Quigley Motors Now Offers Ford Transit 4x4
There aren't many companies old enough nowadays to have four generations working in the family business, but that's the case at Quigley Motor Co., a 4x4 full-size van-conversion installer.
Founded almost 50 years ago as a car dealership, Quigley has been converting full-size vans to four-wheel drive for commercial-fleet and personal-use buyers since 1974. However, where GM and Ford vans (and now Nissan NV vans) have dominated Quigley's sales (they're fully approved and certified by each manufacturer), things are beginning to change as two major players have replaced their old-school truck-framed variants with all-new Euro-styled full-size vans in the form of the Ram ProMaster (front-wheel drive) and Ford Transit (rear-wheel drive).
We recently met up with the folks at Quigley Motors on the off-road trails outside Moab, Utah, to see how its latest creation — a prototype 4x4 Ford Transit van — performed on the rugged and majestic trails through the Utah backcountry.
The Quigley kit starts with what basically amounts to a Ford F-150 front independent suspension underneath the cab of the van. Thankfully, the rear-wheel-drive Transit allows for a less complicated conversion when compared with front-drive vans like the Ram ProMaster. Front-wheel-drive conversion to 4x4 is time and cost intensive. This new Transit conversion from Quigley is intended to service fleet buyers in the oil industry, delivery services, emergency healthcare (ambulances), government agencies and recreational vehicle production.
What's Inside
Our Transit van had about 4 extra inches of lift, a heavy-duty New Process two-speed transfer case (with a 2.63:1 low range), and a new front-drive axle with short and long A-arms with a coilover suspension.
Our test vehicle was "appropriately" painted with all the necessary Ford logos. More importantly, with only minor front-end and fender-well trimming required, Quigley was able to fit aggressively treaded 4x4-appropriate 235/85R16 BF Goodrich All-Terrain off-road tires. These tires turned out to be incredibly important since we climbed and descended some nasty, steep rock climbs on the Utah slickrock as well as deep sand-roughened dirt roads.
If you've never been on desert slickrock, you need to know the name is one of those words that mean the exact opposite of what you think it means. Eons of rain and wind has created a sandpaperlike quality on every surface, so you get incredible (almost unbelievable) traction with rubber-soled shoes and tires. Wherever we entered a trail — all of which have odd-sounding names like Fins and Things, Hell's Revenge and Poison Spider — our 4x4 Transit had unbelievable traction.
Trouble Spots
The only issue for us were the occasional transitions from the sandy two-track river washes to the rock surfaces, where much of the grip was worn down by the many hundreds of tires (maybe thousands) from Jeeps, Toyota Land Cruisers, Ford Broncos and Mercedes-Benz Unimogs that came before us. These transition points were also where we fully understood why not many (any) vehicles on the trail had superchargers or turbochargers on their engines. It is certainly was not an advantage to have a pair of turbos with the transfer case set in low range. In fact, with the 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost ready to ramp up the rpms with just the slightest tap of the throttle, we found ourselves spinning tires like crazy in some precarious situations to get the traction we so desperately were hunting for.
After a while, though, we did get the hang of knowing when and where the turbos would kick in and when to get off the throttle to prevent over-revving. Naturally, we know this isn't the best combination for rock crawling: large van, low-range gearing, twin turbos and fully inflated tall and thin tires. We also know, if we had the more predictable and moderately powered 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V-6, or even the 3.2-liter low-end-biased turbo-diesel, we probably would have had a much less "exciting" (and more predictable) experience.
For the folks at Quigley Motors, the trip to Moab was more of a proof-of-concept run, trying to see how well the new conversion could handle even the most extreme environments. If the setup survived and could handle these types of crazy conditions, surely it would be able to deal with some bad weather on a remote delivery route, a rutted and washed-out construction lot, or getting the family to that winter mountain cabin. During this trail run we were accompanied by Quigley conversions of Ford E-Class vans, a Nissan NV2500 and a few GM vans, and all the drivers were satisfied with their performance.
