Turning a 4x4 pickup into a swb van?

[Mark Bolam]

8 hours ago, Agent Green said:

Ive been pondering a solution to a short wheel based 4x4 for use in forestry. The old 90 defenders were good off road, albeit lacking in refinement, and the Jimneys are great off road, but very small for load carrying of tools. 

So it got me thinking that a 4x4 pickup (2 door) could have it's chassis shortened with the rear tub removed, and either a tray back or workshop body installed?

 

Has anyone done such a project? I'd be keen to hear any snags or problems encountered.

 

Why would you need to shorten the chassis?

[Joe Newton]

2 hours ago, Mark Bolam said:

 

Why would you need to shorten the chassis?

For manoeuvrability in tight woodlands I expect, a regular wheelbase pickup wouldn't do too well.

 

Those converted jimnys look ideal for what the op is after, take a look at the link I posted. I'd love one if I could justify it.

[Mark Bolam]

If there are trees in the way you can just cut them down.

 

Idiot.

[monkeybusiness]

20 minutes ago, Fredrick said:

A swb Daihatsu Fourtrak is slightly smaller than a Defender 90, good offroad and can tow 3.5 ton. There's plenty of room in the back after you remove the rear seats or they come as a van version. I'd say its more refined than a defender although still not luxurious by any means.

Not sure you’ll find one of those in a non-rotten state nowadays sadly.