Thoughts on this Craig’s List - ‘97 E-350

[Phred]

Does this 97 E-350 Have potential for 4 x 4 conversion? Is it too old to to put that much effort into, desirable, compatible? Thanks

https://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/cto...899566218.html

[renegadeoverland]

5k for a 7.3 is a solid deal so long as all the info checks out ... big things to consider are mileage and frame/body condition. If they are rust free and mileage is not astronomical that feels like a solid deal and I would say worth investing into a 4x4 conversion.

My personal opinion (which is somewhat a minority in the van community :-p ) is that the 7.3 platform is worth investing in. Even if it has huge miles and you have to end up putting another 5 - 10k into a rebuild that is still a worthwhile platform imho.

[BroncoHauler]

Tough call, and only one pic doesn't help.


Would you do the 4x4 conversion yourself, because otherwise you're looking at sinking $15K-$20K into an old van. DYI, that could drop to $8K-$10K, depending how much you're able to do yourself.




herb

[mikracer]

Seeing as how demand for the 7.3 seems to never fade, I would say it would be a potential candidate to put money towards a 4x4 conversion if you're going to be the end user. If you are planning on flipping it, I don't think there is any profit potential.

[r27d]

7.3 with barn doors is pretty desirable I love my 7.3 and diesel mechanics do too because they're sick of 6.0/6.4 issues. Curious about the mileage and service records. From the one picture it looks like the guy who has it swapped the mirrors so he might be somewhat of an enthusiast who took care of it.

[Grampswrx]

Probably a decent deal, but I don't know about "investing" in a 4x4 conversion. If that is what you want, its worth the money, but you might only get about 50% of that money back. Looks like a clean van and probably an older, tech-unsavvy owner. I just got a nice van from an older dude like that. Definitely worth checking out.

[TomsBeast]

There's not enough information in the ad to say, but at first blush, if I were in the market for a second 90's 7.3 van, I'd try to have a phone conversation as the next step.

[Phred]

Thanks All,
That is all very helpful.
I have an ‘06 bullet proofed E350 and an 04 F250 donor that I’m starting on now. I really have no business looking at others now but, I suspect like many here, I’m obsessed and can’t stop myself. I’m going to be near the van in a couple of weeks if it’s still around. I’ll take a look and throw it on the site here if it looks sound.

[JWA]

That ad seems to have been deleted by its author---already sold?

[86Scotty]

Yep, bet so. Cheap 7.3's move fast.