This has quickly become my favorite channel on YT. I Want to build me a 4x4 chevy van so bad. Just old school cool. When I get the van I’ll call you guys for the kit. Love seeing a father raise his boys right.
@theswimshop4x4 Well, you just ruined this van the moment you said, "Drop a V8 in it." Every car show has the same boring "V8 build". Straight Sixes were great engines for the everyday commute 95% of the time. I had to stop the video. Jay Leno was right about how resto-mods ruin the essence of true car restorations. The car looses value the moment you "Hot rod it w/ a bigger engine". Sad, really.
@theswimshop4x4 I do like how you chose something other than the typical "LS option." The AMC 401ci V8 is definitely a unique powertrain. Why did you choose that over an "LS, Coyote, Hemi variants"?
I grew up with a 75 chevy sportvan (the short body) that had a conversion kit done in the mid 80s. Loved that thing and this project is giving me some serious nostalgia!! Keep up the good work gents
Years ago if i remember correctly they fitted a flexible steering joint to some ambulances . Sounds mad i know . Cheers from the uk.Nice to see you reply to a lot of comments.
Yes, I have seen that. Basically just a steel cable. It works, but I just wouldn’t feel comfortable on the highway. Maybe off-road. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Man you guys just earned a new sub. I used to have an 83’ g20 conversion van my senior year in high school back in 95/96’. I’d give up BOTH “bumpers” to have a 4x4 van today for sure! Super cool work fellas.
Great Job everyone!! This is definitely a challenge. One recommendation i saw in some pictures is on the front of the body style of van they welded a solid bar going across underneath the front . then welded the front shakle mounts to that bar because of the off set frame. On the other hand i really like how your way is because it makes it look factory and hidden behind the bumper. You guys have really inspired me so much. I am at the point i want to take some welding classes at the local college to learn how to weld and do fab work. You guys are doing what i want to do when I retire to all my vans. Thank you for getting me excited about my future!!
I am really impressed with your communication. The content is fantastic. I would like to make a suggestion. Build a rock crawler van and take it to a place like Moab. The challenge of the build and the adventure it would take you and all of us on would be absolutely amazing in my opinion. I have been fascinated with 4x4 vans for many years but just never had enough money to have one. Thank you all for stepping up and out to bring this content to people like me and others, keep it coming and GOD BLESS.
you guys are great, just subbed and thank you for sharin your wisdom and intuitiveness about these conversions. People like you guys here is what makes RUclips so awesome!
On my 80 build, I cut off the complete lower rad support and replaced it with basically and angle iron...4x3x.25...so the entire front end is removable...Front leaf hangers, bolt to that cross member.
I got a 61 econoline, yard driver with first gear and reverse. I'm looking at putting a later model Ranger driveline in it but this is a long term project. I'd like to thank you guys for getting me daydreaming
@darylarmentrout252 sure won't. Never had one with that engine. Pretty slow I'm guessing, even the 300 was slow. But regardless 1st Gen econolines go for good money now, even a rusty shell.
Your explanation of the front shackles and axle moving is why when you see shackles mounted to the forward end of the spring, it's done wrong, even if it came that way from the factory. When hitting an obstacle with forward shackles, the axle pushes into it, making for a bad ride. 👍🏼
Yes, all of the older Jeeps had shackles mounted to the front. Just was not the best setup. Why you see shackle reverse kits for Jeep CJs. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Just watched pole barn garage take 3 vans to make 1 4x4 same color shorty interesting this van is a 20 series. holy shit Johnney Dangerously really insta fan LOL get um boys
As always, good video. I've been looking forward to this build. Love it that you backed up and adjusted for 1/8" difference but please don't look too closely at my (still in work) 79 if you ever see me on the road. There are probably multiple 1/8" differences that I'd probably be better off not knowing about... And Yes, we all have bad days. Just need to know when to walk away for a bit!
I own a chevyvan, also 1976 and have always dreamed of making it 4WD. Thank you so much for showing all the little details it takes to get this working. The easiest explanation I've heard in the past is people dropping the entire van body on a suburban frame or likewise and doing something like that but I've always been interested in what kind of actual fabrication would be needed if you were to just redesign the mounting positions to make it work with the van rather than plopping it on a different vehicle. I commented on insta long ago with this same thing and you let me know a video would be coming. So happy to see it pop up. Love the videos and the work you do. Thank you for representing old american vans well. Will ya'll be at the van nationals in 2024? Cheers from Maine.
