Hi,

I'm looking at a '94 E350 Chateau. It's got the 460, E40D, 116k miles, 4.1 limited slip. 8700lb GVWR.

I just test drove it (the dealer sent a driver 45 miles to my office!) and crawled around a bit. The exterior and interior are really sharp, everything works. Underhood is clean, everything is bone stock.

It has a shudder at low speeds (i.e. parking lot maneuvering) which I figure is either the LSD needing a fluid flush, or possibly the trans?

Also, while driving, the ABS light came on. I didn't try any stops hard enough to invoke it.

The van has no towing receiver and the hole in the bumper has obviously never had a ball installed. The 7-pin factory connector below the rear bumper is in place.

The a/c is cold but could probably benefit from a recharge. The cruise control works.

The dealer is asking $8k but i already have them down to $5900, including a 3-month/3000 mile warranty.

What I need is the benefit of experience from those who are familiar with the drivetrain components in the van. I've read all the stories about the E40D but can't find much about the rear end. I did see in the Axle Code chart (code is C5) that its rated capacity is 6250, not sure what that's telling me exactly?

I intend to use the van for towing a ~5500-6000lb trailer, not as a people mover, so I want to ensure the reliability is high.

What else should I check out?

thanks in advance,
twj

 

I would get the tranny flushed, and the filter and fluid changed, as well as the oil. I would also do a FULL tune-up (plugs, wires, o2 sensors,...) just to make sure it is good shape. Might want to make the dealer do it b4 you buy it. It should be a good investment if you want a strong tow vehicle. I have a 92 E150 with the 351 (in sig) and It will tow anything I hook to it. Cant stop some things very well but will pull down a house.