Help choosing a van.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2003
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Help choosing a van.
I am presently driving a '78 Dodge, short wheelbase, B200, 318, 727 Trans. I've put 365,000 miles on it and I'm looking to replace it. I see more Ford vans than any others, so I figure that means something. Plus, I owned a 1970 Chateau Club Wagon, 302, 3 speed manual and the body quality was much better than my Dodge.
I need to buy a used van because of $$.
I've looked at one 2001 power stroke E350XLT but working on the engine looked like it could be a problem and my wife has a hard time with the diesel clatter, so it would have to be gas.
We carry just 2 passengers and our gear. No built-in stoves, fridges tables etc.
what years, engines, trans, models (E150, E350 etc), and options would you recommend?
I don't go off road but do get on some dicey washboard and gravel. Reliability is my first concern.
Thanks,
-cadjak
I need to buy a used van because of $$.
I've looked at one 2001 power stroke E350XLT but working on the engine looked like it could be a problem and my wife has a hard time with the diesel clatter, so it would have to be gas.
We carry just 2 passengers and our gear. No built-in stoves, fridges tables etc.
what years, engines, trans, models (E150, E350 etc), and options would you recommend?
I don't go off road but do get on some dicey washboard and gravel. Reliability is my first concern.
Thanks,
-cadjak
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
What type of gear are you hauling?
I recently bought a 96' E-150 Clubwagon, w/5.7L motor. Holds 8 people and tows my boat like a champ. It also works great to take out the back seat and put my motorcycle in it for track days. I got it for $12k used w/38k miles on it inand it is in great shape.
So it really depends on how heavy duty you need. Mine does all I said and then some. If you need something with a little more beef, get yourself a E-250 or E-350 as they are more heavy duty.
Just shop around and you can find them. I got mine from a dealership that specializes in used work trucks, cargo vans, box vans, etc
I recently bought a 96' E-150 Clubwagon, w/5.7L motor. Holds 8 people and tows my boat like a champ. It also works great to take out the back seat and put my motorcycle in it for track days. I got it for $12k used w/38k miles on it inand it is in great shape.
So it really depends on how heavy duty you need. Mine does all I said and then some. If you need something with a little more beef, get yourself a E-250 or E-350 as they are more heavy duty.
Just shop around and you can find them. I got mine from a dealership that specializes in used work trucks, cargo vans, box vans, etc
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2003
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I'll tell you, I was all set on Fords until I read the problems that seem to plague the late model modular engines. Blowing plugs and head gaskets at low mileages. The issue seem to be with the 5.4 Liter engines. Maybe the 5.7 didn't have it. I read that there was a Horsepower upgrade in 2001. Does anyone here know if the engine problems began then or was reduced then. Having to buy used is scary enough without having to worry that I could need a new $2300 top end.
There are threads on this forum of guys nervous about replacing their plugs. Hey, come on now! If I have to worry about changing plugs I stay with Mopar.
-cadjak
There are threads on this forum of guys nervous about replacing their plugs. Hey, come on now! If I have to worry about changing plugs I stay with Mopar.
-cadjak
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 341
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From: eastern Ma
I have a 96 conversion van and I like it. The first van I got was the straight six, and if they still made them, I'd probably have one. They're a good engine, and compared to V8's seem easier to work on. I have the 351 V8 now, but I don't have enough miles to comment on how easy it is work on,
Before I bought it, I took off the dog house, and was able to reach each plug easy enough. Vans have alot of good points, working on the engine isn't one of them.
I have a use for mine, so I put up with the extra trouble.
I've heard the newer engines are harder to work on, no experience myself. I have looked under the hood of some cars with the newer type engine, and they don't look very user friendly. Although they do put out more power per C.I.
The only Ford vans I thought were easy were the 1960's model. I wish they would either, bring the engine all the way in, or add more space to th front like a Bronco.
There are special forums that cover engines. Might be worth a look, see. Just scroll up to the top of the page.
Before I bought it, I took off the dog house, and was able to reach each plug easy enough. Vans have alot of good points, working on the engine isn't one of them.
I have a use for mine, so I put up with the extra trouble.
I've heard the newer engines are harder to work on, no experience myself. I have looked under the hood of some cars with the newer type engine, and they don't look very user friendly. Although they do put out more power per C.I.
The only Ford vans I thought were easy were the 1960's model. I wish they would either, bring the engine all the way in, or add more space to th front like a Bronco.
