Like jayro88 was saying it depends on what you use the van for. If it's just a driver then the E150 should be more then enough. If you haul heavy loads or tow then go with the E350. The E150 can handle towing but the E350 has much better brakes and axles.

And 4.10 gears should not be a problem in a van with an OD transmission. It would make the 4.6L feel more like a 5.4L!

For me I do a lot of heavy hauling and towing so a E350 is the only choice.

 

Wow. Bet you get honked at a LOT!

 

Smart Alecy spell checkers!

Left blinker on all the time too---after all I am 63 y/o!



(Was gonna edit that---will leave it for the humor I think.........)

 

Late to the thread, but I think Ford revised the heads on both the 4.6 and 5.4 circa 2005 to add a couple more threads for the spark plugs.

I've got a 2002 E150, the old 5 lug version, and prefer the automotive type tires which give a slightly better ride than the LT tires on the bigger vans. In your case, the E150 you are looking at is a bigger van--really an E250--so both vans are plenty tough for most uses so long as you're not towing heavy (where the 5.4 would do better than the 4.6).

My average mileage for 123k miles is 16.01 with the 4.6 and a 3.55 rear axle. You would probably do a bit worse with the stiffer gearing (which makes sense given the 8600 lb GVW) and additional weight. I can hit 17-18.5 mpg on the road, and as low as 13-14 in the city with winter gas.

Good luck with your choice,
George

 

Well I ended up with an 07 E350 with windows and seats (12 passenger). New tires and battery. Everything works. Brakes are good. Shifts fine. It has 57K on it. Bringing it home today. it is the 5.4 with 3.73 rear.
Thanks for all the helpful advice.

 

Not gonna lie. Kind of glad you chose the e350. For me, the extra space and towing ability sell it for me........even if you are not going to use it now it leaves room to grow.

Oh, pics are a must!!!! Post'em up!!

 

Yep, yep and double yep on all this!

Photos are a must BTW!

 

Congrats, jayro. The 4.6 might be a bit weak kneed in a 2007 or later E150 so it sounds like you did fine. The distinction between the 150, 250, and 350 is not nearly as extreme after the E150 got the 8 lug wheels and the 8600 lb GVW.

For my use, I have done really well with my '02 E150 (4.6/3.55 gears), but I don't carry heavy or tow with it. My van is a light duty van for sure, but it's still a truck, and the gas mileage is worth a lot for my purposes.

Happy New Year and may you have many safe and healthy miles with your new van.

Happy New Year to everyone on the forum, actually. I hope it's a good year for you, your friends, and your families.

Regards,
George

 

Wow!! I got a new van and didn't even know it.

Just messing with you George....trike1946 is the one who got it.

 

Oops...apparently not enough coffee yet...

Congrats to trike1946!

Happy New Year,
George

 

e350 rules all else.

 

So...I wonder why all the Van-Gurus, with thousands of posts, dont have a signature line with their vehicles and locations listed?

(van gurus know who they are)...

 

Mostly because I didn't take the time to find where in the profile the sig line goes. Let's see if it works. Although I ain't anybody's guru....

George

 

This question came out of nowhere…

 

I think the question came from Tx2's computer, actually...