New Quigley Full-Size, 4WD Vans Feature Smoother Ride, Crisper Handling

MANCHESTER, Pa., March 6 -- Boasting improved road manners and customer features, especially during normal on-road driving, the Quigley Motor Company has introduced the Quigley TrailMaker, its next generation of 4x4 full-sized vans.

The new Quigley TrailMaker integrates an independent front suspension (IFS) with its rugged and proven four-wheel-drive (4WD) system to provide go-anywhere capability of an off-road vehicle for customers who want the room and convenience of a full-size van.

Quigley has been building full-size, 4WD vans here since 1966.

``Our customers have loved the capabilities of the original Quigley vans, but wanted improvements which would allow the van to more easily fit into their daily life,'' explained Quigley President Mike Quigley. ``The new Quigley incorporates many features not possible before, like a lower ride height, improved road manners with better ride and handling characteristics, and a lower center of gravity.

``This all adds up to a much more comfortable and rewarding vehicle to drive.''

The new Quigley is based upon General Motors 2500 or higher series full-size vans (Chevrolet or GMC). The Quigley 4WD system adds approximately 425 pounds to the van and, thanks to component location, slightly lower's the van's center of gravity, and does not increase vehicle height.

``Maintaining the same ride height provides numerous customer benefits, including the ability to fit into garages large SUVs cannot,'' said Quigley. ``In addition, the ride and handling benefits of an independent-front- suspension system (versus a solid-axle one) have long been known. By allowing each of the front wheels to move up and down separately, the ride of the van is infinitely smoother, especially for on-road driving.

``And the lower center of gravity and ride height, when compared to some SUV's, helps in both on- and off-road situations when a taller vehicle might feel less stable.''

Installing the 4WD system is a two-week process once the van goes into production at the Quigley factory. The procedure begins with the technicians at Quigley verifying the mechanical accuracy of the van. Then the original front suspension is removed.

First to get installed is the new Quigley designed sub-frame to which the GM sourced torsion bar suspension components are attached. From there, a Dana front differential is mounted along with a GM transfer case, and the stock steering assembly is reconnected to the new sub-assembly.

The original anti-lock braking system remains in the new 4WD system, with the one change being the substitution of GM 4x4 heavy duty brake rotors. As with the original solid-front-axle Quigley van, manual or automatic locking hubs are available.

When the production process is completed, the transfer case lever on the inside of the van is the only visible modification. The lever sits unobtrusively to the right of the driver's seat.

After completion, the anti-lock brakes are electronically tested and the van is subjected to a five-mile road test including off-road testing of the 4WD system.

Specifically designed around the factory exhaust system, the long-wheel base Quigley TrailMaker meets emissions standards in all 50 states. The shorter wheelbase model meets emission standards in all but California, due to a fuel tank change.

The TrAilMaker's IFS 4WD system is covered by Quigley's three years or 36,000 mile warranty. The balance of the factory warranty remains unchanged.

Available for order through any authorized Chevrolet or GMC dealer, the Quigley IFS 4WD system adds $8595 to the price of the van. The IFS is applicable to the following models:

All 2500 and 3500 series passenger and cargo vans with the 5.7-liter gasoline engine 3500 series Single-Rear-Wheel Cut-Away with 5.7L gasoline engine. Quigley will also continue producing its other 4WD full-size vans with a solid-axle front-suspension system based on products produced by Ford and GM.

The privately held Quigley Motor Company, founded here in 1966, operates from a 60,000-square-foot headquarters/factory with a staff of 45. It sells to customers as diverse as Federal Express and the United States Secret Service. Quigley has sold more than 10,000 vehicles since 1975. Quigley is an approved Ford Motor Company ship-through account and is part of the General Motors shipping and distribution network. Vehicles can be ordered and serviced through any authorized Ford, Chevrolet or GMC dealer.