DIESEL VS. GASOLINE

[Christopher Thwaites]

The 5R tranny is on all 350 vans after 2005, gas or diesel I believe. I've spoken with several owners and the 5R tranny doesn't seem to have repair issues. As for gas vs diesel. I highly recommend driving a couple of diesels so you can hear the noise levels for yourself. The subject of gas versus diesel has been debated at length in the forum.
It is 100% subjective. I like gas! I'm in the minority. Drive both. Define your long term needs. Make a choice.

[deminimis]

Just a lowly servant, so searching for pre-2005....really pre-2005. Thinking turn of the century for me. The price difference b/t the two is such that I can't afford to not to at least consider a V-10 (although I am a fan of the diesel). I wish these came with 6 speed manuals.

[Ford_6L_E350]

I wish these came with 6 speed manuals.

Wouldn't that be wonderful! This van is the first vehicle I've wanted that had an automatic, and I only wanted it because it's the only choice. I've got a 99 and an 00 PU, and both were specially ordered to get the manual trans. I've always felt that if you go off-road, you should have a stick. You can break a gear and still get out with the other gears. You can break the clutch linkage and still drive it. With an automatic, almost any problem and you are stranded. Plus, I really like the control of a stick, even if an automatic has an advantage in severe off road conditions.

Mike

[deminimis]

Thanks folks for letting me play through. I hope this wasn't too much of a thread hijack.