Fork in the road

[The Joker]

Well I've got a small problem, I decided last year that I wanted to get in the 4WD van club and purchased a 2005 Chevrolet express 3500 6.0 gas with 200,000 and a Quigley conversion. I knew the van needed some work but decided to go ahead and get it. Well after getting my funds and parts to gather I got started on it a few weeks ago, so far I've replaced the transmission with a Jasper 3 year 100,000 mile warranty unit, new rear main seal, new water pump, new oil pan gasket, plugs and wires and all new exhaust manifold studs. Next it's going to the frame shop where a friend of mine is going to replace the front cross member and go through the rest of the steering components. After that it should be road ready. But this week I purchased a 2002 Ford E-350 with the 5.4 a Quigley conversion and a hi top with only 69,xxx miles on it.

Now I have a decision to make, I know that if I keep the Chevrolet it is going to have to have a hi top put on it so I can build out the inside. I got the Ford at a really good deal and I think I could turn it and make a little to finish the Chevrolet or keep it and sell the Chevrolet and finish out the Ford and put up the rest. So my question is which one do I keep. I plan on using it beach driving and camping off the beaten path no serious off road stuff. So let me know what you think.

 

[Bbasso]

One major factor I would consider is the cost of replacement parts during ownership. Also aftermarket parts and support.
As for choosing which one, I happen to be a Ford guy...

 

[Len.Barron]

I'm a chevy guy and (given your listed usage) the decision would be easy for me....keep the Ford. You aren't brand loyal (and there's nothing wrong with that); the ford is SAS and Hightop already with a lot less miles, while the 5.4 isn't as strong or tunable as the 6.0, it is a very reliable engine, installing a shift kit to the trans to keep the pressures up will help protect it (and installing a much larger cooler), again, it's not as robust as the 4L80e but you didn't say anything about towing 10,000lbs so who cares..

 

[Jo_Duval]

what is the quigley conversion looking like ? i have been looking at getting parts to make my chevy van 4wd! aha..

Im a Gm guy, but if the top and the 4x4 is already on the ford plus low miles you cant really go wrong. id keep the ford and sell the 2 chevys

 

[Scotty D]

Which one weighs more?
I built a 09 awd express for baja beaches and I did everything I could to keep it as light as possible. With aired down BFGs the thing absolutely floats on the sand. More power and beefier 4wd is not always the best route to the end goal.