Van conversion from 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive can be done to almost any van. Kits are available for all makes and models and are highly recommended for safety and ease of installation. It is complicated, but if you follow a few basic steps, you can change the differential, install new spring lifters, suspension and all the necessary parts to complete the job by yourself. Just take it a step at a time and you can be driving a custom built 4-wheel drive van in one weekend.
Jack up the van so that the axle is at shoulder height. Remove the spring hangars from the kit. Slide them onto the frame just behind the bumper. They can only fit on one way. Drill and install them using bolts and nuts provided in the kit.
Remove the old suspension. Start by removing all brake lines, ABS lines and the shocks from both sides. Remove all of the steering linkages and the radius arm bracket bolts. Place a jack under the suspension and lower it down and out in one piece.
Cut out the front cross-member with an acetylene torch. Bolt the new springs to the spring hangars in front. Install the spring shackles that came with the kit where the old springs came off. Bolt the back of the springs to the spring shackles.
Place the new differential and axle under the van. Lower the van down onto the axle. Install the U-bolts over the frame. Connect them to the axle and tighten them.
Hook up all hoses, brake lines, steering linkages and any other parts that were removed. Lift the vehicle back up. Install tires.
