Unlike my daily beater, i think i'm going to have most if not all of this work done at a ford dealer. I would feel more comfortable knowing that this van is what my family and I will be using for our trips be it with or without the future travel trailer.

The first thing will be fluids related. I'll have them do an oil change and should i have them flush the transmission or just replace the fluid and filter? How much do you think it'll run me to have them change the spark plugs? $200-$300? $500+???

should i be specific with them in what type of plugs and fluid or will they just use whatever the book calls for?

thanks

 

If you go to Ford with a Ford, you'll get MotorCraft parts and fluids. No problems there.

 

From what you wrote in the OP what you want to use if for, that was the perfect setup for what you need.

The price......was not bad from a dealer. That van is LOADED.

Being the short, or standard wheel base/body, you should not have a problem pulling a trailer behind that van. The V10 will pay for itself over time for you.

Service at a dealer..........most dealers are not bad, it really depends on the dealer you go to and deal with over time. Most dealers are there to help, some are there to rape you, and you'll find out real fast who to deal with.

Most tune ups / plug changes at the dealer are right around $325.

Transmission flush, with the machine are at $195+ ( I got my '05 serviced at the dealer for $235 when they were done) If it has the 5R110W transmission, it NEEDs to be done on the machine. (Needs the fluid heated)

Always good to see some one get away from the bow-ties and join the family

 

thanks for the info. we look forward to having it serve it's purpose and that's why i want to just spend the extra $$ and have "professionals" service it. I do have a few chevys in my driveway and garage though

 

two other questions.....

who would i take the van to if i wanted the undercarriage rustproofed? approximate cost if known? Should i ask for a specific product?

Also, i was driving the van and I noticed that i seemed to sit a lot higher than some E150's i was driving by. I even passed a 250 and I still seemed to feel like i towered over it. do all 3 have the same ride height stock? one reason i'm curious is because i was looking at kits to lift it a little bit so i could get bigger tires and possibly a bigger wheel.

i guess that's more than 2 questions..

 

Rust proofing.......on an 11 year old vehicle?? Kind of should be done at new purchase.
Most of the Manufacturer's have upgraded the vehicles body's to withstand rust
threw over the years, with plastic inner fenders wells, and other protections, but rust threw can still happen. On vans, mostly on the rocker panels, the lower body panels at the pinch seams, bottom of the door panels.

I live in the rust belt, and the largest salt mine on the east coast, 1 hour drive away. I've seen 4-5 year old vehicles rotted out, I've seen 20 year old vehicles that only have minor rust, it's just going to happen, unless you keep the vehicle parked inside for 5-6 months a year. Cleaning, under body spraying (car wash) and keeping the weep holes in doors clear will help prevent body rot.

Your 2nd+ question..........That the drivers power cloth seat you have that makes it seam that your sitting higher........

No, you have a E350, not a E150, the suspension alone make the van body higher, the road clearance is higher. Check the info plate on the b-pillar for the GVW, and that alone with tell you what you have, plus from what you posted.......12 passengers, tow package, all add up to heavy suspension.
Heavy springs = add height.

Others can post about tire size, the ones that have experienced it.

 

Sweet Van, Perfect starting point for a Sportsmobile......

 

Thanks! That's kind of what I'm going for to some degree. Not all the way due to cost and function. We still want to be able to use this as a, pack everyone and then some in, road trip car when needed. All the amenities of the sportsmobile we would have in our travel trailer when necessary for that type of trip.

I never even knew what a sportsmobile was but i love the idea of it. In time I'll see what i can get away with modification wise. I have to sell it to the wife first. I already anticipate her complaining when i swap a bench for 2 captain's chairs. That shouldn't be too costly amd she won't notice right away.

 

If you have a place called Rust Check near you I would highly recommend them. It's an oily substance rather than a coating. I think our van was $190 the first time. It's maybe $140 for a reapply every 18 months. That's the cycle they recommend at least. My dad has used it on all of his trucks also. We've seen trucks the same age as his rotted out, and his still looks perfect.

 

I've never heard if it but i will definitely check. Thanks!

 

If you have Rust Check do your van, park in gravel or somewhere you don't mind all the drips. They go away from concrete and asphalt eventually, it's just unsightly until it does.

 

Funny you mentioned this.........I heard the story 40 years ago about a guy that does this himself at every oil change, he would use the old oil drained and put it in a hand sprayer, and do his whole truck with it.......still seam time consuming??? Couldn't really tell you if it worked or not, I never met the guy.

 

Was under the van today and saw a few things. I saw the exhaust manifold bolts and they are rusted as hell! It looks like one of them is broken on the driver's side. I'll be looking at other threads to see what to do.

Looking at the pictures above (excuse my forehead), what can/should i do to fix this problem and keep it from getting worse?

Thanks!

 

I would still contact rust check. They can tell you if their product would stop that or if you should have something else done. Here is a link to their site. http://www.rustcheck.com. it looks like large trucks start at $150.

 

They're way upstate NY and Canada. Doesn't look like any dealers are beyond that either. I saw a place in MD that said something about undercoating. I'll probably check that out but i'd have to get this existing damage fixed first.