Hi everyone. We are looking at a 1989 E350 Campervan. It isn't one of those regular cab and chassis type of RV. It's an actual extended length van that was converted over to a campervan. It's got the bubble top type of roof that allows for the front over the seats to be used for a bed. It's got a 460 with 40,000 miles on it. The fella I spoke with is not positive on the tranny, but I am hoping for the C6 because this campervan would be used to pull our 16' camper that is just too small for all of us. The idea is for me and the wife to use the campervan and the girls to use the camper. I've got some questions.

I am not a big fan of the 460, mainly because of gas mileage, but for what I am planning on using the van for, a 460 is the way to go. I am thinking that we will get somewhere around 8mpg pulling the trailer. Sound about right to you?

How well do these bubble top vans go down the road? I have never had one before.

Any ideas on the best way to add seat belts to the couch it comes with? It's plenty big enough for the girls to sit on, but the thought of no seat belts gives me the heebee jeebees. We've had too many car accidents not to have everyone in a seat belt.

I am supposed to call the guy back tomorrow to find out about the tranny. He said it's got a button on the dash that makes it either go into another gear or lock the torque converter. I don't remember Ford putting a push button for OD on the dash panel, so I am thinking that maybe it has an aftermarket OD setup (Gear Vendors, maybe?). If it is GVOD that would be a huge plus!

Anyway, I appreciate your responses. If I buy it, I will post the pics. If I don't get it, I will let y'all know where it's located, in case one of you may be interested in it.

 

Can't speak to much more than your concerns about a raised or bubble roof. The '00 E250 shown in my gallery here has what I believe to be a 14" raised roof, the van formerly being a wheelchair transport.

When first new-to-me it was quite the handful but had 203K miles--lots of worn suspension components, ineffective tires (forget size and load rating), suspect shocks, no rear sway bar and stock front sway bar. Naturally that had the typical worn out I-Beam bushings.

A good stiff side wind would have me changing lanes or fighting the wheel somewhat to keep it going straight. Once the suspension was upgraded with Hellwig front and rear sway bars, Bilstein shocks, Michelin LTX 245/75-R16 @ 70 psi and urethane bushings (axle pivot & radius arm) things improved quite a bit. Since I run about 7800 lbs as a daily driver its imperative I have a more predictable handling van.

The same stiff wind effects can be felt through the steering wheel and in the seat of the pants too but its significantly reduced. In fact on the first 22 mile excursion after only the rear sway bar addition some fool text messaging who knows who had me testing things without warning. Had that rear bar not been in place the quick movement would have had me fish tailing and seriously trying to not slide or roll over. (Sounds more dramatic than it was considering we all learn to somewhat predict these vans actions and reactions in such situations.)

Anyway long story short good springs, shocks, tires and bushings go a long way to making modified E-Series vans handle a bit better than something worn or undersized. It's not a cushy couch-like ride but its not overly harsh either. It beats the alternative by a long shot!

Love to see your photos if this follows you home!

 

1989 is the first yr that ford came out with the elect OD trans E4OD. there is a button on the dash just left of the steering wheel. OD on/off In 92/93 is when they moved the button onto the shifter. If the camper van is a aftermarket converision the couch/bed should have seat belts installed in it. look under it or behind it post up some pics of it.

 

Thanks for the replies. I wish I had more to post, but the owner of the campervan and I have been playing phone tag the last couple of days. Kb1, it looks a lot like yours, but it isn't a diesel or 4WD.

 

Sounds like the E4OD to me..... that sucks.

 

The E4OD can live a long, very happy life. My 95 E150 has its factory e4od that is at 170,000 miles, the most recent 35,000 of which have been behind a 393w stroker putting 415hp out at the crank (with aftermarket EMS.)

Keep it cool, and change the fluid on a schedule.

 

The E4OD was updated in the mid 90's, so your 95 is the better one.

The earlier E4OD are nothing but absolute garbage. They aren't as bad on gassers as on diesels though, but I'd stay the hell away from it if it was me.

 

Well, so much for that van. The owner has not called me back after I've left two more messages. I'm guessing he sold it. That's fine with me. The search continues.

 

BTW, I am leery of the E4OD, especially on something that old. John is right. Those late 80s/early 90s E4OD weren't all that good. I am leery of any Ford truck or van from that era with the E4OD.