All New 2008 E-series Van
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 120
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I would think Ford would start building them here pretty quick. Maybe by September or October at the latest? Ford will have to eventually put a diesel in the new 08s. It's just a matter of which one. Even if the don't put the 6.4 they always could put the 4.5L in the E-150s and E-250s. I like the new body style of the '08s so I'll just wait for Ford to put a diesel in them then order a E-350 Extended.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
Amen, Bro!
Originally Posted by c96drumm
Well, it's ugly enough to make me not want one. 
Amen, Bro! I seriously considered it until the passenger van was no longer available from Freightliner. When it became apparent I would have to buy an ugly van from a Dodge dealer (then spend more to get the danged Dodge grille and emblem out of it), I decided I would not buy one. Plus, the contortions the German gov't has gone through regarding Iraq disgusted me....so they don't get my business...no matter how much I thought I wanted to drive a Mercedes again.
New User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
I am a locksmith and drive a sprinter for work, it is the most uncomfortable thing i have ever driven. The steering wheel is stationary and you have to adjust to it, this van is not very good for my posture, Ill end up being a hunchback if i keep on driving it.
We had to replace the front brakes at 30k, the rotors are designed to wear along with the pads so they have to be replaced at every brake job, $550 just for fronts.
Give me the Ford any day.
Our avg mileage is about 20mpg, and have never seen anywhere near the 27 they advertised, and we tried for a few of these tanks to get the good mileage.
We had to replace the front brakes at 30k, the rotors are designed to wear along with the pads so they have to be replaced at every brake job, $550 just for fronts.
Give me the Ford any day.
Our avg mileage is about 20mpg, and have never seen anywhere near the 27 they advertised, and we tried for a few of these tanks to get the good mileage.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
I await a 2007 E350 with the Quigley 4x4 conversion and the V10. Forget the diesel. Just too much money. I can buy a lot of gas for $8k.
But your comment about Ford continuing to offer the diesel in the van might be optimistic. Apparently it's too heavy. The E series may get a 6 cylinder inline diesel: add a box and it can compete with the Sprinter.
I think the 08+ model year will have more problems as they work the bugs out of the changes. I think my soon to be delivered 07 just may be the last of the "real truck" E Series. And the bugs are worked out of the 93-07 E350. No one can fault the V10.
Legislation is changing the front suspension, rear shocks, braking systems, roll control, engine options, seating capacity. Will it take the truck out of the van?
But your comment about Ford continuing to offer the diesel in the van might be optimistic. Apparently it's too heavy. The E series may get a 6 cylinder inline diesel: add a box and it can compete with the Sprinter.
I think the 08+ model year will have more problems as they work the bugs out of the changes. I think my soon to be delivered 07 just may be the last of the "real truck" E Series. And the bugs are worked out of the 93-07 E350. No one can fault the V10.
Legislation is changing the front suspension, rear shocks, braking systems, roll control, engine options, seating capacity. Will it take the truck out of the van?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
I think I might wait for the '08 to come out and see if comes with a Diesel personally. I use my van for towing alot. I wonder what kind of horsepower and fuel mileage a straight 6 Diesel would get in a E-350 though? If I don't get a E-350 then I'll go with the Chevy 2500HD Extended Cab truck with the Duramax. I wish Ford would hurry up and do something though insterad of waiting til October.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 132
From: Maryville
Ford is at odds with IH over the 6.4, they are not doing well, worse than the 6.0 actually, they may have shot theirself in the foot loosing the 7.3 PSD. The route gas prices are heading, the oil companies have this country over a barrel, $4 a gallon is where it's heading, no one cares to put a stop to it. Fuel prices and the bad diesel engines, the Econoline is headed to ruin I'm affraid.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
To me it looks like a GMC with a pig face, I really do not like the grill.
No mention of a diesel, isn't that what most people will be wanting with gas at $3 a gallon? Especially if 95% of the buyers are commercial?
> The E-Series cargo area features a double-wall design — a full-size van exclusive —
> which leaves the exterior sheet metal less vulnerable to damage from shifting cargo.
Now, this is worth mentioning since it will probably increase resale value. This idea I like.
No mention of a diesel, isn't that what most people will be wanting with gas at $3 a gallon? Especially if 95% of the buyers are commercial?
> The E-Series cargo area features a double-wall design — a full-size van exclusive —
> which leaves the exterior sheet metal less vulnerable to damage from shifting cargo.
Now, this is worth mentioning since it will probably increase resale value. This idea I like.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 8
The 2008 E-SERIES brochure (folder) was at the FORD dealer today. Highlights:
Only 3 motors, 4.6 V8, 5.4 V8 & 6.8 V10 are listed.
"XLT Premium Package replaces Chateau"
New brakes sound/look nice.
"New steel reinforced rear license plate housing" exposes the total lack of security from the flimsy plastic box that thieves can smash to gain instant access to door latch.
As usual, no mention of gas mileage.
Surprisingly, no mention of any transmission either!
Presume FORD will issue a more comprehensive brochure later.
Only 3 motors, 4.6 V8, 5.4 V8 & 6.8 V10 are listed.
"XLT Premium Package replaces Chateau"
New brakes sound/look nice.
"New steel reinforced rear license plate housing" exposes the total lack of security from the flimsy plastic box that thieves can smash to gain instant access to door latch.
As usual, no mention of gas mileage.
Surprisingly, no mention of any transmission either!
Presume FORD will issue a more comprehensive brochure later.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
I read that all the passenger vans will be assembled at one plant while cargo's at another across town. This will begin a divergence no doubt. Will the cargo get any new engines? The passenger version is the one under scrutiny by consumer groups.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Well here it is! Look at my profile. My new 07 sitting at Quigley in line for the 4x4 upgrade. Its a Cargo van with the windows all around option. It should have the V10 emblem on the fender but I guess it goes on later or at the dealer.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 132
From: Maryville
How'd you get the rear tires to set out even with the front ones on the white van, I want that for mine bad. Why do you want a passenger wagon look, if I had to get windows, I'd have gone with the larger conversion type, I prefer no windows myself though.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
The white van has CorrecTrak wheel spacers. It handles way better but the rear end trails out a lot more negotiating tight turns at slow speeds.
I got windows because after 10 years with no windows I want to be able to see out. From the back seat no one can see anything when there's no windows. It will be up higher than most after 4x4 so you can't see in. They will get limo tinting, and if I install something like a cabinet I will black them out at that spot. And think about this: extended vans with windows look shorter than ones without windows.
I got windows because after 10 years with no windows I want to be able to see out. From the back seat no one can see anything when there's no windows. It will be up higher than most after 4x4 so you can't see in. They will get limo tinting, and if I install something like a cabinet I will black them out at that spot. And think about this: extended vans with windows look shorter than ones without windows.