Age Limit on SMB's

diver110 · 10-22-2010, 09:28 PM

Found a used 2001 SMB with 4WD, under 70,000 miles. I would have to do some mods, but has the V10 and 4WD I wanted. What I am wondering if SMB's had some kind of lifespan. I assume this one was built in 2000 and so is around 10 years old. Not a youngster in car years. Is there a point in time when SMB's tend to give up the ghost irrespective of miles? Thanks.

jage · 10-23-2010, 08:44 AM

There are some pretty sweet 90s SMBs rolling around (NRL comes to mind) so I would jump on it. The money you save you can use to fix anything, but if the screws are still in after 10 years, I'd say you've got a good prospect there.

70K is about where my van is at, and what you lose by year (in my opinion) is chassis value, meaning if you have a loss the insurance isn't going to want to give you more than a few thou without a fight... no reason to not buy though, I imagine a new van has the same problem just at a higher dollar level.

Also the next buyer is going to have the same feelings you do, so at this age they're probably better to keep than enjoy and resell.

NRL · 10-23-2010, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

There are some pretty sweet 90s SMBs rolling around (NRL comes to mind) so I would jump on it. The money you save you can use to fix anything, but if the screws are still in after 10 years, I'd say you've got a good prospect there.

70K is about where my van is at, and what you lose by year (in my opinion) is chassis value, meaning if you have a loss the insurance isn't going to want to give you more than a few thou without a fight... no reason to not buy though, I imagine a new van has the same problem just at a higher dollar level.

Also the next buyer is going to have the same feelings you do, so at this age they're probably better to keep than enjoy and resell.

yup, saved a lot and put it back with mods on a 96' one owner.. all is well.

I heard 2003 and up is the years you want a Ford V10. There is a thread on 2001 V10's were not perfect until after 2003++. Consult the G Oracle, I will not list the issues..

Other then being a big block cast iron motor, my 460 engine's replacement is the V10. Love the 460 but I think the V10 aluminium being lighter and with more horsepower is better. I think the last year the 460 motor was in a econoline was 96. So far close to zero problems with it.

Still got a feeler in searching for the right mint 2003+ Ford V10 to do a home brew next time around. Been searching but still haven't found the "One" that will be the new blank canvas.

Ford_6L_E350 · 10-24-2010, 10:04 AM

SMB's are not that different from cars.

Some owner's will have worn out a car in 2-3 years.

Other cars from the 20's are still running.

Used vehicles vary greatly in both the maintainance and operation. It is nearly impossible to make generalizations other than they all vary.

Mike

diver110 · 10-25-2010, 08:46 AM

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like there is not fixed life as such, which is what I figured. Who is the G Oracle?

NRL · 10-25-2010, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diver110

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like there is not fixed life as such, which is what I figured. Who is the G Oracle?

Sorry, the Great Oracle is Google.

oldbonesclimber · 10-25-2010, 07:22 PM

I'm 60 wife 62. How many SMB's are we allowed to Have?

Paul and Tina

diver110 · 10-25-2010, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NRL

Quote:

Originally Posted by diver110

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like there is not fixed life as such, which is what I figured. Who is the G Oracle?

Sorry, the Great Oracle is Google.

Unbelievably, that is the first time I heard that. I did google the issue and did learn there were some problems with "threads" pre 2003. Could not find much detail though.

jage · 10-25-2010, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldbonesclimber

I'm 60 wife 62. How many SMB's are we allowed to Have?

Paul and Tina

Between you, four. One each to drive, one each to flat-tow for spare parts! More than that and they wouldn't get used.

NRL · 10-26-2010, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diver110

Quote:

Originally Posted by NRL

Quote:

Originally Posted by diver110

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like there is not fixed life as such, which is what I figured. Who is the G Oracle?

Sorry, the Great Oracle is Google.

Unbelievably, that is the first time I heard that. I did google the issue and did learn there were some problems with "threads" pre 2003. Could not find much detail though.

I read a few threads regarding the pre 2003 V10's, especially the 2001 V10's had a spark plug thread issue where it was too short and would pop.. Not quite sure when they fixed it but I heard it was until 2003+ that the issue was addressed.. That's about it for the V10 though, awesome motor too.