Conversion Pricing
To its credit, Quigley is pricing the Transit 4x4 conversion similarly to the previous Ford and GM full-size van conversions, even though some aspects of the new conversion were more complicated. That means the price for the parts and installation on a new Transit conversion are just less than $12,000. Worth noting is that Quigley has top-level status with Ford, so you can order the setup right from the dealership and roll the entire cost into your monthly payment if you decide to finance.
As you might expect, there will be some additional upkeep costs with the extra parts and front-end pieces, which need service at regular intervals.
For more information about Quigley Motors and its full-size van conversion kits for the Nissan NV, Ford E-Class or Chevrolet/GMC 2500/3500 cargo vans, click here.
Cars.com photos by Mark Williams
Comments
I actually like the old school transfer. Having manual locking hubs would be neat too. Though most customers would not think so.
@CreigMac
I, too, like the transfer stick and setup. The European "4x4" version of the Transit is probably AWD.
The ProMaster conversion was a PITA, I bet. Same would be for smaller vans like the Ford Transit Connect, Nissan NV200/Chevrolet City Express, Ram Promaster City.
It actually has a purpose in the northeast. The twin turbo gas motor is perfect for the heavy hauling and steep hills. Better than diesel for the fact that it doesnt regen, need highway driving for it to work efficiently. perfect for city use. i am interested in knowing more about price and chassis length options. I always ponder using a van for equipment and being able to tow a 12ft dump trailer behind. really interesting concept for me.
I wonder if they could put a 4x4 kit on my Mustang. It'd be nice.
That picture sure looks like a lower arm- strut combination- just like both RWD and FWD Transits have. Reading the parts list for their other conversions is pretty slick- tells you everything they used.
I expect these will have:
T-case from the F150 (since they share the transmission)
Front axle/differential to go with it
Lower control arms, knuckles, struts from a FWD Transit
Custom half shafts.
The FWD promaster actually converts pretty well- a French co called Dangel does it. They add a PTO box to the trans and replace the rear with a DeDion axle. No low range, but it works well.
perimLooking at the vehicle and it's "fun" qualities off roading I do think it's a waste having an EcoBoost turning the wheels.
Most of these vehicles will either be for work or camping. This is where a diesel will excel. This negates the need for HP over torque and FE.
Off roading a diesel provides better bottom end grunt with double the FE.
I really don't see someone in this vehicle honing about off road.
I do like the 4x4 conversion.
A big question for me is... how did it feel on pavement? We are seeing a lot of praise for 2wd Transit handling on the highway. Does the 4x4 conversion ruin the Transit's great highway performance?
"It is certainly was not an advantage to have a pair of turbos with the transfer case set in low range. In fact, with the 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost ready to ramp up the rpms with just the slightest tap of the throttle, we found ourselves spinning tires like crazy in some precarious situations to get the traction we so desperately were hunting for."
That's exactly what I said when we were arguing, that naturally aspirated engines has better linear feeling and control than gasoline turbo.
Sports cars - No Turbo.
Offroading - No Gasoline Turbo.
Efficiency - No Gasoline Turbo.
Straight line power braking racing - Gasoline Turbo.
I am glad they have the Ecoboost in this thing with all the low end grunt it has. I have personally taken an Ecoboost on some of those places in Moab and had more than plenty of power to move a big F150 up those inclines without even having to rev past 2,000 rpm. I barely used any fuel either.
I am also glad they didn't used that underpowered 3.2L diesel in that thing. With today's emissions systems, it would have that DPF clogged in no time with all the idling and slow going. Not to mention it has way less torque than the Ecoboost.
"I have personally taken an Ecoboost on some of those places in Moab and had more than plenty of power "
Posted by: Karl | Apr 24, 2015 4:31:13 PM
I wouldn't call parking lot a Moab.
@Cikula
A parking lot? Who said anything about a parking lot? The Gemini bridge trail and the Klondike trail in Moab are not parking lots. When was the last time you were in Moab to call them parking lots? I am guessing never.
