Not to be a stick in the mud, and God knows I love FTE, but after searching and searching for information it has become apparent that having separate specific categories for the different generation of Econoline vans would be really handy. You know, "1968"-1974, 1975-1991, and ether 1992-Present, or 1992-2007 and then 2008-Present. I have two different generation of older vans, and it's a lot harder to sort through then say just clicking on 1980-86 F-Series, or 1978-96 Bronco (Although there really still should be an era split between because 78-79 and 80-96 are different animals). Page after page of late model van stuff to get to anything relevant to earlier generations. I can't be the only one thinking this. Not sure if it's a logistical nightmare and that's why it hasn't been, but it's something I think should happen. If any of the moderators have any insight, I would like to know; or if I'm just experiencing an OCD freak out, feel free to let me know that as well.

 

I certainly agree. Especially when trying diligently to research a topic to avoid wasting bandwidth be asking a previously answered question. Very little on the 75-91 series and a subgroup could really focus attention and searches.

 

I'm far from a moderator but do have an opinion on this............

Sorry to disagree but this "generation" nonsense isn't helpful when looking for specific answers to questions about diagnosing or repairing the E-Series. The biggest problem is not every year within a so-called "generation" is built the same: wiring harnesses change, operational devices added or deleted, parts re-designed/upgraded and so on and so on. In my experience even though an E-Series bodies might look alike even that doesn't mean anything in a "generation" is completely interchangeable.

Using a van's year, fuel type and chassis is far, far more descriptive and tends to lead to better answers for questions raised. Honestly when I see one of these "XX generation" calls for help I tend to pass the thread by even if I could help. Call that selfish or whatever but having to ask questions as to what we're working on is a waste of my time---like many here I don't have enough of that to go around. I'll do as much as I can to help someone but digging through their lack of necessary information isn't an effort I'll put out.

Additionally the E-Series is largely an under served category in or on any forum dedicated to Ford vehicles----for some reason they're ignored or passed by. I'm not sure why that is but it extends to the aftermarket too---they too seem to think there is little money to be made in the E-Series market. Despite the numbers of E-Series on the roads even now its just not a segment that attracts attention or product development.

Since the E-Series full body's production ceased in 2013 apart from those of us seeking to keep our vans running there's just not a lot of interest in the type, no huge interest in them to warrant sub-categories as suggested. Much the opposite is true of Bronco's and F-Series in general; look at the small number of unique users in this sub-forum then compare that cadre to those found in the other models. We tend to not have a huge influx of new people apart from the occasional newbie with one post asking about a particular problem then disappearing soon after getting a useful answer. In that way the E-Series isn't really an active wide area of interest.

Even in your own post you point out different animals which leads to a logistical nightmare---when, where and who would place any one year or years into a "generation"? Who'd come along and disagree with those assignments?

And even if "everyone" here agrees its not likely we'll see any "generation" of E-Series sub-forums here---its just not worth the effort. Anyone remember how long it took to even have a full time moderator? As I say listing the year, fuel type and chassis is helpful, anything else isn't.

IMHO anyway.

 

Valid point, however, it would aid in significantly narrowing it down. The difference in accessories/options or say... EFI wiring between an 87 or an 89 may be different, but not as different as say a 92+ van. Pieces and harnesses can be interchangeable or made to work within the same era or generation.

I think that both are important. People should provide all the information they can up front, or delay posting until they have that information. You're right. Logically if everyone started off their thread with something like "Fuel Issue - 1988 E350 Club Wagon 351 EFI Dual Tank", it would probably get the people who know to the people who need help a lot faster.

E-Series have been largely overlooked by the aftermarket because 90% of them are workhorses. Most people arn't foaming at the mouth in excitement over buying a cargo van; and most people that have those are contractors or tradesman. The rest that have passenger vans are ether school, church or families. Family van owners are the most likely users of this forum, so simplifying the forum is just another way in helping Dad fix the family truckster.

I think that since the econolines.ipbhost.com forum disappeared, it left a gap only FTE may be able to fill. Your right about the one time posters, but there are also a lot of enthusiasts. Set it up right and let it flourish.

