Re: I know that GM made a 4x4 Chevy van in the 1970's. I would like to build one. Should I put the suspension and driveline on the van frame, or should I use the pickup frame under the van? I know nothing about vans. Does anyone have any suggestions please? Thanks.

In Response To: I know that GM made a 4x4 Chevy van in the 1970's. I would like to build one. Should I put the suspension and driveline on the van frame, or should I use the pickup frame under the van? I know nothing about vans. Does anyone have any suggestions please? Thanks. *NM* ()

I'm considering the same conversion, I've come to the conclusion that I'm using the driveline from a busted up GMC Jimmy and using the Van frame. I haven't gotten any further along with it other than in my head, so with out looking at the kits themselves, I can imagine things like the spring hangers from the Jimmy will have to be moved to the van, plus the vans chassis might need things like the spring pockets removed and you will need the crossmember from the Jimmy to mount the transfer case. Either way, some kit bashing of the two kits would most likely be the same way the conversion companies did it. Plus you keep your GM vehicle all GM...or in this case your AMT vehicle all AMT. : )

Rich is right, there were no factory 4x4 vans, but plenty of pricey conversions.

Messages In This Thread

I know that GM made a 4x4 Chevy van in the 1970's. I would like to build one. Should I put the suspension and driveline on the van frame, or should I use the pickup frame under the van? I know nothing about vans. Does anyone have any suggestions please? Thanks. *NM*
- GM didn't have a Factory Built 4x4 van in the 70s but companies such as Quigley did 4x4 conversions. *NM*
  - OK, thanks for letting me know. I still need to know the best way to build one though. *NM*
  - Most of the aftermarket GM 4x4 van conversions.in the '70s and'80s were done by a company called Pathfinder *PIC*
- Re: I know that GM made a 4x4 Chevy van in the 1970's. I would like to build one. Should I put the suspension and driveline on the van frame, or should I use the pickup frame under the van? I know nothing about vans. Does anyone have any suggestions please? Thanks.
- One other thing about that van kit......
- Monogram did that off road Chevy van (desert rat?) in late 70s/early 80’s , maybe could find one of those to use or look at for how it’s configured? *NM*
  - I'd love to find a nice, unbuilt kit of that, that I can afford. The prices for those are too high for me. *NM*
    - FYI Scott. I just watched a build video on the Revell Van and the box says 1/25 scale. The AMT kit might be easier to find, but if you're looking for the "Groovy" interior parts, not so much. *NM*
- I think the most fun episodes of Pole Barn Garage on YouTube... *NM* *LINK* *PIC*
  - I really like Pole Barn Garage. Been watching Dalton for a long time. *NM*
  - It's cool you like it, but they lost me with the cinder blocks under the jack stands with the full weight of the van on them...
- I met the Quigley reps at a few of our GM Fleet shows