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rv:ford_e-series [2022/01/14 23:38] princess_fluffypants [Ford E-series] |
rv:ford_e-series [2023/11/22 16:06] princess_fluffypants [Facts and Figures] Clarify engine availability |
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{{: | {{: | ||
- | The Ford Econoline was, until recently, the most ubiquitous van in the United States and are still available in plentiful quantities on the used market. | + | The Ford Econoline was, until recently, the most ubiquitous van in the United States and are still available in plentiful quantities on the used market. |
+ | |||
+ | The last year of the E-Series van was the 2014 model year. Since then it has only been sold as a " | ||
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+ | [[https:// | ||
- | The last year of the E-Series van was the 2014 model year. Since then it has only been sold as a " | ||
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=== Engines === | === Engines === | ||
+ | |||
+ | All of the gasoline V-6/8/10 engines offered in the later generations of vans were the " | ||
Depending on the year, the Econoline vans were offered with the following engines: | Depending on the year, the Econoline vans were offered with the following engines: | ||
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* The one you want. Excellent power, good gas milage (20+ mpg). Hard to find in good condition. | * The one you want. Excellent power, good gas milage (20+ mpg). Hard to find in good condition. | ||
* **6.0L V-8 Diesel** (2004-2010) | * **6.0L V-8 Diesel** (2004-2010) | ||
- | * [[https:// | + | * [[https:// |
* **6.4L V-8 Diesel** (2011-2014) | * **6.4L V-8 Diesel** (2011-2014) | ||
- | * Slightly less terrible, but still [[https:// | + | * Was never put into vans but can be found in pickup trucks and some RVs. Slightly less bad than the 6.0, but still [[https:// |
=== Height === | === Height === | ||
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+ | ===== Common Modifications ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | **High Tops** They frequently had [[rv: | ||
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+ | **Lift Kits**. | ||
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+ | **Anti-Theft**. [[https:// | ||
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+ | ---- | ||
===== Econoline Vs Euro Vans ===== | ===== Econoline Vs Euro Vans ===== | ||
- | One of the most common topics in modern van-dwelling is comparing the older style vans (Such a the Econoline, [[rv: | + | One of the most common topics in modern van-dwelling is comparing the older style vans (Such a the Econoline, [[rv: |
====Econoline Strengths==== | ====Econoline Strengths==== | ||
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**Build Quality.** The vans were built quickly and cheaply, and while the drivetrain and mechanical parts are reliable the interior fit-and-finish leaves a LOT to be desired. Sound deadening/ | **Build Quality.** The vans were built quickly and cheaply, and while the drivetrain and mechanical parts are reliable the interior fit-and-finish leaves a LOT to be desired. Sound deadening/ | ||
- | **Amenities.** There aren't any. Even things like very basic cruise control are a rarity. None came with backup cameras, forget about blind-spot detection or heated seats or power-folding mirrors. Even power seats weren' | + | **Amenities.** There aren't any. Even things like very basic cruise control are a rarity. None came with backup cameras, forget about things like bluetooth or blind-spot detection or power/heated seats or power-folding mirrors. |
The good news is that they' | The good news is that they' | ||
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See the [[rv: | See the [[rv: | ||
- | **The 6.0L and 6.4L diesel engines should be avoided at all costs.** $5,000+ repair bills //are to be expected// especially on vans that spent a lot of time idling (ambulances), | ||
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- | The 4R70E 4-spd transmission (found behind the 4.6L V-8 gas engine from 2002-2005) is weak. They' | ||
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- | The E-150 vans were very under-built for their weight spec, and eat brake and suspension components regularly. The E-250 and E-350 vans are much tougher, and are generally recommended if you're doing all but the most minimal metal-tent usage. | ||
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- | The blower motor controller (for the interior HVAC system) will fail every few years. | ||
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- | The vans are prone to rust, especially if used in colder climates with salted roads. It is highly recommended to seek vans from southwestern/ | ||
- | |||
- | The modern gas engines (4.6L V-8, 5.3L V-8, and 6.8L V-10) had very weak spark plug threads and were extremely easy to strip out. And because they couldn' | ||
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- | ---- | ||
===== Quirks ===== | ===== Quirks ===== | ||
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The vans are not difficult to steal; a flat-head screwdriver and //maybe// a hammer is all that's needed to punch out a door lock. There' | The vans are not difficult to steal; a flat-head screwdriver and //maybe// a hammer is all that's needed to punch out a door lock. There' | ||
- | The 4.2L V-6 (used from 1997–2003) is barely able to keep up with traffic, and so under-powered that it's almost dangerous if you have any weight in the van at all. It usually gets //worse// gas mileage than the V-8s, because you're constantly having to floor it just to keep moving. | + | The 4.2L V-6 (used from 1997–2003) is barely able to keep up with traffic, and so under-powered that it's almost dangerous if you have any weight in the van. It usually gets //worse// gas mileage than the V-8s, because you're constantly having to floor it just to keep moving. |
The 4.6L and 5.4L V-8s are acceptable, and the 6.8L V-10 is quite potent and makes short work of mountain passes and steep inclines. | The 4.6L and 5.4L V-8s are acceptable, and the 6.8L V-10 is quite potent and makes short work of mountain passes and steep inclines. | ||
- | The 2008 model year (and newer) got //much// better | + | The 2008 model year (and newer) got //much// better brakes than prior years. |
===CNG/ | ===CNG/ | ||
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Unfortunately, | Unfortunately, | ||
- | Converting the vans back to run on gasoline involves replacing the entire intake, fuel system, engine computer and wiring harness. You'd need almost an entire donor van worth of parts to do it, because | + | Converting the vans back to run on gasoline involves replacing the entire intake, fuel system, engine computer and wiring harness. You'd need almost an entire donor van worth of parts to do it, as trying to buy the parts one by one would be prohibitively expensive. |
Because of these problems it's generally best to avoid these vans, as they' | Because of these problems it's generally best to avoid these vans, as they' |