Correct, but I think the most logical thing to do is to group by the major body style years, as most the important changes coincided.

That may be the big hangup; a logistical nightmare. Long hours of moving threads, etc. I can understand how that would be a big enough pain in the butt not to attempt.

 

JWA, your point about Moderator time is strong, understandable and warrants an apology to the FTE Moderators whose efforts I have taken for granted. Certainly any searching assistance or more focussed discussions that might result from such sub-groups are in no way equal to Moderator time and effort that would be required.

On reflection, my focus on engine room dynamics, various driving cab interior modifications and chassis upgrades lead to my scanning the posts in this Full Size Forum and my curiosity is infrequently rewarded. My primary emphasis is on E350 Class C Motorhome issues and modifications (customizations). Most of my mechanical insights come here on FTE through the 80-86 Bullnose and the 87-96 F150 and Larger forums which have a stronger mechanical modification focus.

So, I agree, further splitting is quite unwarranted...

 

This is a good topic to discuss mostly because as a van owner I'm equally disappointed how our favorite vehicles are pushed aside---perhaps I think because I see so many Ford vans there is or should be a similar interest in them on forums like FTE. Maybe we're better off them being a well kept secret?

I did a bit of research to find there are 705, 281 registered users with just 6,695 active users---so we're almost at 10% active use out of all those registered at some point. Watching this forum as I do we're a small group, maybe 50 or so active or semi-active users? Taking those numbers into considered its easy to see we might be enthusiastic but still an ad hoc bunch in all of FTE-dom.

I've just found giving our year, fuel type and chassis is the best way to find help. Its just being polite IMHO. I tend to put that info in the body of my post as some (like myself) don't rely on it being part of a user's signature---in fact some of us disable signature display through the User Control Panel. In those instances the info isn't shown so we're left asking for it or just not posting to the thread.

My own opinion is the van coverage is useful and helpful as it exists today. For myself its served me quite well very, very often. Of course in my own perfect world FTE would look entirely different but even I realize that most likely wouldn't be good for other members. We all want different things so at some point the powers that be make choices on what's good for the larger group.

Another FWIW---FTE has been online since middle of 1999---and I'm still a newbie having joined in 2010.

 

I'd like to see a huge interest, because the more interest the more parts and accessories there are, and the more vans are saved from the scrapyard. Every time I go to a junkyard I see IDI Diesel Club Wagons in nice condition awaiting the crusher it really aggravates me. Maybe if more people could browse through and see how cool and useful old vans are, they'd think twice about junking the old van. Might bring values up a bit too, which would be good. Why scrap for $300 what you can sell for $1300?

I wouldn't call that being a newbie. I've been here since I got my first Ford in high school. Helps to fix and feed my Ford addiction, and converse with some really cool people.

 

Maybe it's just that vans are sort of 'there'. You can't go a mile without seeing one. So few people think of them as anything but 'vans' that there's just no love culture like you see with Mustangs and Challengers. No sleek designs, no factory hot rod versions, no super-rare unicorn the whole world wants- just a solid utility vehicle that's stood the test of time. While I wouldn't personally be without one (and most of you, too), there are plenty of folks who never give them a second thought. Even when they need and rent one, it's just a 'van' to most. Purpose vehicle. I wish someone one time would see Bubba at the gas station or somewhere and say "Hey, nice van!" but I know that won't happen. Only way it will get noticed is if I'm going too slow for some impatient clod behind me.

As for here and elsewhere in this digital landscape, it's largely the same thing. We enthusiasts gather along with owners who just want to fix an issue. In that sense this general clumping of models makes sense. And as for the extra moderation needed to maintain generational separation, I can see why it doesn't need to happen.

I'm neither a veteran or frequent poster, but I do keep up with the site and have found most of my questions already answered here. The questions I do have are typically dealt with patiently and respectfully, which ensures my continued participation regardless of the format. This place is great. The forum's been around long enough to have had a nice archive of tons of questions available to be answered.

So, thanks mods and members for this place's existence.