Questions
Frequently answered
Do you convert vans?
Timberline Supply provides kits and parts only. We do not handle any installations or service work. Naturally we have spent many years building vans however our energy now is spent on providing solutions for DIY builders and shops that can complete the work with our vetted componentry.
Shop recommendations?
We have worked with many shops around the country and may have someone near you to recommend. It is not uncommon to spend $5k-$12k in labor. For this reason, many people opt to do the work on their own. Please contact us for details on recommendations.
Cost to convert
There is a healthy range depending on your vehicle. If you already have some of the components there are GM conversions that can cost as little as $5k to complete. Conversely there are instances where GM and Ford vans can cost $15-$20k in parts/specialty to complete, even if you are handling the conversion yourself. We recommend workign through our site to establish the cost to convert your own van.
Cutting & Welding
Ford
Our standard Ford kits can be ordered as a "bolt-in" option. If you have capacity to weld, you'll save a little bit of time and money by selecting that option. There are just a few brackets that can be welded in and the job moves a bit faster doing so. Structurally weld-in and bolt-in options are basically equally sound.
Chev/GMC
The GM IFS 4x4 torsion bar conversion requires some cutting and welding. There isn't any conventional fabrication or creativity involved, but you need to be able to trace our pre-labled metal templates, cut metal and weld in brackets as designed, using common sense to do so.
GM conversions are best completed in a shop environment with a lift, but we've sold many to driveway techs as well. An inexpensive plasma is very helpful.
Do I need a shop?
It is always easier to do work with the right tools. Both the GM and Ford conversions can be done in a driveway. It is easier to do the work under a lift, but we've had many customers build them in a garage and on the ground.
How long to build
Conversions vary just like the price. Some conversions with bolt up transmission solutions and no fuel tank considerations can be done over a weekend if you have your axle and t-case fully prepped to go. "40-50 hours" is probably our most common response. Vans with transmission removal, larger lifts, and gear changes can run upward of 100 hours if you count every bit of the process.
Can it be done in stages?
We describe these as "pre-runner" or "staged" kits and yes it's possible. Keep in mind you're still going to be fully building the front axle in a Ford and GM vans will still require prepping the frame up front for the diff and changing from springs to torsion bar design. Requirements for these vehicles are listed in their appropriate sections.
years/models supported
• Gen 3 Ford Econoline (1976-1991) E-150/250/350
• Gen 4 Ford Econoline (1992-current) E-150/250/350/450
• Chevrolet Express (2003-current) 2500/3500/4500 Series
• GMC Savana (2003-current) 2500/3500/4500 Series
kit types
Solution types (Parts included):
Core kit (Ford&GM)
The basic components most people don't want to design on their own to complete the 4x4 conversion. Kits are standardized with detailed instructions for the whole conversion & detailed parts list support the user will need to source the remaining required parts.
Turnkey kit
GM: common solution for GM builders, comes with every required component, including transfer case, differential, and driveshafts.
Ford: The Ford option typically referred to as the "Everything But The Axle" kit is also comprehensive but the user sources their own front axle core to build.
Prerunner / Staged kit
It is possible to complete conversions in stages. The following are items not addressed during this type of conversion but can be completed at a later date with little to no waste:
Transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, shifting mechanism, transfer case wiring, and Fuel tank or Evap work.
Lift height options
Ford Coil Spring Conversion (Solid Axle)
4” - (minimum lift) 31-33” tire size
5” - (most common) lift blocks in rear typical, rear leafs available, 33"-35" tire size, good balance of cost/lift/performance
6” - 35” tire size with high offset rims, 37” with trimming, custom rear leaf springs recommended.
8" - 37"-39" tire size option, high steering required, custom rear leaf pack, coilover option, significantly increased cost, order by phone/email only.
GM Torsion Bar Conversion (Independent Front Susp)
0-2" - max tire size 265 70 17 / 265 75 16
5-6" - recommended tire size 285 70 17 / 235+255 85 16
What kind of support is included?
Timberline has always been very well regarded for technical support. We do our best to get to emails as quick as possible and tend to respond quickly to text messages.
Vocal phone support is offered Monday-Friday during normal business hours on non-holidays. We do our best to answer mid-build technical questions by text evenings and Saturdays. We tend not to answer any sales or technical questions on Sundays unless it sounds like an existential chrisis.
Finance and payment options
Currently, the only financing available is through the checkout portal. Phone orders can be processed by Debit, Credit, Venmo or Bank Transfer / ACH. We accept Cash in person and Check by mail which may increase clearing time. Any additional payment options will be listed in the web-store when you check out.
Colorado residents must pay 7.5% sales tax on parts sales.
Instruction support & Coming video
We are routinely praised for our instruction manuals. Small kits come with printed color details and core/turnkey kits come with fully bound color manuals that have excellent photo documentation, organized details, torque specs and loads of tips.
We are working through hundreds of hours of video footage shot over a year of about 8-10 builds...slowly and hope to have that up and running soon, but no launch date is set.