WE SALUTE YOU!!! Ah the tank bein empty just tellin ya step back and breathe for a moment, this vans looking really good, I'll buy some merch once I get some cash flow
Id love to take an old 1947 pu and 4x4 it..i don't mean lift it but keep it normal height and articulate the crap out of it..but by the time i did that ill be 6 feet under or swimming with sharks( fish food) ..but i enjoy watching and learning what others like you guys do..have fun thanks for sharing ...Peace out...
I ave a question I own a 1978 chevy van g20. Can I remove the oil pan without lifting the engine. I want to put a high volume oil pump in it.. I Love your shows and all the cool old vans ya build and the choppers.keep up the great work.
Those 1 ton springs would have made it ride hard as hell. I want to build a Chevy custom van like this but I wouldn't use leaf springs on the front I would make a 4 Link setup
It would have rode fine. We have 2 right now with the same springs on the rear and they ride great. Nothing against coils, we just like leaf springs. Thanks for watching.
Just use a Saginaw steering box for a Dodge 4x4 pickup about the same year. They are identical to the steering box on a K10 Chev but have a different worm gear so the wheels turn the right direction . Easy as that and they don't have that long neck on them either.
How much do these 4x4 van kits go for? Im thinking of buying a kit for my new Ford Aerostar 1987 with only 59,000 miles on it please answer im very serious about buying
Did the front axle look off with the wheels and tires on or with them off? Did you try swapping the wheels? I'm just wondering if maybe there's something wonky about that one wheel and tire rather than the whole axle since it all measured up right.
Beautiful, I always wanted a four wheel drive van,but I instead trashed a bunch of square body trucks deep in the woods, nothing like going way back in the woods to a beaver pond that has the ice out and the trout are biting like mad and I mean orange belly trout, native trout ,not white belly stock fish,nothing more like it,camping way back fishing, cool as hell
We are not professionals by any means. Those iphones pick up noises you don't always want. I hope foot shuffling is not what causes you to unsubscribe.
@@theswimshop4x4 I didn't unsub ,my first vid of yours and first time subscriber. It was very loud through headphones, other that that I found vid entertaining
So…. Can you tell me what is the best transmission with overdrive to use in an 84-86 4 wheel drive Chevy van with a 350? Assuming that I’m using your kit to do the 4 wheel drive conversion. 700 r4? 4l80?
Problem with the old school small blocks an big blocks it’s getting harder an harder to find parts an get parts part stores aren’t stocking the parts anymore most of the junk yards done crushed an mulched up all these older vehicles iv got a project truck myself a 97 c3500 an iv been waiting two years for back order parts it’s not that ls swaps are for quitters it’s that if you need something for them while on the road you can pull into any auto parts on any corner an get something right off the shelf in stock an not worry about if or when they can get the parts plus they run an last so much better than the older stuff
No disrespect but the camera person needs to figure out how not to make so much noise while filming because it’s very annoying hearing whatever bad handling of the camera that is making such bad repetitive noises!
This has quickly become my favorite channel on YT. I Want to build me a 4x4 chevy van so bad. Just old school cool. When I get the van I’ll call you guys for the kit. Love seeing a father raise his boys right.
Thank you. When you get ready just let us know. Thanks for watching.
10-4 good buddy.
@@theswimshop4x4
@theswimshop4x4
Well, you just ruined this van the moment you said, "Drop a V8 in it." Every car show has the same boring "V8 build". Straight Sixes were great engines for the everyday commute 95% of the time. I had to stop the video. Jay Leno was right about how resto-mods ruin the essence of true car restorations. The car looses value the moment you "Hot rod it w/ a bigger engine". Sad, really.
@@travelinman482 Have to disagree with you!! Thanks for watching.
@theswimshop4x4
I do like how you chose something other than the typical "LS option." The AMC 401ci V8 is definitely a unique powertrain. Why did you choose that over an "LS, Coyote, Hemi variants"?
