Caught a glimpse of the new E-Series Van Yesterday

johntucker09 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 08:13 PM

I had to look a few times to make sure my eyes weren't playing tricks on me...I couldn't believe that they took the lights and grille off of an F-Series SD and put them on the E-Series...the thing IMO looks like it needs plastic surgery now...jmo

vanman06 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 02:52 AM

I have a 006 and I love this van, just got it as a used van with only 4k on the odometer, but then I saw the 08 and thought, I want a newer looking van. But now that I got up close to the thing, it looks too much like the grill was added on and it does not fit in very well with the rest.

Interesting things, Ford went back to the sheet metal hood, I do like the traditional hood latch being under the hood instead of in the grill like the 06. At first, I liked the look, but now it is not as "classy looking" to me as my 06 or same as the 07. They changed a few things, but mostly the same van. The head lights are mounted lower, under the parking lights on the 08. Ford is doing this on their trucks and at night they look like cars, since they are about the same height, I am not sure I am sold on that look either, but they have their safety reasons I am sure. So all and all, the new 08 is a big grill look just like their F series models. It might grow on a few as they hit the road more. I like my 06 better. I just wish that I got the 08 brakes, steering box, and tranny. Oh, well.

fattmann · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 11:26 AM

I saw a cargo van with the work-truck front end- gross. The regular passenger models (haven't seen one in person yet) aren't too bad, but with the black plastic the work-truck front end makes you shutter just a little bit.

I'm waiting to see a new line of Quigely vans with the new body style, bet they look pretty tough.

WorldCommander · #4 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007, 12:08 PM

The new vans look like s-*it. Like a second rate add-on. The new Quigley will look as crappy only with 4wheel drive. However, some people like them. I just don't get it. One man's poison...

fattmann · #5 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007, 04:34 PM

raising a vehicle can dramatically alter it's appearance. i prefer the 75-91 body style the most, but a lifted 92-07 looks tough. just all depends really, personal preference.

WorldCommander · #6 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007, 05:23 PM

I agree. I'm shamefully partial to my '99 Quigley. Thought about selling it a few times but people keep coming up to me asking about it and telling my how cool it looks. Then I end up keeping it-like it was a puppy or something. Dang!

Quote:

Originally Posted by fattmann

raising a vehicle can dramatically alter it's appearance. i prefer the 75-91 body style the most, but a lifted 92-07 looks tough. just all depends really, personal preference.

carrfamilynj · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 05:18 PM

I wonder if you could easily graft a pre-08 front clip onto the '08? Or is the rad support, etc. all new as well?

IntrepidCUB · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2007, 11:50 AM

I kinda like it

though when are they going to change the rest of the body lines isnse 15 years long enough?

carrfamilynj · #9 (**permalink**) 10-22-2007, 08:35 PM

Well you know what they say if it ain't broke.....keeping the same body style means lower costs for them, which they really need right now.

YoGeorge · #10 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carrfamilynj

Well you know what they say if it ain't broke.....keeping the same body style means lower costs for them, which they really need right now.

There is a huge aftermarket which is tooled up to make things that attach to Ford Vans and Van cab chassis (everything from raised roofs for conversion vans to ambulance rear ends,handicapper lifts and ramps, to internal shelves and fixtures for tradesmen). If they change any of the major structure (as GM did with their new vans in 1996), they stand to lose market share because I suspect the relative unpopularity of consumer conversion vans would cause a lot of companies to abandon production of their parts for Ford conversion vans, and as the serious aftermarket tools up new ambulance bodies, etc, I'd guess that GM vans would have a huge surge in sales.

Logically, Ford would be unwise to change door size/shapes, roof rain gutter dimensions and placement, floor shape/size, etc. They could probably put a new crease or different bulges on the body sides--but I like the current body, and they could run amok with the front end, as they obviously have.

IMO the 2008 front end looks gross....the grille on my '02 E150 (chrome oval) has never been my favorite and I've actually considered going to an earlier or later grille (the plain eggcrate versions), but the later ones use different mounting points. But looking at the new front end, I adore mine. Suspect I'll get accustomed to the new front end, but doubt I'll see any beauty or cool toughness (which is what I think is intended).

