271 NV271 Transfer Case Shifter Kit
Superduty to Econoline Spring Perch Kit
Timberline 4x4 Ford Master Conversion Manual
Timberline Econoline to Superduty Trackbar Kit
Timberline E-Series Conversion Lower Radiator Hose Guard
Timberline Ford 4 Link Kit
Timberline Helper Kit

Tools Required:

We have a standard list of tools that we recommend listed in the front of our manual and the Ford Design. It's pretty basic stuff, if you have your own workshop with a lift, you probably have nearly all of them. 

Tips / Skill Level: 

Tips / Skill Level:

1-10 (10 being most difficult) Level 7. There's a great chance if you've made it this far, you more than have the skill-set to complete this conversion. It is involved, but it's very straightforward. If you've done things like lift kits, pulled a transmission, and done a set of ball joints, this will just be another job at the shop. 

This product may work with other model vehicles.  

Price, Shipping, Fulfillment, Taxes, Quality and Returns

• Price + Shipping: Core-kit flat-rate shipping to the lower 48 is $330 currently. Residential delivery and lift gate service add $90 each so try to work out a commercial delivery address with 2 big humans or a forklift, most kits weigh 200-250lbs.
  
  
• We have a Canadian export license and can ship directly to customers as well as handle duties. Alaska, Hawaii, and International shipping is available on request. Typically Canadian GST is 4.5% for businesses and 10% for private individuals. We are charged a $125 brokering fee for Canadian LTL shipments. Due to vast expanse of the great north, shipping and orders must be processed manually for Canadian customers. 
  
  
• Shipping time for full kits: Timberline produces parts and kits on a block schedule listed on the main home-page. Order periods are book-ended at present to ensure consistent fulfillment times. Typically full kits fulfill in 4-8 weeks depending on where in line your order is placed. 
  
  
• Taxes: Colorado residents must pay sales tax of 7.5%, no sales tax is collected on out-of-state shipments currently. 
  
  
• Quality and Returns: We are consistently complimented on the quality of our products and the ease of install. Components are hand-built here almost exclusively in Colorado by seasoned professionals who are fanatics about design and execution.
  
  If you are in any way disappointed in the components we will issue a full refund less the cost of shipping when the product is returned. If you decide to return any components that didn't apply to your build or you changed your mind about, shipping and a 15% restocking fee will be deducted from the purchase refund.