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Comments
Yup, my terminology was off: we do not plan to lay new tracks across the pristine wilderness with our van. Poor-roading is a much better description for what we like to do.
We're leaning towards a 2001 Ford E350 Ext., but having a damn time finding one that matches our mug shot. Finding one with a limited-slip diff seems unrealistic at this point, so we're facing an expensive ($1800) post-factory install of an option that only costs $221 if factory-ordered. This expense is causing us to waffle on the used/new decision.
Interesting aside: I heard through the grapevine that my fair city ordered a whole lot of Ford E-350s. To 'save' money, they opted out of most 'luxury' options, including the limited-slip. After a bad storm when most of the new city vans got stuck, the city has decided to retro fit the vans. Ouch.
I ddin't say limited slip. These aren't particularly helpful offroading/poor-roading, but are better than nothing on gravel or light snow. Get a true locked differential, like a Detriot Locker or Lockright. The part should cost $400 or so and labor should be around 3 hours. See www.drivetrain.com for the parts and info. But locked diffs do make handling different and cause understeer. In other words, slow down and know your vehicle. But the offroad guys swear by them. Note that the earlier link I sent you concerned installing a locked differential. Here is another article covering the different types: http://www.angelfire.com/my/fastcar/diffey.html. The guy really likes Torsen and dislikes Powertrax and similar lock diffs but the analysis is sound. A factory LSD is similar to the Auburn type listed in the article.
Today I bought a 2001 Chevy Ext Express 3500 LS in bright RED. Very nice.
I will put a hitch on the back and we will be driving across the country this summer with our Coleman popup.
Question: I have small children and that van is very high. Where can I buy some running boards that fit? I am pretty handy and it would be great if I could just order some and install them myself.
(Or does finding a local shop make more sense?)
Steve, Host
Steven
The virtuous van (Albuquerque Tribune)
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
Even the minivans boards for the ChryCo triplets used to be fairly active a while ago, and every now and then Ody vs Sienna flares up, but by and large this whole section is fairly quiet.
I have a minivan and continue to lurk around to contribute or read something interesting.
Maybe with some heavy data mining. You buying? <g>
Steve, Host
In site news, here's the Lowest True Cost to Own Vehicles for 2004
Steve, Host
We could reopen the Dodge Freightliner (Mercedes Sprinter) discussion, but there's not a whole lot of interest in it yet. Maybe if they started pushing a camper version?
Steve, Host
Frank
Ford Econoline
Steve, Host
Thanks
It's funny, but the new minivans are probably as big or bigger than the full size ones are. The Eurovan sure is a big box too.
I saw a conversion van today with a Winnebago topper replacing the factory roof. That thing was tall!
It sounds like you currently have two full size vans? What's the attraction? I looked at a couple back in '98 when we got our minivan for our big road trip, but decided that a smaller one would work ok and be a little easier to commute with and park when we settled back down.
Steve, Host
I agree that there could be more entries made in the full sized van forum. It may say a lot about drivers of full sized vans, less interest in computers, fewer problems with their vans, etc.
Frank
Maybe a Quigley conversion is in your future too ;-)
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
I bought a 2001 E350 on EBAY, with 1200 miles, for about $21,000. Had A/C, LimSlip, Power W and Doors, but not much else, other than the 7.3L diesel.
Here I am, two years later, and quite happy with the van. I still use my CC PU thru the week, but we use the van (to which a single bench seat and 3-place dirtbike tiedown system has been added) for weekend road trips. I'm at 44k miles, and average 16-18 mpg when running roughly 82mph on the interstates not towing. When towing my 5,000lb travel trailer, mileage drops to close to 10mpg at same speeds. Have added Sirius radio, and pretty much love the vehicle. When we want, I can hotel it, and not worry about getting stuff ripped off out of the back of the truck.
Well, thought I would chime in and let folks know that, at least for me, I am quite happy!
Is there a marked difference in mechanical reliability between the Chevy Express/GMC Savanna 2500 and 3500 and the Ford E250 and E350.
I purposely omitted the 1500 models as I read they have had transmission problems; listed in the archived posts.
However, I have not seen any recent posts that address the transmissions in the 1500 models since 2001. I am interested in the years 2001 and newer. Maybe the 1500 models have improved their mechanical reliability? Any thoughts from current or former owners of each?
Maybe people here think the GM vans are more reliable but Ford still has over 50% market share.
We have a 94 E250 HD with 155,000 miles on it. We've replaced a radiator and idler pulley in addition to tuneups, brakes, and tires. This vehicle has towed sailboat trailers of 2,800 to 4,500 lbs for over 25,000 miles - try that with a minivan. I know several folks with Econolines with up to 326,000 miles without any rebuilds. I may not even look at the GM vans when we buy tne next one.
I'm searching for an electrical connector to match an existing underdash connector. The shop manual labels this connector as "Van Conversion Provision" with no C- number. It has 4 wires: 2 fused high current wires, a control wire from the ignition switch, and a ground wire. I'd like to find a source for the mating connector.
Thanks -- W6DWF
The battery drains when it is not used longer than 1 or 2 weeks. I do not know if the extras are on or off as the buttons don't say what is what. I love the van, but I am frustrated with the lack of info. If you know anything, please share. I appreciate it.
Thanks, arielsgranny
Any comments, experiences, prices paid, gas mileage, etc. would be welcome.
Thank you. PBL
Things that have recently been replaced since I bought the van in May:
- oxygen sensor
- spark plugs & wires
- fuel, air, and oil filters
- distributor cap & rotor
- PCV valve
- brake pads & shoes
- radiator
Thank you for your help.
Thanks
So again I ask, can anyone offer me any advice or tips to try? With gas prices jumping like they are, I am desperate to improve this engine's behavior!
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Thanks,jumidory