I'm not going to make a big deal or post a link to my F/S ad.
Just wanted to stop in and say it's time to step out of a van and into something else... I'm thinking an 98 or 99 XJ (Jeep)

Yeah a bunch smaller but not too small, and with it being 4WD stock I won't have to spend an ungodly amount to convert the E350. Thus saving me money

I hope to sell my van quickly so I can get into the XJ soon and then do some Jeep stuff...

Thanks for all the fun here,
Rob.

Of course if you PM me I'd show you the link to my F/S

 

Awww just post your link here----I don't think its against the rules---too much anyway?

After all you've been through with your van sorry to see you leave our ranks but its understandable----comes a time we all want to simplify things.

 

Sorry to see you go Rob. Keep in touch with us!

 

Not just 'The end of an era' of E350 van ownership, but 'The end of an era' of Ford Truck Enthusiasm?

Quite a jump from a 7 YO FORD ladder frame, V10, heavy hauling, extended van, to a 13+ YO Chrysler unibody, 4.0L, compact, SUV.

While you didn't "have to spend an ungodly amount to convert the E350" in the long run, you could end up saving so much money on fuel alone it might pay for "an 98 or 99 XJ (Jeep)".

 

Good luck to you, Bbasso. One thing I will say is that I have had big vans since 1986 and every time it comes for a new vehicle in that spot, I have even considered a minivan. A big van has 250 cubic feet of cargo space.

My daily driver is an '09 Subaru Forester, which has, very much like the XJ, about 70 cubic feet of cargo space. It does NOT work for carrying 4 bikes, 4x8 sheets of stuff, a full size couch, etc. An XJ is still somewhere on my list of 10 cars I'd own if I had a pole barn and became Jay Leno Jr.... It is an off road icon and proved that a unibody could work off road, in part because it was so small. But it is really about the size of an Escort station wagon with way more ground clearance and toughness. And I actually had an AMC 232 six in a 1970 Gremlin, the grandfather of the 4.0. I love inline sixes for trucks especially (they do work well in BMW's too.)

There is no SUV, even a Suburban or Expedition, that can carry close to what a big van can. When I eventually scale down from my E150 (this is the last big van) it will probably be to a minivan. Got a ride in a new Honda Odyssey recently and man was it nice. Dang it, why can't the Americans build such a nice minivan? Might consider a Transit Connect but would sure wish they'd build them here. Suspect I will like the big Transit but not the price.

But if you need a big van, you need a big van. If you don't, I sure would not tell you to keep driving one. Not a fun vehicle unless you need to carry a lot of fun (bikes, music gear, Boy Scouts, etc) with you.

Take care,
George

 

BBasso, I think you will like having an XJ of that era. Very simple machines, easy to work on, predictable. I have two right now, one is the maximum off road and one stock which of of my boys drives. They just run and run. I have had numerous others over the years and recommend them as cheap, dependable transportation whenever the topic comes up.

See you over on Jeep Forum.

 

Actually it is.

I feel the pain Rob, I sold my truck over a year ago and have been itching to get another one. Hope you hold out longer than I; been considering a V10 Excursion for awhile now.

 

Sorry about breaking the rules... I was pushed hahaha

Actually I'm excited to get into a XJ Jeep. I love exploring and seeing new things and places. Hopefully getting the XJ will allow me to travel out to Colorado shortly and live like Grizzly Adams for at least this summer.

I'd be happy to hear any advice on the XJ, send me a link or post it here. Thanks!!!

 

You will love an XJ. Those things go through a lot.

 

mea culpa here---'twas at my insistence fer shure!

Apologies good sir---I'm still a newbie here!

Occasionally I'll re-evaluate my own work/cargo hauling needs, thinking I could downsize to gain a bit better gas mileage, and that's tempting trust me. When I realize I've NEVER been without a tool or supply to complete a job, all because its somewhere inside my E250 those thoughts fade away fast.

My beater car is great for its use but I'm in my van every opportunity----have put too much time into making it comfortable so why not?

 

It was driven away yesterday... No tears were shed.

But the search is on!
If anyone comes across a 1998-9 Jeep Cherokee Limited or Classic in dark green with leather PLEASE let me know asap!

 

Well so the era ends then----not even a wimper huh?

Hopefully you keep reading the van forums and maybe update this tread from time-to-time.

Just curious if you've shopped around on eBay yet? I've bought my last three vans through the site---it has a lot of upsides. Oddly enough two of those three were somewhat local but chances are without eBay I might never have found them.

Take care BB in case we don't see ya for a while!

 

I still love vans and what you guys do to them... I'll be around!

Ebay has 38 listings for the Cherokee I want and none are what I want lol

Of course I'll get pictures of what I buy next and post a few

 

What? There's no rules on Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum against posting a few pictures of Chrysler Cherokee?

Could be looking at eBay listings for Ford Escape?

 

Talked with your van today. He said to give you this message:

Lou Rawls "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" - YouTube