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1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

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Rembrant

1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

Hey Guys,

Not a Bullnose, I know...but the old Vemco V-Drive system is super rare and worthy of a look for all car geeks. Too bad the old thing is rusted out so badly. Two front driveshafts, and two front differentials on a twin I-Beam suspension.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/760622698978505/

1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

Gary Lewis

Re: 1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

Administrator

That’s cool! I’ve read about them but never seen one. Would make a nice project.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Rembrant

Re: 1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

Gary Lewis wrote

That’s cool! I’ve read about them but never seen one. Would make a nice project.

I hope somebody saves it for the drivetrain if nothing else. I don't know much about it, but from what I read it is basically two Dana 30 differentials up front?

Finding parts for the V-Drive would be an issue obviously.

I'd drop a better condition Econoline body on that chassis.

1986F150Six

Re: 1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

Administrator

Neat bit of history, Cory. Thanks!

salans7

Re: 1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

In reply to this post by Rembrant

I've seen a couple pictures of the setup over the years, but not in the same quality as these are. Definitely an interesting concept. Dana 30s is a surprise considering they are generally used in smaller vehicles like Rangers and Jeeps. But maybe it was a space constraint reason.

Rembrant

Re: 1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

In reply to this post by 1986F150Six

1986F150Six wrote

Neat bit of history, Cory. Thanks!

Ya, I don't know much about them myself, but I know they're super rare. I don't even know what years they existed, but most 4x4 conversion vans had solid front axles. They're fairly common with the solid front axles, and I think companies are still converting them that way.

I would imagine that the Vemco system was too expensive, too complicated, and probably became instantly obsolete when Ford came out with the IFS 4x4 in 1980. It is an interesting concept though.

Worthy of a look for any gearhead;).

Rembrant

Re: 1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

In reply to this post by salans7

salans7 wrote

I've seen a couple pictures of the setup over the years, but not in the same quality as these are.

Same here Shaun. This one is pretty rusty obviously, but the fact it is still running and driving is impressive.

I hope somebody saves it, the drivetrain if nothing else.

grumpin

Re: 1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

In reply to this post by Rembrant

Cool! Don’t remember seeing this type of drive.

Dane
1986 F250HD SC XLT Lariat 4x4 460 C6-Sold
1992 Bronco XLT 4x4 351W E4OD
1998 GMC Sierra SLE K1500 350 4L60E
Arizona

Gsmblue

Re: 1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

In reply to this post by Rembrant

So what does actually do?

1985.5 F-150 XL Explorer standard cab 5.0 EFI AOD 4x4
Daily Driver. We call her Eunice the Ute.

1982 Bronco XLT Lariat 351W AOD 4x4
Code name Esperanza, or Espy to her friends. Please see my Project thread for the blow by blow.

1984 F-350 XL Centurion crew cab 460 T19 4x4
"Eylza Dual-little"

Rembrant

Re: 1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

Gsmblue wrote

So what does actually do?

It's just a rare / obscure 4x4 system that was used briefly in the late 70's and early 80's.

Instead of a traditional transfer case, it used a "V-Drive" with two front driveshafts running to each of the front wheels. It was an early version of 4x4 IFS that never made it into the mainstream.

Rembrant

Re: 1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

In reply to this post by Rembrant

Here's a good information page on the Vemco V-Drive system for anybody that's curious enough to read it;).

https://www.blueovaltrucks.com/tech-articles/the_vemco_v-drive_system/

Gsmblue

Re: 1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

Nice! That is very interesting!

Rembrant

Re: 1980 Econoline w/Rare Vemco V-Drive 4x4

Gsmblue wrote

Nice! That is very interesting!

Ya, I thought so too. I believe there was one on BaT a few years ago, and one of the comments was:

"Interesting from an engineering standpoint, but I wouldn’t look at this van for much other than an interesting footnote in AWD designs."

Can't say that I disagree. It's one of things that, just because it's rare doesn't mean that it's valuable LOL.

It would be cool to have one all fixed up for car shows and cruise-ins. It would be a good conversation piece...mildly lifted so you could see the two front diffs.