Question for the experts

[budthedog]

We have decided to buy a motor home. There's a ton of them out there now selling pretty cheap due to the economy. I could spend around 50K for a relatively new one with low miles, but I found a 95 E350 with only 22K miles on it & in pretty good shape. It has the 7.5 (460?) engine, unnamed auto trans & a 4:10 towing axle. Of course it's past the factory warranty, but so are the newer ones. There's a very significant price difference, so I'm wondering if there were any particular issues with the 95's.
Of course I'm not really too concerned about gas mileage, none of them are gonna be like my Festiva. All I'm wondering about is if I'd be buying trouble. I've had several Ford vans & they've all been practically bulletproof so far. Thanks for any advice.

[merlynr]

My F250 with 7.5 has been relatively trouble free for 87K miles. Rear pinion seal leaked and replaced seal. Catalytic convertor started rattling(on the inside), so I fixed it DIY style. Other than normal maintenance this thing has been dependable. Gas mileage isn't too good, but it'll pull.

[Mark Kovalsky]

Originally Posted by budthedog

It has the 7.5 (460?) engine, unnamed auto trans & a 4:10 towing axle.

The 7.5L is the 460.

It's most likely an E4OD trans. If it has an OD OFF button and light on the end of the shifter it's an E4OD. If there is no button or light it's a C6.

The C6 is going to be a gas hog. There is no lockup or overdrive, so the engine will be SCREAMING on the freeway and don't expect over 5-6 MPG.

Most likely it's an E4OD.

[mhg]

as mark stated you will probably have the e4od
this is the only weak link in it, it is high dollar to rebuild.
if so test drive it for at least 10 miles
soft shifts are normal
best to install a shift kit to firm it up
will help trans last longer
also will want a Large trans cooler(larger than stock)

[budthedog]

Thanks guys. We looked at it Sunday & it has the E40D. The owner said it gets 9 - 11 mpg. I didn't drive it yet, but the guy did start it & it sounded OK. I'm not in any big hurry to buy one now, with gas hitting $3.75. The wife can't seem to make up her mind for sure (imagine that) & it's OK with me since I haven't researched engines for 20 some years. A lot of the newer ones have the V-10's, are they significantly better?

[Genesis]

Originally Posted by budthedog

Thanks guys. We looked at it Sunday & it has the E40D. The owner said it gets 9 - 11 mpg. I didn't drive it yet, but the guy did start it & it sounded OK. I'm not in any big hurry to buy one now, with gas hitting $3.75. The wife can't seem to make up her mind for sure (imagine that) & it's OK with me since I haven't researched engines for 20 some years. A lot of the newer ones have the V-10's, are they significantly better?

Absolutely. The V-10 has more HP and Torque and is incredibly smooth(and quiet) making it ideal for motor homes. With the newer V-10 set-up you'd also get the 4R100 transmission which is basically an improved E4OD to handle the additional torque of the V-10. The gas mileage should be about the same. Don't listen to those oh my god don't get a V-10 with these gas prices. That 7.5l is a major league gas guzzler. My V-10 van gets 1-2 MPG less than my friends V-8 and the performance difference is well worth it to me. Good luck with your decision.