2003-05 E350 diesel cargo a good base?
My first post after being turned on to this forum from another I joined not too long ago. I've been contemplating a rig that would be suitable for camping with my girlfriend, hunting with my buddies (3 of us total; some trips are long range), fishing trips, ski trips, etc. I'm located in New England with many of my activities occurring in the Midwest or West. Due to my budget I would start out with used 2WD van and probably add a rear locker and bigger tires for going off street.
I'm considering a van to build out as camper van/adventure rig and have been looking at E350 cargo vans. I know Sportsmobile uses the E350 as one of their base platforms however some of the research I'm finding is that vans with the 6.0L diesel have problems, especially if tuned/chipped. I've also read that they have brake issues, the engine is harder to work on DIY and the 5 sp. TorqShift transmission is too complicated and not that great compared to the 4 sp. auto. A few have suggested I look at the GM offerings.
Are these opinions of a very loud few that had issues or were the 2003-2005 vans a bad range of years? I figured this or the 2WD Van Body forum would be the best to post in. Please let me know if I should move this question over there!
Thanks!
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2005 Chevy 1500 AWD
4x4 conversion, Ultralight RB50 floorplan,
Firestone Destination A/T, Silverado wheels, 3000w inverter, PIAA lighting
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