Pathfinder Quadravan parts and info Options

[4x4vanpartsguy]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to the site and just wanted to say Hi. I own a 1979 Ford E250 Pathfinder Quadravan and use it as my company mascot, Boy Scouting and vacation rig.

I also build and mfg new Pathfinder Quadravan suspension, steering and drive-train parts for 1973-91 Pathfinder built vans. I also help those who want to convert their own vans using F150-350 pick-up parts. If you have any questions about 4x4 vans reguardless of who built it, Pathfinder or otherwise, I will be happy to try and help.

Everyone asks how I got started, so in a nut shell...

Pathfinder started building 4x4 conversion vans in 1973 and closed their doors in 1992. They operated out of Ohio and California. When the new body style came out in 1992, Pathfinder found they would have to redesign the entire van to meet the new changes. The owner decided to stop production and enjoy retirement instead. I worked for another 4x4 converting company for 14 years and I am familiar will all sorts of 4x4 conversions.

After many dozens of bounced paychecks and struggling with paying my house payment or feeding my family, I had no choice but to move on. I started a new career and then contacted the owner of Pathfinder asking if he would agree to allow me to build parts using the Pathfinder name. He agreed and I have been at it ever since.

So, if you have any questions, fire away

Thanks

Gordon

[Roger]

Gordon,, I don't even own a quadravan,, but I'm still darn glad that you decided to join us here. I look forward to you sharing your knowledge on these vans.

Welcome aboard!.

[n2ri]

Gordon,

Hi! my name is Mitch I talked to you by phone a few years back. I now Own a 1974 long wb and a 1973 shorty both Quadravans.
I am still waiting to find a print of the manuals and brochure for the mid Ford Quadravans. any way to get one from the original owner?
also I just bought a Quadravan buckle (see other post here) did they only give employees those? and I just found on the Yahoo 4x4 van site that the manufacturer label (like only the 1974 and newer seem to have) are required to sell across the border. is there any records or labels available or emblems? I have an Pickup Van and 4wd mag or 2 with articles on these and there was a kit sold too which should have had instructions. does the owner have any of this we can get reproduced?

Mitch

[claykuch]

Do you have a parts list and or instructions of what is needed to convert a 1969-74 Econoline to 4wd as a Pathfinder clone??? What front truck differential will work the best??? Just curious.....

Clayton

[4x4vanpartsguy]

I'm still trying to figure out how this stuff works...

I started to build a catalog for the 73-74 Quadravans, but soon discovered that many of the custom parts built for the vans of those years are listed by part number only without drawings or blueprints. The part numbers are from a company that went out of biz decades ago.

The early Quadravans used parts from an early Bronco. Radius arms, axle housing, transfercase and adapters. The pitman arm is from an unknown Caddy and the wheel ends are from a 3/4 drum brake Dodge pickup from the 1960's. Track bars are custom made and use Ford Torino bushings. The tie rod and drag link are custom made.

If you wanted to build a van the Pathfinder style, I would use the same axles and t/c, but install 3/4 chev wheel ends and fit a track bar off of an early Bronco.

I have not installed one of my leaf spring kits on an early Ford van, but I'm game if you want to try.

[n2ri]

Hey Chuck,

I saw a message you sent last week in reply to mine, but it had no content. do you have any answers for my questions?

Not chevy wheels bolt/wheel holes miss match. need 15 inch 8 hole early dodge wheels to clear front and rear brakes. 75-77 Ford 3/4 ton pickups with same Dana big 44 front axle ends have disc brakes and fit right.
leaf spring shackles will not work on the sparse unibody frame front end (heck Pathfinder had to add steel to rear frame when converted).
also replaced coils and shocks with heavy duty and relocated rear shocks for better on/off road travel.
do you know if the Dana 20 T-case is the early bronco with lower gear ratio than the 2:1 (like 2.5:1?)?
I know the track bars design changed twice from 71-74 the 73-74 design was more solid. I have pics of first and last style.
do you know what Torino or part number of bushings?
also what do you know about the caddy pitman? part number or ?
the Dodge drums are same as 65-72 dodge 3/4 ton P-ups 2.5".
I know Pathfinder sold a kit with sketchy instructions, also had a Brochure and manual for 73-74 Fords. can owner provide any archived documents? also they registered in 74 as vehicle modifier and placed stickers in doors to meet international DOT regulations for registration.
are you sure the tie rod is custom?
also what manufacturer made the 45 gal gas tank most had installed?
and who can make the Quadravan emblems for doors?
" transfercase and adapters" what adapters? only cross member and frame rails. they also put a Saginaw power steering kit on them and trans cooler.
I have owned several IHC Scout IIs and I own 2 Mid Ford Quadravans and I have to say Pathfinder done a better job of making the vans handle than Ford or IHC. I really enjoy the ease of driving my Shorty Quadravan and can spin my 13" steering wheel lock to lock parked on pavement with 11x32s with one finger
corners like a sports car with very little (un-noticeable) roll
does anyone have stats on how many Mid Ford Quadravans where originally built? and which years or body styles? maybe their are pics of them from Pathfinder or ?

