All-wheel-drive panel vans, and with them the 4×4 Sprinter, are firmly in fashion. Why not develop a Sprinter off-road suspension? That’s what the two off-road enthusiasts Miguel and Nico from 4x4proyect thought. The result is an innovative suspension solution for the all-wheel-drive panel van popular with overlanders.
Admittedly, the all-wheel-drive Sprinter can already do quite a lot off-road in standard trim. But there is, as we know, nothing that couldn’t be improved further. The company 4x4proyect from Zaragoza in Spain has been developing suspension components for Jeep, Land Rover, Nissan, Toyota and many other off-roaders for several years. And now a Sprinter off-road suspension for the all-wheel-drive Sprinters of the 907 and 906 series too.
The 4x4proyect product range is split into three. The entry-level Advance, the mid-range Expedition and the Prerunner series for demanding off-roaders and overlanders. On the one hand, proven components such as those from Bilstein or Eibach are used; in part these are extensive in-house developments. For the Sprinter off-road suspension, the Prerunner series is used, an in-house development by 4x4proyect.
The 2.65 Prerunner kit for the all-wheel-drive Sprinter is designed as a complete replacement suspension
The 2.65-inch monotube dampers come with 22 mm and 28 mm hardened piston rods, external reservoirs with high nitrogen capacity and large-sized bearings. This is meant to considerably increase performance on long off-road stretches and extend the service life. The use of so-called ACV valves makes the dampers completely self-adjusting for optimal comfort and stability on the road as well as high performance off-road. For optimal protection, 4x4proyect gives the damper tubes a Cerakote ceramic coating.
The rear strut allows the optional fitting of an additional coilover helper spring. The wide adjustment range then allows fine-tuning of the ride height even under a heavy load. Articulation at the rear axle is considerably increased, and for maximum off-road performance there are optional disconnectable anti-roll bar links for both axles. A TÜV report is in progress; in the meantime, help is available with an individual inspection at the sales and fitting partner Expedition Vans in Coburg.
The kit is designed for lifts of up to two inches, and individual tuning is possible. The dampers are fully rebuildable. All the necessary mounting parts are included and fitting is done at the original mounts.
Incidentally, the suspension is delivered in sturdy, reusable metal boxes. A really cool idea that puts the icing on the cake of this innovative Sprinter off-road suspension.
4x4proyect has tested the Sprinter off-road suspension too under conditions as real as possible
As part of the Back to Baja and Moab Overland Experience events, which recently took place in Baja California and Utah, the Sprinter off-road suspension was put through extensive real-world testing under the toughest conditions and proved itself. For testing, 4x4proyect prefers real conditions, and so, with US partner Evictus, vehicles from various converters such as Storyteller Overland, Winnebago Revel and Van Builders were fitted with the Prerunner suspension and tested mercilessly on the road and off. Visitors and prospective buyers were also allowed to take the wheel themselves, and not, as is often the case, on a closed course with strict rules, but in open terrain and without restrictions. Some of the test vehicles are still part of the rental camper fleet of Warner Vans in Utah today. So prospective buyers there can try the vehicles for themselves. The first tests under real conditions in Europe took place recently at the Horstwalde traffic test facility.
Besides the projects with classic all-wheel-drive vehicles, 4x4proyect has set itself the goal of channelling its many years of off-road experience into the panel-van scene. So, alongside the Sprinter off-road suspension, further suspensions for the VW Crafter, T5, T6, Ford Transit or, e.g., the Fiat Ducato are in development. You’ll find more about 4x4proyect on the company website, Facebook and the Instagram profile. Further information on the suspensions, as well as test drives and advice on site, is available through the German importer Expedition Vans. Participation in the trade shows Abenteuer & Allrad, Adventure North- and Southside is also planned. Further driving events are also planned for 2023.
© Photos: 4x4proyect, Nico Vogel, Cody Updike