So, you want a turbodiesel-powered vehicle that has twice the cargo space of a Suburban or Excursion, but can also crawl through the mud and rocks like a trail rig? Time to start shopping for a Hummer H1? Nope. You want a van, a Quigley 4x4 van, and you didn't even know it.
With its camouflage graphics,...
With its camouflage graphics, this Ford Econline 4x4 is ready for a hunting trip into the wilderness.
Quigley has been building custom fullsize vans since the early 1970s and is famous for its 4x4 conversions like these vans seen flexing on the rocks of Moab, Utah. The Ford Econoline is equipped with the 6.0L Power Stroke engine, a Dana 60 front axle from an '05 F-350 pickup, a standard Dana 60 rear, a five-speed Torqshift transmission, and a NV271 manual transfer case. The Chevy has the 6.6L Duramax, a Ford Dana 60 front axle (swapped for the stock IFS), a Dana 70 rear, a manual NV261 transfer case, and a four-speed 4L85E automatic transmission (since the Allison 1000 will not fit under the floor of the van). The suspension upgrades provide both vans with about 3-1/2 inches of lift over the stock ride height.
The increased capability, improved field of view, and strong powertrain make these vans perfect for applications where you might not expect to see a van. Hunters can use them to access remote areas while packing lots of gear. Repair technicians, such as plumbers and electricians, can haul all of their gear to rural homes on muddy roads where a typical two-wheel-drive van would not dare tread. The Quigley 4x4 vans are also perfect for recreational activities since they can tow up to 10,000 pounds, allowing you to launch a boat from almost anywhere or bring a trailer to a secluded campsite. With the versatility of the solid-axle four-wheel-drive systems and the power of modern turbodiesel powerplants, it's no surprise that the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) have Quigley 4x4 vans in their fleets.
 Under the hood of the Ford,...  Under the hood of the Ford, you can see the top of the 6.0L Power Stroke engine, rated at 235 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. It is hooked to a five-speed Torqshift transmission, which sends power to a NV271 two-speed manual transfer case. |  The standard 35-gallon Ford...  The standard 35-gallon Ford fuel tank had to be replaced with a modified 31-gallon unit to make room for the large transfer case. The stock radius arm, I-beam independent front suspension is removed by Quigley to make room for a stronger solid axle. The coil-sprung Dana 60 with manual locking hubs is sourced from '05 Ford F-350 trucks and is located with a four-link setup. |  The Ford's rear suspension...  The Ford's rear suspension features the original Dana 60 solid axle on leaf springs. The factory's four wheel anti-lock braking system remains intact and functional. |
 The suspension modifications...  The suspension modifications give the Ford van about 3 1/2 inches of extra clearance over the factory ride height. This improves the approach and departure angles, along with increasing the breakover angle. |  This Duramax-equipped Chevy...  This Duramax-equipped Chevy Express could be seen crawling around Moab during this year's Easter Jeep Safari. The manual locking hubs and eight-lug wheels prove this is no ordinary delivery van. |  Open the hood of the Chevy...  Open the hood of the Chevy for a peek at the 6.6L Duramax, rated at 250 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It is attached to a four-speed 4L85E automatic transmission because General Motors says the Allison 1000 will not fit. |
 The transmission is backed...  The transmission is backed by a NV261 two-speed manual transfer case, which does not interfere with the stock 31-gallon fuel tank. The front Dana 60 axle is also from an '04 Ford F-350 and rides on coil springs. The Quigley four-link suspension system keeps the axle in place. |  Off-roaders will be happy...  Off-roaders will be happy about what they don't see. The stock GM independent short/long arm suspension was removed by Quigley to make room for the more durable Dana solid axle. |  Another good sign for 'wheelers...  Another good sign for 'wheelers is the transfer case stick poking through the floorboards. The Ford van comes with the NV271 transfer case, and the Chevy is equipped with the NV261. Both are two-speed units with 2.72:1 low ranges and manual engagement. |
 So, are you convinced that...  So, are you convinced that you need a 4x4 turbodiesel van? Even if you don't need one, we bet you wouldn't mind having one parked in the driveway. Who knew you wanted a van? | | |