I grew up with a 75 chevy sportvan (the short body) that had a conversion kit done in the mid 80s. Loved that thing and this project is giving me some serious nostalgia!! Keep up the good work gents
Time to get another one. Thanks for watching.
Man wish I had the money, I've always wanted a 4x4 van but done right like this.
Thanks for watching. You should get you one.
I promise I didn’t know about the welding gas but I still got kicked out! That baby really looks good. Another great show guys!
We really appreciate you making an appearance. The views are through the roof!!
Full time RV'r. Running a 82 one ton Chevy pulling a 27' TT. 454/465/205-60/10.5. 32 years welding. Great work. Your eye for detail is amazing
Thank you and thanks for watching and commenting.
Years ago if i remember correctly they fitted a flexible steering joint to some ambulances . Sounds mad i know . Cheers from the uk.Nice to see you reply to a lot of comments.
Yes, I have seen that. Basically just a steel cable. It works, but I just wouldn’t feel comfortable on the highway. Maybe off-road. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@theswimshop4x4with you on that statement , having used flex drives on drills wouldn't feel safe .
I love those Chevy Vans
Can't beat em!! Thanks for watching.
"Fargin, sam in a batch, icehole! "
Roman Maronie-1984
Haha!!!!
Американский бус это тема) Ещё с детства в фильмах видел подобные тачки, а сейчас смотрю как их дорабатывают . Ребята молодцы, респект)
There has been some cools things done to them for sure. Thanks for watching!!
Man you guys just earned a new sub. I used to have an 83’ g20 conversion van my senior year in high school back in 95/96’. I’d give up BOTH “bumpers” to have a 4x4 van today for sure! Super cool work fellas.
Thank you. And thanks for subscribing and commenting!!
Great Job everyone!!
This is definitely a challenge.
One recommendation i saw in some pictures is on the front of the body style of van they welded a solid bar going across underneath the front . then welded the front shakle mounts to that bar because of the off set frame.
On the other hand i really like how your way is because it makes it look factory and hidden behind the bumper.
You guys have really inspired me so much. I am at the point i want to take some welding classes at the local college to learn how to weld and do fab work. You guys are doing what i want to do when I retire to all my vans.
Thank you for getting me excited about my future!!
Thank you! You need to go for. Do what you love and you will be happy. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I am really impressed with your communication. The content is fantastic.
I would like to make a suggestion.
Build a rock crawler van and take it to a place like Moab.
The challenge of the build and the adventure it would take you and all of us on would be absolutely amazing in my opinion.
I have been fascinated with 4x4 vans for many years but just never had enough money to have one.
Thank you all for stepping up and out to bring this content to people like me and others, keep it coming and GOD BLESS.
Don't know if we will make Moab, but keep watching. We got plans for something special. Thanks for watching and commenting!!
The ‘76 is looking tough! That attention to detail is greatly appreciated!
Thanks for watching!
you guys are great, just subbed and thank you for sharin your wisdom and intuitiveness about these conversions. People like you guys here is what makes RUclips so awesome!
Thank you for the kind words and thanks for watching.
I need one of these camper vans.. awesome work, guys.
Everybody needs a camper van!! Thanks for watching.
Big project hopefully go well and have a great day
Thank you. We know there will be bumps in the road, but we'll get over them. Thanks for watching.
On my 80 build, I cut off the complete lower rad support and replaced it with basically and angle iron...4x3x.25...so the entire front end is removable...Front leaf hangers, bolt to that cross member.
That definitely works. Several different ways to get to the end result as long as it works. Thanks for watching.
I got a 61 econoline, yard driver with first gear and reverse. I'm looking at putting a later model Ranger driveline in it but this is a long term project. I'd like to thank you guys for getting me daydreaming
Thank you for watching.
Those old econolines are getting very hard to find and expensive.
@adamfrbs9259 well I'm pretty sure nobody will miss the 144ci straight six once they hear the 2.4 turbo
@darylarmentrout252 sure won't. Never had one with that engine. Pretty slow I'm guessing, even the 300 was slow. But regardless 1st Gen econolines go for good money now, even a rusty shell.
I would like to do this with my 96 GMC Safari minivan someday...thanks for the ideas.
Heck yeah! Thanks for watching.
