I have a mile long list of ToDo's for my van (that I'll never get to). Some vital, others preferable.

1. fix oil leaking filter adapter
2 replace exhaust studs and gaskets
3 I just learned my R motor mount is bad
4. I just learned my RR axle seal is bad (and likely the bearing also)
5 shocks and springs are questionable
6 roof drip rail is rusty
7 reverse beeper is intermittent
8 spark plugs have more than 170,000miles
9. All four tires will need replaced within a few months.
10 license plate light is out
11 cargo area dome light is out
12 headlights SUCK and I'd love an upgrade
13 sound deadening project would be great.

Etc etc etc

Realistically I predict none of those will happen. I predict it will have a major failure (engine,trans, crash) and I will get a newer better van. Then I'll have a towing issue (my 3,500lb enclosed car trailer with 3500lb cargo requires some locomotive type grunt)...

What about you guys?

 

For me, just keeping the van maintained is on the to do list, anything else is gravy. And lately there hasn't been much gravy!

 

I'll play...

- roof drip rail.... just discovered the start of rust on mine. May try to address in the Spring.
- remote start - just because. :-)
- rear backup camera - with the last row seat in, you can't see anything less than five feet off the ground (parked cars, grocery cart corrals, mailboxes, garbage bins, little old ladies walking their dogs, etc. I know... I've almost hit all of them) out of the back window. Getting out of a tight parking lot is a P.I.T.A.
- more 12v outlets - I added several for the back row seats, and they were a hit with the kids on our last trip. Now the wife wants some for her in the passenger seat. :-\
- pop out window conversion in the back - would be nice for planned van camping
- rear step bumper - it's hard to get in the back!
- DRL's - not sure yet if I can just add a DRL module or need to add aftermarket. Still need to investigate.
- ScanGauge display - although complete, the gauges and available information is crude by today's standards.
- window tint on the driver and passenger windows.

If anyone has experience or feedback on any of the items above, your input would be appreciated.

Otherwise the van is in pretty good shape. It only has 70k miles on it, and I did a full inspection and "overhaul" of all potential failure points before a recent extended (6k miles) trip. The van ran flawlessly!

My long term plan is to keep this van 4-5 more years (get the kids off to college) then move on to the Transit with more of a travel camper layout/intent than a passenger van.

Note to Im50fast, I upgraded the halogen bulbs to what are supposed to be the brightest LEGAL (not those obnoxious lights you see on the imports with fart cans) lights available. It made a significant difference. I also think the lights are pointed low from the factory to compensate for sagging rear due to heavy loads. You could probably adjust them to optimize the light throw.

 

wash and wax

 

1) Repair worn carpet behind front seats
2) Replace (25 year old) fuel injectors
3) Replace dented rear bumper
4) Replace windshield
5) Front and rear dashcams
6) Roller Rockers

 

Hey Im50Fast, are you sure your van is safe enough to ride in?

I had a busy summer with fixes and repairs on my "new to me" '94 E-150 with wheelchair lift. That would include:
new tires (Hankook 235R-70-15 108T)
New Heater blower resistor module. Troubleshoot intermittent blend door operation.
New AC (4Seasons comp,condenser coil,orifice valve,dryer-receiver, 64oz R134a)
Oil change w/ filters, bottle of AT-205 which stopped rear seal leak, Gumout Tuneup (best I've found for injector cleaner.)
Wiper arms and blades (Trico)
Front end rebuild and alignment (Moog upper & lower ball jnts, tie rod ends. Gabriel Proguard shocks)Rear brake cylinders and shoes.
New front Disc pads
Add Rearview back-up camera and monitor.
Replace rear door's latch cables
Replace headlamp lens assemblies SAE, DOT approved
Install 9007 85/100w halogen lamps and ceramic pigtails
New Bed/sofa motor
Rebuilt Ricon driver seat elevator assembly.
120v 4cfm@90psi air compressor. 25' hose.Stores under bed.
Pioneer stereo head, new 5*8 speakers in 4 doors. 10" 200w subwoofer in rear corner.
500w 120vac Inverter for chargers (powerchair, flashlights, etc)
Add LED interior lighting controlled by courtesy light circuit and timer for ingress/egress
Install 2 meter and 10 meter Ham transceivers with respective antennas.