There are special forums that cover engines. Might be worth a look, see. Just scroll up to the top of the page.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,341
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From: Detroit Subs
Originally posted by Leo_T
I have a 96 conversion van and I like it. The first van I got was the straight six, and if they still made them, I'd probably have one. They're a good engine, and compared to V8's seem easier to work on. I have the 351 V8 now, but I don't have enough miles to comment on how easy it is work on,
Before I bought it, I took off the dog house, and was able to reach each plug easy enough. Vans have alot of good points, working on the engine isn't one of them.
I have a use for mine, so I put up with the extra trouble.
I've heard the newer engines are harder to work on, no experience myself. I have looked under the hood of some cars with the newer type engine, and they don't look very user friendly. Although they do put out more power per C.I.
The only Ford vans I thought were easy were the 1960's model. I wish they would either, bring the engine all the way in, or add more space to th front like a Bronco.
There are special forums that cover engines. Might be worth a look, see. Just scroll up to the top of the page.
I have a 96 conversion van and I like it. The first van I got was the straight six, and if they still made them, I'd probably have one. They're a good engine, and compared to V8's seem easier to work on. I have the 351 V8 now, but I don't have enough miles to comment on how easy it is work on,
Before I bought it, I took off the dog house, and was able to reach each plug easy enough. Vans have alot of good points, working on the engine isn't one of them.
I have a use for mine, so I put up with the extra trouble.
I've heard the newer engines are harder to work on, no experience myself. I have looked under the hood of some cars with the newer type engine, and they don't look very user friendly. Although they do put out more power per C.I.
The only Ford vans I thought were easy were the 1960's model. I wish they would either, bring the engine all the way in, or add more space to th front like a Bronco.
There are special forums that cover engines. Might be worth a look, see. Just scroll up to the top of the page.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: eastern Ma
Hi JP,
You're right about having other people around making things easier. I was just commenting about some other trucks being an easier job. I had a friend drop by with his 4 cyl pickup by Yota. When he opened the hood, it looked like easy work in comparison to my van. That being said, I have more of a need for a van,over a pick-up. I still like my Ford though.
You're right about having other people around making things easier. I was just commenting about some other trucks being an easier job. I had a friend drop by with his 4 cyl pickup by Yota. When he opened the hood, it looked like easy work in comparison to my van. That being said, I have more of a need for a van,over a pick-up. I still like my Ford though.
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4
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From: santa barbara
yea and the yota is useless when the wife kicks you out for the night, the van is a home away from home
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Posting Guru
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From: Los Angeles safe and warm
Originally posted by pfogle
Any van is good, regardless of brand. My next one will be a 97 or newer E250/E350 with a PSD.
Any van is good, regardless of brand. My next one will be a 97 or newer E250/E350 with a PSD.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 340
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From: NY
Re: Help choosing a van.
Originally posted by cadjak
what years, engines, trans, models (E150, E350 etc), and options would you recommend?
I don't go off road but do get on some dicey washboard and gravel. Reliability is my first concern.
Thanks,
-cadjak
what years, engines, trans, models (E150, E350 etc), and options would you recommend?
I don't go off road but do get on some dicey washboard and gravel. Reliability is my first concern.
Thanks,
-cadjak
I would say to try to buy a van from an owner/operator (like me) who has owned it since new and properly maintained it. Instead of one from a company that has been thrashed by every teenager they hired.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
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From: Long Beach, Ms.
You don't say what your price range tops out at. I found a 2001 E-350SD V-10 (see gallery) with 21,400 miles a year ago for $21K. I've since put 15,000 miles more on it with absolutely no problems.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2003
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I see a lot of one year old vans in the 23,000 to 27,000mi range. I assume they were rentals. It seems a lot of the Ford dealers have them. Most are E350. I like the durability of the E350 but I won't be loading heavy, so the ride might be a bit harsh. My price range is up to 13K. I'm looking for a privately owned, low mileage vehicle.
My local Ford dealer is a joke. I spoke to a saleman who admitted he didn't know much about full size vans. They only had one new one on the lot. I spoke to a service writer and he was just as clueless. I'm just combing the internet and local papers.
-cadjak
My local Ford dealer is a joke. I spoke to a saleman who admitted he didn't know much about full size vans. They only had one new one on the lot. I spoke to a service writer and he was just as clueless. I'm just combing the internet and local papers.
-cadjak
Lead Driver
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
I bought my 1992 E150 with a 351 in 2000 with 92k on the odometer. I have since put over 60k more miles on it, and only replace the TPS, IAC, a few vacuum lines, and the ignition switch, and the tumbler. These are all ~25 dollar parts. This has been in 4 years. The ignition switch wasn;t bad we thought it was, there is a rod in the steering column that lacks lube....