I have limited experience with E series vans. I have had many F series trucks but, no vans. My wife and I are looking for a third vehicle to haul the family around in on trips. We would trade in our Jeep Liberty on a new or late model van but, with the market like it is nobody is giving anything for trades.

We are not looking for a conversion unit per say but, a passenger van. What combination works the best? I am looking at 1992-2000 models. Is the mileage the same as a pickup (14-18 mpg)? Should I get a modular engine or are the 5.0 and 351 good in the vans? Did they ever put the inline 300 in a 1992 or newer E150?

Just looking for some general observations and things to look out for with these vans.

Thanks

 

My father has had a fullsize Ford van since 1978, and that first one was a '72 with the I6 and 3 on the tree. The best one he ever had was an '86 E350 with a 351HO, lots of power, great stability with a load, and outstanding durability. The worst one was the '78 E150, it too had a 351 but sucked gas and had no power, and the half ton just didn't carry a load as well. He currently has a '95 E250 that is due for replacement next summer, he says he wouldn't want anything smaller, the 1/2 ton trucks don't hold up very well offroad and wander more on the hwy with a load on them. He uses his trucks to carry an ATV and gear and 4-6 people to the hunting camp and for other heavy lifting jobs around the house, and he's hard on vehicles.. drives faster on a dirt road than on pavement, and isn't afraid to stuff it down and overgrown trail. He says scrapes down the side are character marks.

 

The 300 I6 was offered until the 4.2 V6 came out in '97. However its very difficult to find an E150 "passenger van" w/the "inline 300" mostly they went in cargo/fleet vans. I searched long & hard for a Club Wagon w/straight 6 w/o luck. I think you'll find enthusiasm for 302/351 as well as 4.6/5.4 motors. The trannys attached to them might be another story. The old AOD did pretty well & rebuilds can upgrade them nicely. The early electric OD's seemed fragile, but later ones were much improved. IMO you'd be optimistic to expect 18 MPG on any combination, 13-15 may be more realistic. These are big, 5000 lb, scarcely aerodynamic trucks.

Whenever anyone asks me for advice on buying a vehicle I ask how much they've decided to spend & try for the best in that price range. A '92-'96 E150 will likely cost significantly less than a '97-'00. Its often said that the 4.2 V6 isn't big enough for E150 & makes little difference in MPG, but they pop up in bargain priced conversions fairly often, more than Club Wagons.

I don't even look at conversions & have been trying to turn my minty '98 F150 XLT 4X4 w/only 12,500 miles into another loaded Club Wagon for over a year. They're so hard to find I try to be flexible, but insist on a sliding side door. Its also got to be 100% rust free & from outside the rust belt. I'd like a later model w/newer dash & disc brakes all around, but would jump at a clean 302/AOD. Did I mention nice Club Wagons can be hard to find?