Your explanation of the front shackles and axle moving is why when you see shackles mounted to the forward end of the spring, it's done wrong, even if it came that way from the factory. When hitting an obstacle with forward shackles, the axle pushes into it, making for a bad ride. 👍🏼
Yes, all of the older Jeeps had shackles mounted to the front. Just was not the best setup. Why you see shackle reverse kits for Jeep CJs. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Just watched pole barn garage take 3 vans to make 1 4x4 same color shorty interesting this van is a 20 series. holy shit Johnney Dangerously really insta fan LOL get um boys
That was a cool build/swap Dalton on Pole Barn did. Hard to beat a good old movie!! Thanks for watching.
yalll remind me of the Fab Rats and matts recovery another good channel for fabers..
That's awesome! Thanks. 2 of our favorite channels.
As always, good video. I've been looking forward to this build. Love it that you backed up and adjusted for 1/8" difference but please don't look too closely at my (still in work) 79 if you ever see me on the road. There are probably multiple 1/8" differences that I'd probably be better off not knowing about... And Yes, we all have bad days. Just need to know when to walk away for a bit!
Haha! Yes, bad days are a part of life. Just take em and keep getting after it. Thanks for watching.
Heck Yea! Let’s do this man!
Thanks for watching.
you guys do awesome work
Thanks and thanks for watching.
Great van my parents had a 89 dodge conversion van
Cool!! Thanks for watching.
I own a chevyvan, also 1976 and have always dreamed of making it 4WD. Thank you so much for showing all the little details it takes to get this working. The easiest explanation I've heard in the past is people dropping the entire van body on a suburban frame or likewise and doing something like that but I've always been interested in what kind of actual fabrication would be needed if you were to just redesign the mounting positions to make it work with the van rather than plopping it on a different vehicle. I commented on insta long ago with this same thing and you let me know a video would be coming. So happy to see it pop up. Love the videos and the work you do. Thank you for representing old american vans well. Will ya'll be at the van nationals in 2024? Cheers from Maine.
Thank you. We have a lot of trips planned this year, vans nats may be one. Thanks for watching and commenting.
WE SALUTE YOU!!!
Ah the tank bein empty just tellin ya step back and breathe for a moment, this vans looking really good, I'll buy some merch once I get some cash flow
Thank you and thanks for watching and commenting.
“It’s fargin war! You fargin ice hole…”
Haha!!!
Id love to take an old 1947 pu and 4x4 it..i don't mean lift it but keep it normal height and articulate the crap out of it..but by the time i did that ill be 6 feet under or swimming with sharks( fish food) ..but i enjoy watching and learning what others like you guys do..have fun thanks for sharing ...Peace out...
Thank you and thanks for watching!!
Nice project
Thank you and thanks for watching.
I ave a question I own a 1978 chevy van g20. Can I remove the oil pan without lifting the engine. I want to put a high volume oil pump in it.. I Love your shows and all the cool old vans ya build and the choppers.keep up the great work.
Honestly, we don’t know. Actually have never tried to remove the oil in a van before. Sorry. But thanks for watching and the support.
Those 1 ton springs would have made it ride hard as hell. I want to build a Chevy custom van like this but I wouldn't use leaf springs on the front I would make a 4 Link setup
It would have rode fine. We have 2 right now with the same springs on the rear and they ride great. Nothing against coils, we just like leaf springs. Thanks for watching.
Buenas noches raza
Les quedo muy bien
Saludos de tijuana mexico
Asen buen equipo
Thank you and thanks for watching.
Just use a Saginaw steering box for a Dodge 4x4 pickup about the same year. They are identical to the steering box on a K10 Chev but have a different worm gear so the wheels turn the right direction . Easy as that and they don't have that long neck on them either.
Thanks for the info, we will check one out. And thanks for watching and commenting.
Have you thought about the engine weight on the front suspension also
Yes, we actually talked about it in the video. Thanks for watching.
How much do these 4x4 van kits go for? Im thinking of buying a kit for my new Ford Aerostar 1987 with only 59,000 miles on it please answer im very serious about buying
Sorry, we only build kits for G series vans. Thanks for watching.
Did the front axle look off with the wheels and tires on or with them off? Did you try swapping the wheels? I'm just wondering if maybe there's something wonky about that one wheel and tire rather than the whole axle since it all measured up right.
