Does anyone know if the frames are the same between the two models? It seems that the quick checks I have made (just using a tape measure without crawling underneath) that they may be the same frame. Once I get a chance I intend to put each on the lift to closely check resemblance but thought I would ask here first in case someone already has the answer.

It's me again....trying to decide if I can convert my E150 conversion van to a camper hauler. I'm sourcing additional donor vans right now. Specifically looking for a V10, 4R100, 12 passenger, 4.30 gear rear end donor van to just put he conversion van body on.

 

It may vary by year (I don't know), but I do know that on 2006 model the E350 has a heavier duty frame. There is a technical specification document somewhere out there (I downloaded from somewhere years ago) that gives exact dimensions of the two different frames.

From the document ("e-seriesvan_06-ms.pdf", no title page for reference)

FRAME SPECIFICATIONS
Model/Series - Wheelbase (in.) - Maximum Side Rail Section (in.) - Section Modulus (in.) - Yield Strength (psi)
E-150 ------------138 ----------------- 6.05 x 3.18 x 0.161 ------------------ 2.92 ----------------------- 36,000
E-250 ----------- 138 ----------------- 6.16 x 3.18 x 0.181 ------------------ 3.30 ----------------------- 36,000
E-350 ----------- 138 ----------------- 7.69 x 3.18 x 0.212 ------------------ 5.44 ----------------------- 36,000

Edit - sorry the spacing/tabs doesn't come through... I added dashes to separate content.

 

seems to be same basic dim. just thicker steel as you go from 150 to 350 looking at the specs for 2010

 

Hmmm. I did a bit of searching and found various claims that the frames are all the same, but nothing to back that up. It doesn't make any sense to me that the difference between a 1 ton and a half ton is ONLY the springs, or only the springs and axles. A heavier duty vehicle should have a heavier frame.

Nice to see some documentation of what just ought to be common sense.

 

150 frame 46720 pounds (yield strength what it would take to pull the frame apart)
250 frame 52800
350 frame 87040

that being said the only difference in size would be the thickness of the steel used for the frame rails,.. body should be interchangeable
width of frame rails is the same,.. the heavier get slightly taller and thicker