Hey guys, my 95 e350 is nickel and diming me to death, it's one thing after another and i have too much work to bothered by this. Right now it needs a half dozen things and the condition and reliability has been deteriorating quickly. If i were to fix everything wrong (including a trans that slips after long highway trips) i'd be wayyyyyy past it's value.
She gave me 7 great years for $2500 so i'm not complaining.
When i purchased it, it had sat in grass for a while so even minor things are hard to fix considering every bolt is rusted in.

So i could use some input, as for it's most recent issue is caterstrophic and i need a van pretty much right now.

Hoping to stay 12k or under.
I want modular, i've had enough 0f pushrod engines.
My business is electrical contractor, i really don't load it down too often, wire gets heavy but since i don't do new construction much, i rarely have more than 250ft coils with me, maybe 150lbs of wire at a time, i barely even need my generator, but sometimes i do.
I have a small 4x8 trailer i use once every 3-6 months, mostly house items or a 400lb ditchwich (estimated, it's old school and i really have no clue what it weighs).

I do have a 16 A frame ladder i put on the roof racks.
I'd say i put 12k to 15k a year on the van.
Gas mileage isn't that important, but i'd like to get more than the 12-13mpg i get now.
No v6's please.

I guess my question is, do i need the 250 or is the 150 good enough?
Years to avoid?
How many miles is too much used?
Advantages of the 250?

Any other info on my usage, just ask.

I appreciate any help.
Thanks,
Joe

 

With these newer modular engines, you won't see any higher mpg than you are now. Heck i've seen them get worst than that loaded! And 12-13 mpg is kind of good for a 351 you have.


And the earlier Modular engines are an absolute pain in the *** to work on! Just to replace the spark plugs, the entire fuel rail has to come out. I couldn't imagine doing that in a van, I did it a in few trucks, hated it.

They redesigned that in 2008 I think it was though. But that's getting abit new for your price range.



But if you really want a modular engine van, your looking at 1997+ and since you aren't loaded to much, the 5.4L V8 will be fine. Stay away from the 6.8 V10. Great engine, tons of power, horrible on gas for no reason.


As for the 350-250 or half ton. Alot of electricians here have E150's for 2 reasons.

1, parts are alot cheaper to maintain them.
2, E150's are under the commercial weight rating, so they don't need an inspection every year.

Ofcourse that isn't the case everywhere.


But ofcourse, the heavier parts on the E350 will outlive the E150 ones.



As for mileage, that really all comes down to how well the machine was maintained. I've seen some trucks with over 250k miles, be in better shape, body and mechanically, than some others that only had 100k. Also what kind of mileage was it? Highway vs. city.



But generally speaking with average maintenance, 250-300k is pushing things.



I know you said you don't want a 6cyl, but if you find a van pre '97 with a 4.9L straight 6, those are bullet proof engines! And great on gas. Power ain't bad, but very torquey.

 

As IDI John has said, for your intended usage , a E150 with a straight six is pretty hard to beat...If you load it up just add some springs and if you tow get a lower rear end ratio like 3:73 or 4:10

 

Thanks for the input guys.
As luck would have it, my fathers friend is willing to sell me his 06 4.6 e150 for 7k.
40,000 miles, very good condition, hitch, rubber floor matt and shelves (which i already have).
He's not "trying" to sell it, but he will based on an easy sale.
Family friends as long as i can remember, all maintainance records.
No power locks or windows, but it does have the windows on the side doors like i always said was a must on my next van.
Paint is near perfect.
It was supposed to be for a painting business when he retired, but he never got around to it, works at a golf course instead, lol.
Felt like a cadillac compared to my worn e350.
Seems to be much less than book, any objections?

I may close the deal tomorrow, BTW 7k is firm price.

Thanks,
Joe

 

7k is a good deal for an 06 low mileage, and especially since it's what your looking for, and has had good maintenance.



Post a pic of it when you get it!

 

I'll chime in and agree that price for that vehicle if its as you describe is a great price----the piece of mind alone justifies the price IMHO. Since you don't need an E250 or E350 the E150 will work perfectly. In fact most electrician's trucks sit more than being on the road like my 100% mobile glass biz.

Definitely wanna see photos if this follows you home 2000xp8!

 

Another question guys.
The truck, which i have now agreed to buy, semi needs new tires, the tread is not that worn, but i can see the dry sidewalls from lack of use.
Can i put my e350 tires on it? I know the wheels will not fit because of the lugs, but i have 4 almost new 265/75/16 tires on my current van, besides i think the 150 could use a bit more ground clearance.
Current size on the e150 i believe is 235/70/16.
Is there enough clearance at this lowered ride height?
Is the ride height difference because of the lower suspension rating or the tire size?

Thanks,
Joe

 

Might rub in the front..... but should be OK in the back ...I would keep the the smaller size in the front if you have 2 good ones .... but see if they rub first.....