OT: 02 Ford Econoline E-350 Ext Panel Van

[BMWRider]

I am getting ready to buy an 02 Ford Econoline Panel Van with the 5.4 V-8 in it. It has 42K on the odo and runs great. Anybody have any info on these vans? Hows the tranny and motor hold up? Any known problems? Anything to check BEFORE I buy?

Thanks,

[AndrewA]

Is it white?

[signit98]

Yeah, the gas mileage... around town 10MPG is a reach!

Aside from that, it's a FORD, so the tranny is always a weak spot... motor is not an issue, they will do fine if you treat them nice.

[bradzdotcom]

been running 'em since the early 70's. like most utility vehicles, it's bullet-proof if you take care of it. i averaged about 40k per year with them, and swapped them out at about the 100k mark most times. never had tranny problems, never had engine problems, little glitches with the cruise control and the air conditioners needed refreshing once a year.

my e-350 club wagon XLT is currently up for sale (7.2k), but it has the V-10 engine, rather than the V-8. it actually gets better mileage than my V-8 f-150 pickup, i think because it's just loafing along with those two extra cylinders.

about the only thing i've ever had problems with was keeping the front end aligned, but considering the places it was forced to go at cross-country races to carry the support crew, it doesn't surprise me.

[BMWRider]

Originally Posted by AndrewA

Is it white?

No...it's actually navy blue with a Army bumper sticker.

[roger albert]

What is tow capacity? the ones with the 5.4L and 10k-towing suck gas horribly, while not offering much torque or power. Otherwise good solid vehicle. Look for evidence of trans flush/fills, and coolant (heater core issues not common, but not rare by modern standards either)

[BMWRider]

Originally Posted by roger albert

What is tow capacity? the ones with the 5.4L and 10k-towing suck gas horribly, while not offering much torque or power. Otherwise good solid vehicle. Look for evidence of trans flush/fills, and coolant (heater core issues not common, but not rare by modern standards either)

It is the 5.4 V-8 with 255HP and 310TQ...I drove it last night and there is definetly no lack of power. The thing gets up and goes for a big van.

[roger albert]

That's the low ratio rear end likely then.
will work fine, but poor mileage.
I used to borrow one of them.
Even around town empty it was about 11mpg vs the 16mpg in my 300HP 5.4L in the Nav.
The weight and rear ratio exact a tough mileage penalty. Otoh, it towed really well.

[BMWRider]

Originally Posted by roger albert

That's the low ratio rear end likely then.
will work fine, but poor mileage.
I used to borrow one of them.
Even around town empty it was about 11mpg vs the 16mpg in my 300HP 5.4L in the Nav.
The weight and rear ratio exact a tough mileage penalty. Otoh, it towed really well.

How bad is it swapping rear ends...I really don't need the towing. I am going to be hauling dogs back and forth from my training facility.

[geothepencil]

I have an 88 1 ton that is oversprung with a 351. Has been all over the country pulling a two axle trailer. Only problem is that I warp the exhaust headers every now and then from not being able to get the heat out of the motor. Low gas mileage and it need another 100 hp , but its a member of the family and hauls broken BMWs quite nicely. And it IS white !

geo

[roger albert]

Any shop should be able to change rear ring and pinion for not too much effort.
But remember, it's just conjecture on my part as to which ratio you have.
You'll need some homework to determine that, and what else might be available.