I had family help with the AC refurb and hired out the Front end repair and rear brakes, otherwise I did the vast majority of the remainder from my wheelchair. Not bad for a 60 year old gimp.

It needs another wash & wax but it's too cool now as I get soaking wet with the extended wash-wand on my garden hose.

 

teutonics please tell me exactly what you bought.

"60 year old gimp"
at first I laughed at your comment about my van's safety, but then the reality set in my mind about how maybe it truly is time to replace my van... I rechecked my list and it was a whole new mindset. Thanks

 

I bought the Sylvania 9007 XtraVision Halogen bulbs (not Silverstar or Ultra) that run $20-$25 per pair. The only caveat is that I don't know what was in there before, so YMMV.

 

@ Im50Fast,,, A long list of "things to do" can be overwhelming at first but becomes much easier after you break it down into sections like " fix electrical" and repair the (backup beeper / polish headlight covers / cargo light / license plate light)..

Then do the engine (spark plugs and leaking filter adapter)..

Then buy the tires in pairs, do the front one month and the rears the next month...

Do the same with the shocks and get Bilsteins Or KYB Monomax and buy them for the front one month then do the back next month..

Hellwig Helper Springs are $100/pr and restored the factory ride height, actually it sits a bit taller than factory now..

That's 9 out of 13 issues corrected..

now, get a turnbuckle and tie down the engine, bolt one end to cylinder head and the other end to the frame, that's 10..
Google "using turnbuckle to tie down motor mount" and click images..

Carry on with repairing axle bearing and seal..

if you buy a new van you'll be making payments so why not just spend that money on repairs, i count about $700 in parts not including body work..

 

-Front brake pads
-I'd like to fix the back up lights / NSS issue on mine.
-Sell it

 

Get the hesitation issue fixed
Brake pads/shoes
Clean the headlight lenses
Sell it so I can buy a 1 ton extended

 

Upper and lower front balljoints. Alignment. Shocks. Replace the back speakers. New sub amp. Fix the shudder in the trans. I'd love to convert it to camping status but I still haul boy/cub scouts so I need the seats. Would love to do some captains chairs eventually.

 

Here we go.....

To Do (for real):
1. Reseal DNE2
2. New IP/Injectors in the next 25-30K.
3. Relocate fuel filter to frame rail.
4. Steering stabilizer
5. Install Upgraded headlights
6. Replace valve cover gaskets.
7. Finish sound deading
8. Finish and install front air dam
9. Rust Repair Roof drip edge
10. Window tint
11. New shocks

To Do (half dreaming half for real):
1. Install house batteries, 12v outlets and inverter
2. Turbo Kit
3. Paint job
4. Rear bumper/door spare tire and utility box carrier
5. c6 to e4od/4r100 swap

To Do (dreaming):
1. Penthouse/Pop-top
2. 4wd conversion
3. Head studs, hot IP/Injectors and a lot of boost.


I am sure there is more, but that's what I could think of now.

 

1995 E-350 cut-a-way box.

Before I rebuild the front end for new tires I'd like;;;;

Aftermarket front bumper/air-dam with fog lights

Roof mount nosecone/air-shield

upgrade to leds everywhere

entry steps causin I'm old

Any help finding parts for any of these operations is appreciated.

 

Depends on your 10-20?? My 10-20, Buffalo, travel to Philly area, Baltimore, and one trip left to Cleveland.

I got a '94 E350 cube (cut-away) almost ready for the scrap yard.
Flip out rear steps for Supreme inter-city box, 2 step (3 total) Front bumper, no fog lights.
'91 E350 cube, next one to the scrap yard, Unicell 7ft box, front over cab air shield.