Front End Redesign in 08 and the Transit

[j.whitbread]

We logically see a new van coming from Ford. The Econoline bridges too many manufacturing eras and needs updating for a bunch of reasons.

My question is, was the redesign in 08 of the front section a serious attempt by Ford to update the E Series to compete with coming unibody 1 ton vans? If it was, the effort failed miserably. The door forward redesign in 08 strikes me as another failed attempt by Detroit to avoid starting with a clean slate and coming up with newer, better technology, only delaying the inevitable: the Transit Van. Better is to be determined.

Why else would Ford spend so much money for three pieces of sheet metal, headlights and a grill, annoy all the upfitters, increase insurance costs for owners, etc., and then replace the van all together? For cabovers and motorhomes? There are other Ford vehicles that can do those things. I think they thought the front end redesign would extend the life of the series for another generation.

IMO the E van is unique and can never be replaced. There's something about this familiar vehicle people identify with; turn it into a bad ass 4x4 and it seals the deal. These vans capture the imagination, put a smile on people's faces, and start a conversation at every gas station, which is good because we spend a lot of time there.

[carringb]

I think the real reason for the '08 body work re-design was to put the 6.4L PSD in the vans. The design change would have been initiated prior to Ford's fall-out with International, and Ford's realization that the 6.4L was still a POS.

[buckkiller]

Originally Posted by carringb

I think the real reason for the '08 body work re-design was to put the 6.4L PSD in the vans. The design change would have been initiated prior to Ford's fall-out with International, and Ford's realization that the 6.4L was still a POS.

Well said!!
Buck
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[pffan1990]

Originally Posted by buckkiller

Well said!!
Buck
*

I agree. I think that's the reason but also to update the front-end styling. I personally like the 2008+ front-end styling as it gives it the tough Super Duty Trucks look. I'm surprised many folks here like the pre-2008 styling while I seem to be one of few who like the newer ones. I guess it's just personal taste. lol

[PatO]

The new grill and related changes stopped any thoughts I had of selling my 2004 6.0 and starting new with a V-10. So yes, just a personal style thing.