Ford Van Generations (1975-1991 vs 1992-present)

[TroySmith80]

I'd imagine this has been covered thoroughly already, so i searched, but i couldn't find anything. Can you fine folks help point me toward some threads that discuss differences in living with a pre or post 1992 ford van?

I'm looking to get into a 4x4 Ford and slowly make it into a camper. End goal would be a vanagon westfalia / SMB 50 style interior, with a voyager top and 4WD.

I would prefer a newer rig of course, but am working with a pretty limited budget, so i need to get into a 4x4 van for no more than $10k. So that may put me looking into the pre-1992 generation of vans. Is that a big deal? Would i be strongly advised to do what it takes to get into a newer van, or is the difference not that big of a deal?

One of the most important things to me is having a pretty quiet highway ride. That's one of my biggest complaints with the Westy that i have now. They are loud to begin with, and mine with a Subaru engine is louder still.

[Silver350]

DUDE! Check out the 88 for 9K right here on this site in the Classified/CL section. Everything you want already built for you. Seriously it has your name written all over it.

[TroySmith80]

seems like a lot for the old style. I've seen a couple newer style 4x4 for well under $10k. That's why I'm so curious about the practical differences between body styles.

Are the new ones a lot quieter than the old ones? Do the new ones get significantly better fuel economy? Who has lived with both and can speak to notable differences?

PS - I can't buy until my current rig sells, so no rush at this point. I'm just doing my homework first.

[Silver350]

Well that carburated 460 probably won't get better than 8 MPG.
In 92 they got a newer body as well as bigger brakes and by then they were all fuel injected. Plus the body has not changed since so parts should be more available going forward.

[TroySmith80]

Oh, and one thing that would be a total deal-killer for me is a three speed transmission. The C6 tranny is a 3 speed, right? I must have a 4 speed overdrive transmission. I do not tow heavy loads and i want very low cruising rpm.

Good tip on the 460. Ideally i'd like the mid size v8 (351 or 5.4L). Anybody know what year the 351 went to EFI? And when it was mated to a 4-speed?

[Silver350]

The C6 is said to be bulletproof. Cruising RPM is dependent on many things, a direct drive transmission with correct rear end gearing and big enough tires could get you a reasonable RPM.

[floorguy_724]

I had a 93' with a 5.8 (351), have a 95 with a 7.5 (460), and now a 10' with 5.4.

The 5.8 ran just as good as my newer 5.4 and they are pretty close as far as fuel goes (mpg), around 10-13 city and 15-18 highway. The 7.5l on the other hand is a gas guzzler. I get around 9-10 all day no matter how slow of fast I drive! It does have tons of power though....fwiw-the 460 is in a e350 (1ton) and is loaded down with about 2000lbs of tools that I use for work?

[dhally]

I've had a carbureted pre-92, a fuel injected pre-92, and a fuel injected 92 model (5.8l). They were all 2wd. The fuel injected ones all ran better in general. Can't say for sure they got better mileage. The newer body style did seem to ride and drive better, can't say if it was quieter because they all had different interiors.

A couple things to check: are fixed tops and 4wd conversion still available for the pre-92 body style? Seems like they take different parts.

One thing I liked better about the older body style, was the fuel filler was further back which allowed the use of a propane frig behind the driver's seat (for an RB50 type layout).

[rockbender]

I've been doing the same searches. If you look around, you'll find the oddball newer vans for right around the top of your budget. There was a nice quigley with a PSD 7.3 in it back east for 8500, then it went to ebay. There was a late 90's EB quigley for about 10k I saw as well. There are definitely deals to be had, you may just have to travel to hook it up.

[Bones_GSXR]

http://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/2078435390.html

http://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/2082142172.html