Among the vehicle classes I’m sad to see has disappeared from the landscape, the aftermarket 4WD conversions to vans and trucks – done with the full support of the factory – is one of the bigger losses for enthusiasts. The close relationship between major OEMs and aftermarket companies may still exist in some form today, but not like it did in the 70s and 80s. One of the best examples of this is the Vancharger made by Pathfinder Equipment Co., which took a standard B300 chassis Dodge van and upgraded it with a variety of heavy-duty 4WD components. This 1977 example is a project, but one with awesome period colors and graphics.
The Vancharger is a hard vehicle to come by, despite the fact that the factory offered financing and a warranty to encourage shoppers to step up to the adventure-ready machine. I can’t speak to the perception of the rig when new, but today, they are sought after not only for the rarity of the conversion but because of how popular overloading has become. If an aftermarket company today built a reasonably affordable 4WD van conversion, I’m sure they’d make money hand over fist. Unfortunately, most anything in this segment these days is a six-figure Sprinter job, and not much else. The body on this Dodge looks reasonably solid, and the period orange decal strip looks terrific against the yellow paint.
Mechanically, the Pathfinder trucks were equipped with a NP203 case, Dana 60 rear / Dana 44 front axles, and a 727 automatic transmission. The Dodge B300 was a popular choice for having larger brakes and full floating rear axles, along with optional 4.11:1 gears. Another company called Quigley also performed 4WD upgrades, but the Pathfinder conversions were far produced in much more limited quantities and thus harder to find these days. The photo of the instruction plate for engaging low range confirms the origins of this upgraded Dodge B-Series.
As it relates to this truck, the seller reports that it was sitting in a yard in Idaho for many years before being rescued and brought back to running condition. Notice I said “running” and not driving, as it will require some additional sorting out to be a runner, including repairing or rebuilding the automatic transmission to once again have reverse. The seller also notes that there is some rust despite my earlier assumption that the body was tidy, but it seems manageable. The truck comes with lots of period accessories and seems like a great winter project. Find it here on craigslist and thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find.
This looks like something Chuck Norris would’ve been seen in.
This also looks like something I could flip in about 15 minutes of off-road glory.
Saw this parked while in Crouch/Garden Valley 2 weeks ago & made a comment to my wife, looks like Scooby Doo may be in town. I do miss that era of custom vans back in the 70’s/80s.
Had my own new ’86 E150 I put an extended top w/ two upper windows in front, so my 5’9″ can walk inside & not hit the roof. Front & rear quarter of roof panels stay for support as well as storage/speakers in rear & full sound electronics,equalizers, amps, CB all above within reach while driving. Added a boneyard pair of new ’86 IROC Camaro Recaro’s refitted welded mounts from basic van seat as well as other custom touches.
One of the best most reliable 5.0’s ever made! Do miss these styles compared to new. Saw quite a few back in the day while in CT as well as ‘Jims’ Vantastics in Bpt. that customized so many like this here.
I’ve had Three Van’s 2 I did myself. First one ( A 72 Ford 1 ton ) was all Mahogany inside with the bed built in to look like you were getting into a Cave, 2 Captains chairs. The Second ( a 79 Dodge 3/4 ton ) was all carpet and 4 seets with a bed in the back ( Nothing fancy ) the third was my Baby ( A 94 GMC 3/4 Ton with the Vortec V6 ) was paneling and wood, 4 captains chairs, over head Console and Visor, A 12 inch AC/DC color TV with built in VHS, A electric. Couch in the back that laid down into a bed at the touch of a button in the overhead, Custom Emerald Green Paint with a Mural of 2 motorcycles in the desert. Love this one but some interior pictures ( To see what needs to be done ) and a Price would be a start on the cost to restore it back to its glory days !
“Overloading”haha i spit my ice tea out when I read that. Nice one! There’s an old Russian couple down the road from me, Dimitri has an E350 its a 84 300l6 set up as a 4×4 hes got it sitting on stands and has all his ham kit in it. He has 2 alternators and uses the truck to power his equipment thru an inverter. I mow his lawn for him as hes like 90. He is an electronic guru.
Frog Man , Could be a nice one to pick up at a estate sale, or threw his kids one day ( Hopefully not to soon ! )