Here is some general / historical info on the Van Charger: FYI
The Van Charger was a factory approved 4x4 Conversion done by Pathfinder Equipment Co. It was available only on the B300 Chassis. You had a choice of GVW ratings: 6400 lbs, 7000 lbs, 7700 lbs, and 8200 lbs.
While you were limited to the 127" wheelbase, you cold order any one of four trim levels: Sportsman, Custom Sportsman, Royal Sportsman, and Sportsman LE.
Other required options included power assisted brakes and steering, the 727 auto transmission and a choice of several V8 engines.
Only the B300's were converted by Pathfinder, because those model vans came with large brakes, and full floating rear axles, assuring greater safety, and were available with 4.11:1 gears.
Selling the Van thru the Dodge dealer network allowed the conversion to be covered by factory warranty and financing.
source: WPC Museum
RAM MAN
10-22-2006, 11:14 AM
only pic I could find with a quick search on the net:
Dodgevanman
10-23-2006, 06:55 AM
Very rare indeed. Not many were built. Quigley did 4x4 conversions on Dodges up until '97 I think. They still do coversions on Ford and GM vans. I'd love to find a 4x4 Dodge one of these days.
VANMAN1
12-24-2006, 11:08 AM
i BOUGHT A1977 DODGE ........WHAT i THOGHT WAS A VANCHARGER .i NEED TO FIND PARTS BUT DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF BUSHINGS TO ASK 4.......CAN ANYBODY HELP?
van-nut
12-24-2006, 12:50 PM
There's an '84 B250 4x4 on Ebay right now. Seller does not say who did conversion. I don't know anything about it.
i BOUGHT A1977 DODGE ........WHAT i THOGHT WAS A VANCHARGER .i NEED TO FIND PARTS BUT DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF BUSHINGS TO ASK 4.......CAN ANYBODY HELP?
Try contacting Quigley directly. They probably didn't do your conversion originally, but may be able to steer you in the right direction.
www.quigley4x4.com
VANMAN1
12-24-2006, 03:57 PM
I'm in high hopes that someone out there can help me find what kind of running gear pathfinder equipment company used so I can replace my bushings on my 1977 dodge vancharger.
Or even how to tell if the conversion was even done by pathfinder.
I would greatly appreciate any info someone might have on this "Dreamvan" of mine.
thx,
VANMAN1
B-300
12-25-2006, 04:33 PM
The company that did the conversion should have put a label in the drivers side door jamb. The bushings are probably standard 4wd truck size. They may be the same size as the rear.
--B-300--
VANMAN1
12-26-2006, 04:52 PM
yes the label is in the door jamb but it is worn/ unreadable
the same size as rear? which rear? I'm pretty uneducated on 4x4 parts.could you please tell me what you mean by standard?
thanx
VANMAN1
B-300
12-26-2006, 08:19 PM
What I meant by standard, is that a dodge truck (W-200 or 300) probably uses the same size bushings for the spring shackles and spring eyes. The shackle bushings on most trucks made during the 70's is 1"dia by 2-1/2" wide. Spring eyes are mostly 1-1/2" dia x 2-1/2" wide.
--B-300--
Dodgevanman
12-27-2006, 04:28 PM
You could always measure what you have and buy universal type bushings from Energy Suspension or someplace like that.
B-300
12-27-2006, 05:20 PM
Mancini racing also has urethane bushings. I used the kit that was for "B body". They fit the shackles, 1"dia. x 2-1/2" wide. The same bushings may fit the spring eyes also.
--B-300--
77Utiline
12-28-2006, 03:31 AM
Out of curiosity where is the t-case selector located on a 4wd van? The reason I ask is it would be interesting to have a 4wd motorhome and location of the t-case shifter was the only thing left puzzling me.
Dodgevanman
12-28-2006, 09:14 AM
They put the selector behind the engine box next to the driver.
