Need advice: Considering an E350 passenger van

[njtacoma]

I recently saw a v-10 1997 chateau on Craigslist in Denver, CO with side cargo doors. It had 211000 miles, the add seems to be gone now, so perhaps it sold. I was pretty interested except for the mileage.

I have never noticed a ford conversion on the EB vans. In fact I saw my first LWB Chevy express conversion on the highway yesterday, but Denver isn't a big market for conversion vans. Around here everyone buys a Suburban/Expedition/Pilot for AWD 8 passenger kid hauling.

 

[ujoint]

Here's an 06 E350 Chateau, diesel with barn doors. Finding a nice one is really hard, you may get lucky though! You can always get a regular pass van and make a better chateau with some sienna seats.

Here's the setup I have in V5, Sienna seats with a bench in the back.

 

[Shocker]

Not to be a jerk, but I did say "as far as simple upgrades go." Mine's also pre-OBDII, as any pre-96 would be, so not too many simple options, and they only made them til 96.

Cheers

Ummm, ok.

 

[njtacoma]

Tonight I am perusing Ebay and found a ford EB Conversion van, first for me.

 

[89s rule]

I found a few EB conversions when I was looking but they were way over priced, as is that one on eBay. I'd give the same advice as Chris, if you can't find a Chateau buy a nice XLT and swap some sienna seats in with a new carpet or vinyl for the rear and your golden.

 

[dentedvw]

I will be selling our Super Duty EB soon. It's 5.4 though, and in Utah. Already lifted, not 4x4 though. Desert stripes, hitch, step bumper, rear heat/AC, two rows of seating in the back, all tinted tilt out windows, dark green, vinyl floor. 130k ish miles. CHEAP! We are replacing it with a new Nissan, to have the tall top and ugly front end. The Ford is just too handsome for me.

 

[packmule]

I will be selling our Super Duty EB soon. It's 5.4 though, and in Utah. Already lifted, not 4x4 though. Desert stripes, hitch, step bumper, rear heat/AC, two rows of seating in the back, all tinted tilt out windows, dark green, vinyl floor. 130k ish miles. CHEAP! We are replacing it with a new Nissan, to have the tall top and ugly front end. The Ford is just too handsome for me.

Thanks for the offer, but I've decided to narrow my search to RB V10 Chateau vans for the time being.

 

[packmule]

I'm going to look at a van Saturday that's a couple hours away from me. It's a 1998 E-350 Chateau with the V10, slider door, nice shape, 114k miles, recent maintenance. I'm getting a CarFax report tomorrow and will do a in person vehicle inspection and test drive. I'd like some pointers and tips on what issues or problem areas to look for. Here's what I'm planning to focus on:

- body fit and finish, door/window leaks (wear and tear dents ok)
- inspect chassis, exhaust, suspension, drivetrain, brakes (focus on rust, obvious leaks, front suspension wear parts)
- under hood inspection, check fluids
- test drive focusing on engine idle, partial and full throttle response, shift quality, rattles, noises, alignment, brake performance

Is it worthwhile to remove the doghouse to closer inspect the engine if the checks listed above seem good? Is there anything else I should pay close attention to? It has brand new tires, so I'm going to focus really closely on steering and tracking during the test drive.

Thanks for any input.

Jim

 

[Bbasso]

Always get the dog house off and look. If the seller has an issue with that, walk away.
I would suggest the V10 With the 5R110, 2005 or newer. .. If your budget would allow.
They work very well together.

Don't stress out about the wheel alignment, just make sure it's never been in an accident especially a hard hit. Getting it straighten out later could really be a pia.

If you can bring a obd2 scanner that would help you to know more and scare the seller into speaking the truth.

I don't like rust, any amount or any location. If you see any hit it with a hammer and listen for a solid metal sound.

Check the body panels for the Vin stickers and make sure the gaps line up ok.

Let it run the entire time you are there and set the a/c to max, it should stress the van just enough to cause any weak problems to show while also testing the a/c.

 

[packmule]

Always get the dog house off and look. If the seller has an issue with that, walk away.
I would suggest the V10 With the 5R110, 2005 or newer. .. If your budget would allow.

Thanks for the great tips. I wish I could afford a 2005 or newer, but I'm committed to not financing anything and I don't have enough saved yet. I have near term needs that force my hand into buying sooner rather than saving longer.

 

[tgreening]

ford's modulars are great engines. You wont go wrong even with the older versions, you're just going to give up some power. The 4R100 series tranny will get it done no problem.

But....every modular I've owned, and my buddy has owned, had a habit of busting exhaust manifold bolts, especially passenger side. They've never been a huge issue, but it is definitely an inconvenience to repair. Pay close attention to the condition of the bolts.

Find out if you can when the plugs have been changed, which should have been at 100k max if I recall. I dont remember the model year splits, but certain years had certain issues. Some had issues spitting plugs out of the head, other years had problems with plugs breaking off in the head during replacement. We never had those problems, at all. Again, I dont remember details but supposedly Ford rectified both issues at some point. A good place to go for all things Ford is ford-trucks dot com. Everything you ever wanted to know, plenty you dont, and never ending threads of Gas vs Diesel, but if a Ford engine has a set of pervasive issues you will find out all about it there.

You will easily find out what plug issues there were with whatever model year you are looking at, and the fixes.

If your choice has had them recently changed, I'd arm myself with the knowledge of that years specific issues (if any), and change them again. This way if it was the improper torque issue (spitting plugs) you'll know they've been put in right. If it was the two piece breaking plug problem, you can make sure the updated plugs are installed. Anyway, that website I listed will tell you all you need.

Good luck finding your ride. I loved my V10, just be ready to Feed the Beast. Fuel mileage and Ford V10 don't live in the same world.

 

[Bbasso]

Iirc: 2004 to 2005 was the years Ford corrected the plug issue by adding a few more threads in the head.

 

[packmule]

My search is over. I found a 2001 E-350 XLT 12 passenger van, V10, 4.10 limited slip, 91k miles, clean, well maintained for a good price. I'm the 3rd owner, behind an elderly couple who towed a trailer and pulled the seats to setup a plush bed for their show dog. The second owner used it as a 3rd vehicle for his large family. It hasn't been worked hard and should last a while.

I decided to go 12 passenger instead of a Chateau because it was a little easier to find a nice one, and it's just more flexible. I've got some space to store the seats if I choose to take one or more out. If I really must have captains chairs, I know where I can find some Sienna seats and mounting brackets.

I've got a few minor things to take care of, but I know them going in. The e-brake needs to be adjusted, the left rear corner marker is cracked, and I've got a dome light issue to sort out. I need to sort out the few minor issues and do a full detail to get to know the van before we drive to LA next weekend. Also, the first owners added big ugly towing mirrors that were replaced by the second owner with factory towing mirrors. I'll probably fill the holes at some point, but it's low on my list. The first upgrade will probably be Yakima bars to use my existing accessories.

After a quick bath and 10 minutes with a Shop Vac.

 

[bknudtsen]

Sweet! More pics please!

 

[packmule]

I'll try to get more pics today.

I want to get the shop and wiring manuals for the van. I see original hard copies on eBay for around $35 + shipping and PDF copies on CD for $15. I doubt they're factory CDs. Has anyone had issues with the PDF copies like poor resolution, missing sections or information, etc?