Looking at 1997+.... best engine?
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Looking at 1997+.... best engine?
I'm looking at getting a 1997-2003/04 range E150/250/350 regular length cargo. I'd like to a get 7.3L Powerstroke but they are hard to come by and normally have like 200k miles or they are long length and too much money. I'm looking for a van with around 100k-150k mileage.
In searching, I have found that the 4.2L V6 was not a good engine and its too underpowered for the E250. Is this true? Was it ever alright for the E150? I see them available everywhere.
Most seem to be saying to stick with the 4.6L or 5.4L V8.
When do the transmissions tend to go and what other failures are common on these?
Thanks!
In searching, I have found that the 4.2L V6 was not a good engine and its too underpowered for the E250. Is this true? Was it ever alright for the E150? I see them available everywhere.
Most seem to be saying to stick with the 4.6L or 5.4L V8.
When do the transmissions tend to go and what other failures are common on these?
Thanks!
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2004
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From: Maryville
The v-6 usually lets go before 100,000 so most I find have either a new block or heads, leading me to conclude it's junk. The 4.6 is great for gas mileage, and limited towing, but it you're gonna weigh it down, you have to go with the 5.4, gets less MPG but handles heavy loads. If you have money to burn, gonna tow campers bigger than the van and want to become the oil industries friend, but the v-10, it gets 10 MPG loaded or empty.
My 99 E-350 ext was a shuttle for a major hotel till 70,000 miles, it has 145,000 and the transmission has yet to be touched, the first few years I owned it I towed a lot too.
My 99 E-350 ext was a shuttle for a major hotel till 70,000 miles, it has 145,000 and the transmission has yet to be touched, the first few years I owned it I towed a lot too.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Florida
All vans of that era have a 138" wheelbase. There were no long nor short wheelbases, just the one size.
There are extended vans that are longer than the regular length, but the wheelbase is the same.
There are extended vans that are longer than the regular length, but the wheelbase is the same.
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I meant length, not wheelbase.
Elder User
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From: NY, NY
The 4.6 will be probably paired with the 4R70W transmission, while the 5.4 would be paired with the 4r100/E4OD.
These are very different transmissions. One has the origins in cars, the other in trucks. If maintained well and not beaten up, these transmission will easily last 200k miles.
Up to 2500 lbs payload, you would be ok with the 4.6. Any heavier payload, you would be better off with the 5.4.
Both suffer from spitting their spark plugs, especially the 5.4. These vans eat up their front-ends, but parts are cheap.
I am a big fan of modular engines like 4.6 or 5.4. They are great engines, smooth and powerful. The 5.4 has low-end grunt, while the 4.6 likes high RPMs for better output.
These are very different transmissions. One has the origins in cars, the other in trucks. If maintained well and not beaten up, these transmission will easily last 200k miles.
Up to 2500 lbs payload, you would be ok with the 4.6. Any heavier payload, you would be better off with the 5.4.
Both suffer from spitting their spark plugs, especially the 5.4. These vans eat up their front-ends, but parts are cheap.
I am a big fan of modular engines like 4.6 or 5.4. They are great engines, smooth and powerful. The 5.4 has low-end grunt, while the 4.6 likes high RPMs for better output.
Elder User
Joined: May 2010
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From: infraction
Just go for the 2005+ V10 with the torque shift trans, What an animal.
I usually see 14-16MPG hwy @ 63mph and with towing my TT, 7500lbs I get 8.5 to 9.5mpg @ same speeds.
I had the 7.3 PSD, while it got way better mpg... my 05 does everything a step or three better.
I usually see 14-16MPG hwy @ 63mph and with towing my TT, 7500lbs I get 8.5 to 9.5mpg @ same speeds.
I had the 7.3 PSD, while it got way better mpg... my 05 does everything a step or three better.
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Thanks for all your replies! I am not considering a V10, no way. I don't need that much power and I will not pay for the gas. The only reason I like the 7.3 is for the fuel mileage and great resale value.
Can anyone tell me what the deal with the engine badges were on 97+ vans? I'm looking at a 98 E250 online that only has 66k miles. It has an engine badge on the front quarter panel nearest the drivers side turn signal, but I can't make out what it says. Were these only on V6's or V8's or what? I emailed the seller and will wait to see what he says. I wish people would just post this stuff in their listing!
Can anyone tell me what the deal with the engine badges were on 97+ vans? I'm looking at a 98 E250 online that only has 66k miles. It has an engine badge on the front quarter panel nearest the drivers side turn signal, but I can't make out what it says. Were these only on V6's or V8's or what? I emailed the seller and will wait to see what he says. I wish people would just post this stuff in their listing!
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Elder User
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From: infraction
For the 7.3 PSD.
1999.5 to the end of 2000 had forged rods = great.
2001 to end of 2002 had PSM rods, good but not forged.
also the ECU is slightly better for tunning if you stay between 99.5-2003.
Yes the resale value is good, but also buying becomes more pricey.
1999.5 to the end of 2000 had forged rods = great.
2001 to end of 2002 had PSM rods, good but not forged.
also the ECU is slightly better for tunning if you stay between 99.5-2003.
Yes the resale value is good, but also buying becomes more pricey.
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Can anyone tell me what the deal with the engine badges were on 97+ vans? I'm looking at a 98 E250 online that only has 66k miles. It has an engine badge on the front quarter panel nearest the drivers side turn signal, but I can't make out what it says. Were these only on V6's or V8's or what? I emailed the seller and will wait to see what he says. I wish people would just post this stuff in their listing!
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Junior User
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That is what I'm after. I want the 7.3 the most, but that's because I like diesel and I like the fact that I can put a lot of miles on the van it will still be worth a good amount of money. 5.4 is second and 4.6 is third. I won't be considering the 4.2 or 6.0 thanks to all your help.
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Alright, I found a one owner 98 E250 with the 5.4. It has less than 70k miles and the owner wants it gone... very motivated to sell. It was never used for heavy hauling and the AutoCheck looks good and verifies the mileage. I am going to pull up the Oasis report tomorrow.
What would be the typical failure points on a 98 E250 that I should check when I go to test drive it? It has lived in CA up until 2 years ago.
What would be the typical failure points on a 98 E250 that I should check when I go to test drive it? It has lived in CA up until 2 years ago.