Retired U-haul E-450
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Retired U-haul E-450
Hello, I'm new to the forum so I apologize if this is in the wrong place... I'm looking at picking up a retired U-haul E-450 in either 14 or 17 foot box. I am not familiar with this setup at all and I have some questions. The truck will be loaded to about 12,000 lbs and used for mechanical work. The trucks are 2006 and 2007 MY, do these have any known issues? Is there anything particular I should be looking for when test driving or crawling underneath? U-haul has detailed maintenance records and most seem to be in decent shape. There are about 10 on the lot I will be looking at all very similar mileage and condition.
Thanks !
Kevin
Thanks !
Kevin
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 25
From: Central Florida
Exhaust manifold studs. Seems like passenger side is always/only the problem. They get rusty and break off.
Ball joints
catalytic converters at approx 150,000 miles
Hvac issue where it changes to defrosters under heavy throttle.
And if you’re looking at diesel then make sure you say that, and get specific advice.
But these are issues you’ll see with any E series. These are not reasons to decline
Ball joints
catalytic converters at approx 150,000 miles
Hvac issue where it changes to defrosters under heavy throttle.
And if you’re looking at diesel then make sure you say that, and get specific advice.
But these are issues you’ll see with any E series. These are not reasons to decline
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Exhaust manifold studs. Seems like passenger side is always/only the problem. They get rusty and break off.
Ball joints
catalytic converters at approx 150,000 miles
Hvac issue where it changes to defrosters under heavy throttle.
And if you’re looking at diesel then make sure you say that, and get specific advice.
But these are issues you’ll see with any E series. These are not reasons to decline
Ball joints
catalytic converters at approx 150,000 miles
Hvac issue where it changes to defrosters under heavy throttle.
And if you’re looking at diesel then make sure you say that, and get specific advice.
But these are issues you’ll see with any E series. These are not reasons to decline
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 25
From: Central Florida
Thanks for the info, they are all the V10. Are the 2006/2007 the 2V head? What is the best way to go about the exhaust stud repair? I am a diesel mechanic but I hate working on trucks haha. Is it better to let the dealer handle the repair to avoid dealing with broken studs and drilling? Do the spark plugs break off on theses when they are changed?
Very mixed reviews on dealers fixing anything. Some are great and some are not. But they are all expensive.
spark plugs dont have the issue of breaking on 06/07 V10’s.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thanks guys, I drove a few today and will most likely be buying one tomorrow. Found a clean 2007 E-450 with 125k, minor dings and the interior is in good shape. The exhaust manifolds must have been replaced because they look new and the studs on both banks are bright and rust free. It could use shocks. What other preventative / tune up items would you recommend?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 25
From: Central Florida
Thanks guys, I drove a few today and will most likely be buying one tomorrow. Found a clean 2007 E-450 with 125k, minor dings and the interior is in good shape. The exhaust manifolds must have been replaced because they look new and the studs on both banks are bright and rust free. It could use shocks. What other preventative / tune up items would you recommend?
Ball joints
spark plugs and boots
fuel filter
trans fluid (especially if discolored)
rear axle oil
coolant
o2 sensors
just the usual stuff.
On a truck that big I’d upgrade the brakes before even getting it titled though. A front and rear kit from PowerStop is less than $500 (shipped) from Rock Auto. I guess probably more $$ for a dually. Anyways, take it to a safe country road and give those stock brakes a workout and see what you think. I guarantee you’ll be disappointed. The PowerStop brakes i have on my van will throw your toupee on the dashboard
Ive put over 220,000 miles on my E350 and had plenty of near miss situations and I’m here to tell you that upgraded brakes will pay for themselves in one such instance.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I ended up purchasing the truck. Got the full maintenance record from Uhaul which they do a great job of documenting each repair. The engine was just replaced in March with a Ford part number long block, less than 900 miles on it. Replaced in the last 10k / 18 mos- Ball joints, front brakes and rotors, front shocks, fuel filter , trans fluid and filter, radius arm bushing and the other control arm bushings, all 6 tires, front wheel bearings. Truck drives well but your right about the brakes, they are pretty week. Have to hunt down the fluttering air pressure sound in the cab but other than that is seems pretty solid. I plan on doing a few minor upgrades I have already researched on the forum along with the Cat Converter and Rear axle lube. Thanks again for you guys that chimed in, great info.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Valid point, from a buyers perspective it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Apparently Uhaul analyzes the fleet every so often and downsizes a specific truck for age or how often it gets used. Right now in my area it seems to be the 14 and 17 foot E450s. I looked through about 30 of them and found this one to be in the best shape. I'm guessing a big company like that has its procedures and if it needs a new engine then it gets replaced. The rental business is very lucrative and I'm sure they still made money on this particular truck even after all the repairs during its ten years of service. From a consumer stand point it is strange to see a truck have all this work performed then get sold. Maybe it is a risk but it seems to check out and time will tell !
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Fleets do stuff like that sometimes. Van had a motor failure and other service needs. Regional fleet manager looks at the age and mileage and decides it gets fixed instead of scrapped. A few months later management drops a bunch of new vans in the fleet and tells the fleet manager to cull a similar number of units. He looks at the fleet and selects the units for auction and several of them recently had service or repair. So be it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cw_mi
Excursion - King of SUVs
8
May 9, 2012 09:55 AM