Most Reliable GAS Vans

[PHeller]

I'm on the hunt for a van, 4x4, AWD, 2WD, doesn't much matter. Gas mileage is a concern, but the real test is reliability.

Seems like there are tons of gas E150's floating around, and Astro/Safari are fairly common as well. I've heard vastly different opinions of reliability between the 4.3L Vortec and the 302/351 Ford. Some guys lead me to believe that most Ford gas engines are junk and that even the little 4.3l V6 Vortec is the most reliable thing since the Cummins 12v.

So, what are the most reliable gas engines out there?

 

[ihatemybike]

The miles put on Grumpy are just ridiculous, especially since the I know the first tune up ever done on it was performed by me at 300k miles. Nothing like breaking the factory sticker that spans cap to distributor. It appears that before me that the only maintenance things done where fluids, filters and belts. The van was on it's second fuel pump when I bought it, with the stock ACDelco/Delphi units lasting 100-120k miles, after market pumps have a bad habit of early deaths in these vans. I'm driving my 4th and 5th diving Astros currently and have had two parts vans. I had an oil pump go out on my 1986 and didn't know it, cause it didn't have an oil pressure gauge. My 1994 was sold running good with 211k on the clock cause I was being prodded to get something newer and nicer. My 2000 was rear ended hard on the interstate, not much damage, but high enough mileage for ins to total it. IIRC, the 2000 had 18#k something miles.

Both my current vans have had there transmissions out. Green lost the 3-4 clutch pack, city driving and poor maintenance by the previous owner is to blame, but an HD-2 shift kit would have made it last longer. The 4L60E is somewhat known for this problem, due to the soft shift GM sets them up with from the factory. Grumpy's was still very much drivable with 333k miles on it, but overdrive was slipping enough that the van was getting better gas mileage in 3rd (aka 1:1 drive). I did the removal/replacement on both, Green received a rebuild with many upgrades, Grumpy received an unknown condition trans from my current parts van.

I can go on and on about my love for these vans and often do. I've also been known to provide phone support for those needing help with repairs and/or modifications.

 

[bknudtsen]

Every motor has its issue. These are well documented all over this site, as well as other.

Ford 5.4 has issues with spitting spark plugs out
Chevy 5.3 has some piston slap issues on earlier models
Chevy 4.3 throttle control switch

IMHO, I would choose the platform that works for you, and then search for a vehicle that has good maintenance records. As always, leave room in you budget for unexpected repairs. I personally like the AWD Astro for a plug and play reliable gas van. My parent's Astro lasted forever and was handed down to my sister. Usually, it's the switches and electronics on the higher mileage vehicles that become the biggest headaches.

 

[NLPRacing]

When I was at my mechanics shop a few years ago, a sales rep from Jasper Engines came in. We got to talking about my truck and I told him it was an 01 F150 with the 5.4L. I was asking if they sold many Ford 5.4L reman engines and he said not really but that his biggest seller was the GM 5.3L. He said they sold at least 20 to 1 compared to the Ford 5.4L. He said his slowest seller was the Ford 6.8L V10. He said very few failed before 250,000 and most vehicles that used them like the E350 airport shuttle buses wouldn't be in good enough condition to justify having its engine replaced. He said that had so many cores that there was no core charge on V10's. Don't know if he was blowing smoke or that holds true today, but I thought it was interesting.

 

[MTDewX8]

I bought an 00 Yukon XL with the 5.3 with 144k on it adn its pushing 180k now. no problems with the motor as long I take care of things. as the girl friend would seem to forget that it would need an oil change or something.

side note, I am in the market for a 4x4 van and will be watching this thread for sure.

over my search I have found a ford Van with the 351 with 288k and started just fine. didn't get a chance to drive it, but sounded good for that many miles. AC didn't work, but anyway just thought I would share.

 

[gongeuzler]

What about the ford 4.9L I6 that was available in the e150's?

 

[zuren]

The posting of this thread is timely. I have a Chevy Express with the 5.3L. It was reliable up until this weekend when it failed to start, leaving my g/f and I stranded in NH. Fortunately it was at a friend's farm and could sit until today but it was very odd; one minute running fine to not being able to start it at all. I'll post back with results as it was towed to a garage up there today.

 

[mapper]

If gas mileage isn't a concern I'd go V8. Either of these motors have a good rep and you'll be able to find a ready willing mechanic anywhere you are, in the US anyway. I currently have an Astro with the 4.3, it's a great little motor that chugs along with nary a protest. Mine has 207K. I've owned it since 187K and I know the mechanic who worked on it since ~100k. Needed nothing but tuneups. Currently, seeps oil and throws a code for Evap issues but runs like a top. That said, if I wasn't on a tight budget I'd go w/ a full size van and V8 for the added space and load handling ability.

 

[r_w]

What about the ford 4.9L I6 that was available in the e150's?

Maybe the strongest engine Ford ever made. They still have little issues, especially later years as they became smogged to death.

 

[CodyY]

If gas mileage isn't a concern I'd go V8. Either of these motors have a good rep and you'll be able to find a ready willing mechanic anywhere you are, in the US anyway. I currently have an Astro with the 4.3, it's a great little motor that chugs along with nary a protest. Mine has 207K. I've owned it since 187K and I know the mechanic who worked on it since ~100k. Needed nothing but tuneups. Currently, seeps oil and throws a code for Evap issues but runs like a top. That said, if I wasn't on a tight budget I'd go w/ a full size van and V8 for the added space and load handling ability.

I usually get better mileage with a V8.

4.3's are solid. A little lifter noise is common, but i've put a ****-ton of miles on a couple

 

[tinbasher]

The posting of this thread is timely. I have a Chevy Express with the 5.3L. It was reliable up until this weekend when it failed to start, leaving my g/f and I stranded in NH. Fortunately it was at a friend's farm and could sit until today but it was very odd; one minute running fine to not being able to start it at all. I'll post back with results as it was towed to a garage up there today.

i'm guessing fuel pump. try smacking the gas tank, usually buys you a couple more weeks