1987 Dodge Grand Caravan
"The OffRoad Minivan Project"
Well, lack of funds keeps the project on hold, since real life settled in and made sure my pet projects are on back burners...
Why? Why an off road Minivan? 'Cause I'm a lunatic, and I own the van and the irony amuses me (with a tongue in cheek nod at Relentless pilot, Gary Donovan...).
But Rog, why not just buy an SUV? Cause I don't want to have more car payments thats the first reason, and the van is quite capable...
Why not just get a truck? Been over this before...I can carry as much stuff as a minitruck, and then put the seats back in and haul seven people...try that in a minitruck..
I've considered a lot of things, like custom fabricated front suspension parts. Again, that real life thing kicks in... Money just isn't available for this to happen. So, how am I going to go about this? Have some progressive rate springs made for me with an extra 2 inches for lift? Then some really stout strut cartridges? Box the lower control arms and reinforce other front end parts too? The rear is easy, add an extra leaf spring or two, Rancho shocks, and maybe lift blocks. Really simple. And SUV rubber on 15 inch alloy wheels.
As a friend of mine keeps saying, "Don't Mess With The Minivan!!!!"
On the right, don't I just look so happy?
And no, the van didn't bottom out. Of course, the dirt bike guys watching thought I was nuts...
Roger's OffRoad Minivan Video
Its so much fun being crazy...
I drive a minivan. Deal with it.
The 4Runner crowd with rear coil springs use an aluminum spacer at the top of the spring for extra lift. I'm looking into that too... I can't get too much lift in the front before I start smacking the half shaft into the lower control arm... Damn...
But, I've another plan...one that MIGHT allow larger tires too...
- Dempsey B. writes "You *are* nuts and you need help... but I admire you for not letting reality get in the way of you having a good time...
- Tom P. writes "And the video of the Caravan climbing over the rut/hill is seriously impressive...Now, I have to go back and have another look at the video..."
- Drew B. writes "Wow, you certainly know how to have fun...from the photos, that 119" wheelbase of your Grand van looks REALLY long."
- Harv H. writes "It is awesome, you have M4d Cl3ArA/\/C3 dude.:-P" (Since I don't speak "Rice", I needed to have Harv clarify...means Mad Clearance, which I guess I am too high for the Rice Boys...okay...
it started as, but now I'm somewhat more than serious...
Yes, this is different. But think about this, there are lots of places a 2WD vehicle can go IF you drive responsibly and intelligently. I have no intention of using my van as a serious rock crawler or Desert Pre-Runner type of vehicle. But, I am enjoying the places I CAN go, and wish for some extra clearance and better rubber. If you are the kind of driver that considers offroad driving to be parking in a dirt lot, forget this page. If you are a serious hardcore off roader, you can stop laughing at me, I'm not a threat... To all the SUV owners that had to have 4WD and never leave the street, look what you are missing. And if you are just a little too far in the shade to be sane, like me, enjoy...isn't it fun?
The rest of you are probably missing the point... I'm poking fun at those who buy offroad capable machines, and never use them that way...
I am looking into a front strut modification that will get the lift I want without sacrificing ride and comfort. Then I just need lift blocks for the rear, decent shocks and strut cartridges.
The more I take my van offroad, the more fun I have. Now mind you, I am aware that I could damage the van severely. I think that this just adds to the fun. Yeah, i'm weird... But, I'm having all the fun allowed without medication...
I've recently been visiting dry lakebeds. I'm planning video and pics soon, so be patient... But I must say that this is much more fun than you can imagine.
All I'd really need to add for you is that you need to be aware of others that MIGHT be around you before taking off on one of these little adventures. And also, be careful and mindfull of restrictions in your area regarding off pavement vehicle usage. If a permit is needed, get one. Respect other's property. Don't throw dirt off your tires at those that offend you, just drive on past them, and laugh, they just don't get it. And, offer help for others that may be in a bind. Nothing worse than being in a bind, and nobody helps... Trust me on this one. Of course, I've pulled two AWD Honda CR-Vs out of tough spots with the van... bet they didn't tell their friends THAT!!!!