George

vanman06 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 02:48 PM

Hey George,

You are right and I agree that Ford is being smart to keep the existing 1992 platform for 08. Why not refine it more, the suspension, for example, needs rear sway bar, larger diameter front sway bar? The oval shaped grill is worth looking into upgrading to a more truck like grill. Even if you need to modify the mounts, it makes the van look more truck like. I have done this on my explorer, I took the police Crown Vic grill and mounted it in place of my old tired looking Explorer grill, looks more car like and many have commented on it, liking it. My opinion.

ncranchero · #12 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 07:10 PM

I usually hang out in the F150 forums but since I just got my new '08 E250 Super Duty today I thought I'd stop in here. My '05 (4.6L) logged 187000 today and still runs/drives great! Problems with it have been so little they're not worth mentioning. I'm looking forward to equally trouble free performance from my '08.
I too was initially repulsed by the "new" nose on the vans. I guess I've gotten somewhat accustomed to seeing them now and they don't look quite so bad. That new vehicle smell is sooooo wonderful, I could just sit in it and enjoy the aroma! Here's the side-by-side.

johntucker09 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 07:37 PM

honestly, with the chrome bolt-ons, its not as bad looking...i'd still prefer the 05....

ncranchero · #14 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 07:44 PM

The 05 is a 4.6L w/4.10 gears. Driving 55 or under on the highway last week it got 18 mpg ! Interstate @ 70+ it gets 17.4 or so. My '08 has the 5.4L and 3.73's. Interested in seeing what mileage it gets.

vanman06 · #15 (**permalink**) 10-26-2007, 02:55 PM

The 2006 XLT 5.4 E150 that I have run all synthetic oils, transmission, rear end 3.73, 5-20 Mobile one full synthetic, around town 14.8 average mileage. I have only 7k on it now. Anyone interested in the best aftermarket product that I have found called EVANS Coolant. It is a lifetime coolant that does not use water. I have been using this in all of my six Fords, two Explorers, Crown Vic, Escort, T-Bird. The product does not expand the hoses and cycle them with much more than 3 or 4 psi, typically the regular coolants cycle hoses around 15 to 17 psi. that is because the water is boiling. The Evan coolant has a much higher boiling point than even that of a 60/40 mixture or even 100 of regular coolant. It does run a bit hotter, but warm ups are faster and there is no galvanic reaction in the engine causing rust and rot. Excellent pump lubricant and no cavitation. Check out Evanscoolant.com. I also switched the factory stamped sheet metal pans of MAG HYTECH magnetic aluminum rear end covers, they have a larger capacity and allow for easy filling since they have a filling port. My latest project on the 06 Van is to place poly urathane bushing between the frame and rear step bumper to move the rear bumper back from the body to prevent low speed impacts from damaging the frame. I am looking to do this in the front also. It looks great and it is just a solid as before, since the addition of 1/2" three inch fine thread bolts. Removed the existing Ford bolts by cutting out the factory mounts. I will have photos soon. Another after market add on that I am finding very good, I have used them before. Called SUPERSPRINGS, easy to install, creats a bit of a lift and adds a lot more load carry capacity especially for us E150 guys that still want to keep the nice ride. Speaking of nice ride, I took out the factory Ford unsupporting seats and installed my own custom seat rails that extend back 6 more inches, and placed on top of the new rails RECARO seats, they are $1000 each but they are supportive for those bad backs out there. I also relocated the rear view mirror since I sit up much taller. I also found that the Hellwig rear anti-sway bar is a great add on. Very tough to install one bolt to the drivers side near the rear fuel tank. Do not waste your money on the Hellwig front sway bar. I ordered it saw that it was only 1/8" larger and with "U" bolts instead of fitting in the factory end link places in the arms, so I sent it back. Suspensions Connections is the best place that I have found to order the Hellwig springs, great customer service and they return things without hassle. I love my 06 Ford Van, I should have bought a van a long time ago. I get the same mileage as my Explorer V6.