Mitch

[4x4vanpartsguy]

Hi Guys,

I'm sure everyone thought I died and blew away right after my first post. I have spent most of my time trying to build up my inventory, and get all my ducks in a row in preparation for an impending divorce. Therefore , I have been laying low and spending most of my time in the shop and dejunking my life! The little wife hates all 4x4's, and really hates vans! She also knows the she would go before the van and the 1955 Chev 1/2 4x4 would go.

The last time I was on the forum, we were talking about changing the front drums of a early Quadravan to disc brake. I suggested the 3/4 ton GM wheelends. If you have a full set of Ford wheel ends, by all means use them. The suggestion for using GM parts is that that GM spindle and the Dodge drum brake spindle have a six bolt flange between the spindle and the knuckle. All reports from the people I have helped make this change say the GM parts bolt right up to the Dodge knuckle, so the tie rod and related parts don't have to be changed. Its easier to do and the parts are cheaper. If it make you feel better, Pathfinder installed GM brakes on their 1975-77-1/2 Ford vans, and they worked OK.

Yes, the pilot hole that centers the wheel on the hub is smaller on a GM, but the Ford and Dodge wheels have a bigger pilot and should clear. The rule as I understand it is... 8 lug GM wheels will not fit and Ford or Dodge hub, but Ford and Dodge will fit a GM wheel hub. So far it's worked and I don't mind being corrected if needed. Unless it's coming from my wife.

Gordon

[JDM_GUY]

sorry to hear your troubles... thanks for informative infos.

[claykuch]

You said the 73-74 conversion used a Bronco axle, what years? It must have been lengthened as the van is much wider. The drive train is off set to the passenger side on these vans too. Any more info on that axle?

Clay

[1TuffClub]

Yes, welcome back. Shame to hear about the negative stuff that you've been dealing with.

Can't wait to hear more conversion details on the mid Ford vans.

I to, was wondering about the use of an early Bronco front axle housing, with those vehicles being amongst the most narrow of factory american four wheel drive's ever made. Also, as mentioned, with the extreme drivetrain offset. In a few, I'm expecting to be taking on my own 4wd conversion, so any other discussions about it have huge interest to me.

[n2ri]

Hi Guys,

I'm sure everyone thought I died and blew away right after my first post. I have spent most of my time trying to build up my inventory, and get all my ducks in a row in preparation for an impending divorce. Therefore , I have been laying low and spending most of my time in the shop and dejunking my life! The little wife hates all 4x4's, and really hates vans! She also knows the she would go before the van and the 1955 Chev 1/2 4x4 would go.

The last time I was on the forum, we were talking about changing the front drums of a early Quadravan to disc brake. I suggested the 3/4 ton GM wheelends. If you have a full set of Ford wheel ends, by all means use them. The suggestion for using GM parts is that that GM spindle and the Dodge drum brake spindle have a six bolt flange between the spindle and the knuckle. All reports from the people I have helped make this change say the GM parts bolt right up to the Dodge knuckle, so the tie rod and related parts don't have to be changed. Its easier to do and the parts are cheaper. If it make you feel better, Pathfinder installed GM brakes on their 1975-77-1/2 Ford vans, and they worked OK.

Yes, the pilot hole that centers the wheel on the hub is smaller on a GM, but the Ford and Dodge wheels have a bigger pilot and should clear. The rule as I understand it is... 8 lug GM wheels will not fit and Ford or Dodge hub, but Ford and Dodge will fit a GM wheel hub. So far it's worked and I don't mind being corrected if needed. Unless it's coming from my wife.

Gordon

OK since I can not find an 76-77 Ford with it (at least for sale), then what years did GM use the HD44 disc axles?
and what is the Caddy Pittman arm number?

Mitch

[1TuffClub]

When I did a ton of searching on various topics, upon first joining, I'm pretty sure I saw the actual part number of the Cad Pittman Arm. I know I've seen it recently, and I'm thinking it had to be in here.

[4x4vanpartsguy]

The Caddy pitman arm number is 5693293


Wheel ends with internal splined locking hubs would come from a 78-79 3/4 GM 4x4 truck. If you want the "big hub" style like your van has now, look for 75-77 wheel ends. It is possible that 1980 and up ends would work as well, I just haven't tried them before. Dana knuckles are good because they have flat tops where you can install a steering arm with cross steering leaf spring setups.

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