Opinions on Ford E350

Any of you guys have much experience with Ford E350’s? Specifically the Triton V8 or V10 gas engines? I am in the planning stages of a vehicle build for an extended expedition to South America. The current plan in a 2010+ E350 converted to 4x4 and built out interior. Kind of a budget Sportsmobile.

I have owned one before, and know of some of the common problems like ignition coils, fuel sender units, and timing chain issues, but I don’t really know how common the problems really are, especially on a low mileage (50k or less) vehicle. I figure some people here probably drive, or work on these in a fleet often.

Thanks for any input.

 

The E-series vans are great in my opinion, but from what I've seen (at least here in PA) they have a tendency to rust and rot out. The V10 is just a gas-hog; If you want extra power, find one with a 7.3L diesel! If you don't specifically need the extra power, the 5.4L should be fine...

 

My experience with them is also pretty good. And the general consensus seems to be they usually run to 200+K.

I don’t really need the power, don’t tow, and I like the newer vans, which I believe only came with the 6.0 diesel. I have also been advised to avoid diesels for this type of trip.

I will be avoiding vans from the NE if possible. Currently looking at several options in CA and TX.

 

My old neighbor has a 2004 Ford Excursion V10 with almost 400K miles on the original engine; The 6.8L V10 is very reliable if taken care of, but the gas mileage will make just about anything with a V8 or V6 seem like a Prius by comparison!

You do realize that the E350 is going to have a harsher ride than an E250, right? If you're okay with this, then I say go for it!

 

Try to find an oil field Quigley conversion 4WD E-series.

I drove a 2WD version of this van which was an E-350 for six months and the slightest bit of mud or deep snow it would get stuck

 

Did it have limited-slip/posi, or was it open rear?

 

No idea I was glad when the company finally sent it to auction

 

Wow, 400K on anything is impressive. Slightly better mileage would be nice for a planned 40K+ mile trip, though I am only anticipating about 10mpg once the 4x4 conversion is done running 35’s.

I think the van will end up weighing about 7500 lbs fully loaded, so the additional capacity would be beneficial. I think some of the E250s also had lighter duty axles and gear ratios which would also be a downside for my use.

 

About a year and a half ago, I pushed a Chevy Express 1500 that was stuck in the snow; It clearly had a posi rear, but it was going absolutely nowhere!

 

I wonder if a numerically higher gear ratio would help you? Also, are you going to put this in the "Other Builds" section of this forum?

 

I have heard some of the Quigly parts can be a bit light duty, so I am planning on doing the conversion myself with a Dana 60. Should be pretty robust as I am planning it now.

 

I do plan on documenting it in “Other builds” as well as several other forums. An 8ft tall van on Dana 60’s running 35’s tends to get peoples attention.

 

Do you want cargo or passenger? They did actually make windowless cargo vans with rear A/C and heat! I don't know if you were planning to cut through the roof and install one of those rooftop camper A/C units...?

 

Open to either one if I find the right vehicle, though I am leaning towards the passenger version at the moment for various reasons.