Oh yeah. Wheels and tires are good. Just part of the vans with the unibody and engine being off center. We are use to it. Thanks for watching.
That’s what makes your channel real.
Shit happens
Haha! Thanks. But sometimes real needs to stay at the house. Thanks for watching.
I have a 1990 Ford E 150 that needs a bit of work to do.
Hope that your channel can help
Hope so too.Thanks for watching!
Beautiful, I always wanted a four wheel drive van,but I instead trashed a bunch of square body trucks deep in the woods, nothing like going way back in the woods to a beaver pond that has the ice out and the trout are biting like mad and I mean orange belly trout, native trout ,not white belly stock fish,nothing more like it,camping way back fishing, cool as hell
Getting away like that in anything is a relaxing treat!! Thanks for watching.
Nice project, gona be cool as. Filming wise could you do something about the foot shuffling. Subbing for now but for how long ?
We are not professionals by any means. Those iphones pick up noises you don't always want. I hope foot shuffling is not what causes you to unsubscribe.
@@theswimshop4x4 I didn't unsub ,my first vid of yours and first time subscriber. It was very loud through headphones, other that that I found vid entertaining
So…. Can you tell me what is the best transmission with overdrive to use in an 84-86 4 wheel drive Chevy van with a 350? Assuming that I’m using your kit to do the 4 wheel drive conversion. 700 r4? 4l80?
Carburetor not Tbi
I would say 700r4 cable if you want to stay away from electronic. A 700r4 can be built pretty strong these days. Thanks for watching.
We’re are you all located in North Carolina
We are located in Reidsville, NC. Thanks for watching.
I have a 1979 g35 gmc 22 foot motorhome, same frame as this one, and a 1981 k2500 square body. With your kit could i 4x4 my motorhome?
Sorry, the kits we make at this time will only work on 1984-1995. Thanks for watching.
@theswimshop4x4 cool, i can wait for the one that will work on my 79, fantastic content thanks
This 1976 episode is great, gives me hope for my motorhome....lol
Where are y'all in N.C.? I grew up in Hillsborough.
We are in Reidsville.
@@theswimshop4x4 Right up the road then! I have Robertson kinfolk there.
Could you French in the driver side spring hanger, into the frame?
You may could, but don't think it would be practical. Thanks for watching.
Small block are forever
Tough to beat em, simple and always get the job done. Thanks for watching.
How much dose this cost???? I want the same
You can send us an email or call. Link is in the description. Thanks for watching.
How much would something like this on a 2017 Savana run me?
We don't do work on those year models. Only G series. Thanks for watching.
@@theswimshop4x4 that's a bummer! You guys do really nice work. Thanks for getting back to me!
Thanks for not leaving a 1/16 of an inch y'all!
Haha! Probably should have kept my mouth shut, it’s got to be right now because that’s the first thing people will look at.
Problem with the old school small blocks an big blocks it’s getting harder an harder to find parts an get parts part stores aren’t stocking the parts anymore most of the junk yards done crushed an mulched up all these older vehicles iv got a project truck myself a 97 c3500 an iv been waiting two years for back order parts it’s not that ls swaps are for quitters it’s that if you need something for them while on the road you can pull into any auto parts on any corner an get something right off the shelf in stock an not worry about if or when they can get the parts plus they run an last so much better than the older stuff
We don't really have any trouble finding the older stuff here, but I see what your saying. Thanks for watching.
Боже мой, я думал из моих глаз кровь пойдёт пока я смотрел этот цирк
Wow! Don't think we ever made anybody's eyes bleed before. Thanks for watching!
👍👍👍👍👍👍🤟👋
Way too much thought & measurements in that process.... bolt springs to axle square up, centre in frame & wheel opening build brackets to fit, done!
Thanks for watching. I think we're ok.
No disrespect but the camera person needs to figure out how not to make so much noise while filming because it’s very annoying hearing whatever bad handling of the camera that is making such bad repetitive noises!
Yeah! Thanks for watching.
This is probably one of the worst videos I’ve ever seen.
Oh no, you should watch some of our other videos. They are way worse than this one. But thanks for watching!
No way, that’s why I don’t even even watch my own videos!!!! Lmao