We are shopping for a used wheelchair-lift equipped van. Several "attractive" vans are model year 2007 E250s with the 5.4 engine.
I am wondering if anyone here can give any general comments about the 07 E250??
What version of the 5.4 - and what HP/Tq in that version?
Any help appreciated. Thanks,

 

What years were major changes made?
We're also considering vans in the 2002 to 2009 model year range, not sure what will be the most attractive... what are some considerations?
A guy at Rollx indicated that starting in 2008 - the 150s and 250s are pretty much the same thing(?)
Thanks.

 

As far as I know, all E series vans use the 2 valve version of the 5.4 engine. They make about 250hp/350ftlbs after 99, 230hp before 99. They are rock solid, but improper spark plug installation can cause them to launch a spark plug out while driving down the road. Ford has made engineering/procedure changes to try to mitigate this issue, and I understand later engines are better in this regard.

There are examples of the 5.4L V8 going over a million miles in an E-series van.

Overall, exteriors remained very similar from 95-07, but they did change the grille design in 03. In 08 they did the new 'truck' style slightly longer hood and front sheet metal.

 

Thanks 95e
I spoke to a guy at a gas station one night with one of those E350 fronts and a big box back (FedEx job)... he told me that the 5.4 in there had over 300K on it - and was still going strong.
The 04 Expy also has the 2-valve 5.4, ours is running like new at 129K.

We'll keep looking at vans & hopefully find one that suits our $ budget...

 

what are these vans with the 5.4 getting for mileage? I took a look at one the other day but was a little nervous about the motor. My brother's '01 F150 with the 5.4 only gets about 13-14mpg.

Brew

 

OK - we found an 03 E250 with only 17K miles, and it has all of the "equipment" - Wheelchair lift, transfer seat (on "wrong" side for us, tho), and EZ-lock. Was shipped 800 miles, arrived Thursday night.
We've got a lot of "figuring out what we bought" and some re-configuring to do now.
The interior is very clean, seems like the styling is right out of the 70s.
The outside is super nice, very few minor dings except a couple on the running board - maybe from the lift(?).
I'll have some questions later - I'm sure of that.
Thanks!

Mark

 

pictures.

 

These pictures are from the Dealer in IL, the van is now here in South NJ
This thing is a beast! I believe that it has a 3" body-lift, then a 6" floor drop.




Updated my signature, too...
I've always like white vehicles, and the whole "conversion decor" seems a bit more subdued in this color combination - sort of an "Eddie Bauer" trim look.

 

sharp lookin
and I like those wheels

 

I'd be interested to see a better view of the floor modification---perhaps snapped from the side doors? If not too much trouble a few underneath too? (Not asking for too much am I? )

I run an E250 as a daily driver for my business--it weighs in about 7800#, has just over 263K miles and gets about 13 MPG. The motor seems solid, has had no major issues at all so apart from recommended maintenance AND dino oil changes every 3-4K miles it runs darn near perfectly for me.

In fact I'm in the market for a new-to-me E250 or E350, extended body. I'm pretty much searching nationwide since a bit of travel to get the perfect van is a small issue for me.

Mark T-TB that is indeed a nice looking van--subtle, stylish and since it suits your needs I say darn near perfect for you. Good going!

 

Thanks, guys
We are pretty excited to have found one this nice. We put about 80 miles on it today (over the river(s), but did not see too many woods) for Easter dinner & visiting. It seems to run & track very well. So far, so good.

Bbasso - most of the Rollx E250 conversions seemed to have the same wheels - and fortunately I agree - I like 'em! The hubcaps are Ford, a guy at work told me that it is a standard Ford arrgmt.

JWA - I appreciate the encouraging words about durability.
I will try to get some pictures later,,, this week is looking very busy - more taxes to file for kids and parents, etc. on top of "regular work".
I think that the floor is lowered from just in front of the rear (3rd) seat to the firewall. I'm going to contact Rollx and see how much info they will give me.

I am getting the impression that this all will take a while to sort out... there were 3 "manufacturers" working on this van, all - I think - before it got to its 1st consumer/owner. I'm finding several "stickers" with info/nonsense(?)... will post as I get things together.
Mark

 

Here are a few photos showing the floor drop. I don't have a "stock van" to compare with... not sure how much can be seen "underneath" as I just pointed the camera ihto to LR wheelwell. If something else would be more helpful I could try another time when I am under there or have it jacked up(?)






Mark

 

Hey Mark T-TB these are good enough---don't want you going to any extraordinary measures just for my curiosity!

I've read several ads about the lowered floor in vans and mini-vans but have never seen how its accomplished.

Hope this is still bringing a smile!

 

We've put about 200 miles on it - so far, so good.
I think that the lowered floor in the mini-vans is a much more "drastic" process. Someone told me that they actually cut out the entire unibody in the "center" area and replace it... didn't seem like a very "sound" idea to me(?)

 

Good to know its working out well so far----hope forever more too!

Modifying the unibody structure can be done properly but if it wouldn't or doesn't pass federal laws relating to such modifications it couldn't legally be sold here in the USA.

There are rather strict FMVSS that apply to all modifications from standard production vehicles--remember the Camaro/Firebird convertibles of the mid-80's? A company called ASC (then American Sunroof Company) was a sub-contractor for GM, taking the cars from their as-produced condition to a fully functional and legal conversion. The design had to pass very strict FMVSS which included front impact and rollover protection for occupants. Had these conversions not met those standards insuring them would have been next to impossible and GM simply wouldn't have exposed themselves to that sort of personal injury liability---they still remember Ralph Nader over there!

At any rate since your E250 is a frame mounted body which makes me wonder how dropping the floor was accomplished, strictly from a curiosity angle and nothing more. I appreciate your time and replies---have to add once again its a nice looking van and should serve you well for quite a while yet.

Thanks Mark!