Help Selecting a van to start with

[greggearhead]

I'm test driving the Chevy 3500 tomorrow - the E350 is far away, and guy won't return calls. I'm much more inclined to the Ford, for the reasons Rallypanam stated, but it might be a choice made for me.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by rallypanam

I'd do the Ford.. assuming it is a Quigley or other 'name brand' 4x4 conversion.

While older, the V10 is great, it has lower mileage, and the aftermarket support for all things Ford is much larger.

Hopefully by tomorrow the Ford guy will get back to you.

I just bought a Ford V10, my 2nd V10 and my 5th or 6th Ford. I've always preferred Chevys and badly wanted an AWD but I just can't find one for less than 10k with no rust or less than 200+/-k. The aftermarket support is so far and away above with the Fords that's why almost every conversion, SMB, camper, etc. is on a Ford chassis. You will find a lot of V10 love here as stated before. Anyone who has a problem with a V10 probably is buying into the hype about spark plug and COP problems. There is much more hype than actual issue. That said, the 5.3 Chevy motors seem to run forever without any needs at all.

Still, looking at the mileage for the price of the three you've stated the Ford seems like the best.

[carringb]

If your budget allows, I highly recommend holding out for a good condition 2WD V10 van, then converting it to 4x4. This will allow you to build the setup that will work best for your needs.

[greggearhead]

That has actually been a thought - but when I look for halfway decent ones, they are within a few thousand dollars of some of the V10 4x4 ones I've found - in similar or higher mileage condition, no less. I know the conversion will cost an easy $5-10k depending on how much I do myself and what I source parts for.

[greggearhead]

I just made a handshake deal (money sent in the am) for a 1996 Ford 4x4 van with 105k miles and a 351. I feel good about it - it's far away, but a flight and a drive home, vs. the one I looked at today, and the one I was looking at tomorrow just didn't feel right.

Wish me luck, will be flying out and driving her home in the next few weeks.

[greggearhead]

OK, so ticket is bought for this Saturday, deposit sent on 1996 Ford E250.

I am going to ship a few things, but I was wondering - is the 96 E250 all SAE, all Metric or a mix? I'd like to at least have a few tools with me, but not sure what to take. I remember my 1990 F250 being a mix, but that's been a while....

[rallypanam]

Details? Quigley? Engine? Mileage? Enquiring minds wanna know!

Mostly (if not all?) SAE.

[greggearhead]

E250 cargo, 351 engine, 105k, not Quigley, ex State Patrol van to haul scales.

More when it's in-hand, so to speak.

[rallypanam]

Looks clean! And has a Warn winch.

No idea who did 4x4? State Patrol van would lean towards Quigley.. I think they're he only converters with government contracts, especially back then.

[greggearhead]

Salem Kroger, SVO division?