" It is certainly was not an advantage to have a pair of turbos with the transfer case set in low range. In fact, with the 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost ready to ramp up the rpms with just the slightest tap of the throttle, we found ourselves spinning tires like crazy in some precarious situations to get the traction we so desperately were hunting for."
That is when you take it out of 4 LO and put it in 4 HI. If the engine has enough power to get you over or through the obstacle in 4 HI then you do not need 4 LO. The Ecoboost has too much low end torque need to be in 4 LO as you found out by wheels easily able to break traction with the slightest of throttle input. Also, airing down your tires would have made a big impact as well.
@Tacker
Are you implying, that Mark Williams doesn't know what he is doing?
@Karl
I was talking about where you were driving your ecoboost with plenty of power.
@Cikula
I wasn't driving my truck through parking lots off road. I was driving it on off road trails like the ones in the pictures above. Where are you getting these parking lots from? I did not even say anything about a parking lot so where you are getting these non existent parking lots is beyond me. If you think you know so much about my Moab trip, then when did I go?
@Karl
Nobody drives gasoline turbos rock crawling offroad.
I trust Mark Williams more than you.
@Cikula
I really don't care if you trust me or not. I just don't know where you are getting parking lots from.
As far as no one off roads with turbos.
https://youtu.be/gTNxmTkOOxs
https://youtu.be/qZ_7QzvNpTg
https://youtu.be/NPiISi2ZJ38
https://youtu.be/SmRxB7a7htI
This is the most information published on this kit to date! Looking forward to ordering one of these low roof family haulers. Hurry up already and bring them to market in Canada as I will buy.
Hurry up already and bring them to market in Canada as I will buy.
Posted by: Want to buy a quigley Transit in Canada | Apr 24, 2015 9:45:38 PM
You are moron. You can import it directly from US right now.
Nobody is gonna start business just for one piece.
Quite a few Companies do 4 x 4 Conversions Australia. A Company called Bus 4x4, does the previous Transuit, plus much heavier vehicles
http://www.bus4x4.com.au
A Tool Van Transit 4x4 Off Road
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c-NCG-eo3Ps&t=70
Just wondering what dash warp has to do with this story??? Just the same old fool at it again.
@Karl
I watched just first video and it proved my point.
Hurry up already and bring them to market in Canada as I will buy.
Posted by: Want to buy a quigley Transit in Canada | Apr 24, 2015 9:45:38 PM
You are moron. You can import it directly from US right now.
Nobody is gonna start business just for one piece.
Posted by: Cikula | Apr 25, 2015 12:52:54 AM
I've spoken to them and you can not import directly from them in USA. There is an upfitter in CAN that installs quigley's "kit" . Get the facts before you open your mouth and look like a moron.
@Tips
You can still import it from US no problem. The thing is, that they might not sell it to you, but you have to buy it with middle US guy make conversion and import it then.
That's what I said before in short version.
But you never imported anything from US before, so let's keep it this way.
@Tips
Aperantly this cikula guy likes to post false statements like telling people they off road in a parking lot or calling people morons saying they can import stuff when they can't. It makes him look like what he calls other people.
It's not my fault, you don't know how to import it from US.
Wait, you don't have to. You are in US already.
Hi Guys,
Calling each other Morons really isn't nice ... lol
ok, about the import. I am looking to get one and currently investigating this. You can import a Quigley no problem if you find one. The problem with this is that you likely won't be able to import a new one from a Dealer (Ford most likely) because Ford will be reluctant to service it in Canada.
What you can do, is but one here in Canada ( GM, Ford or Nissan) and have the parts installed by an outfit approved by Quigley. All warranties will be valid. Does that help you guys ... now, I think I'm gonna wait for that Transit, in Black ...
Been waiting 3 months for a 4x4 Sprinter, and have about 3 more months for delivery. The Transit looks interesting. Anyone know how and where the Quigley 4x4 gets installed? Does one need to go to Harrisburg, Pa? Are these 2015 Transits available now? How long to order one? Feel I'll be on Social security before I can get a 4x4 van in America.
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dated monday,.november,.3o,...th..2o15...time 121o pm.
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