What Engine for Base?? 5.4l, 6.8l, or 6.0l

[1der]

Re: SMB top- I would urge you to at least see a CCV top before you commit. Where are you located?

[ranchero]

Originally Posted by Flux

How about we just say that we like to pay cash and not have too much financing going on. That is actually a big goal of mine.

I can live with that! Little debt and minimize outgoing expenditures. Good luck with your choice for sure. I have to say that if I used one of these just for recreation and I didn't think gas would go back over $4 in the next several years, a V10 might be in the choice set.

[boywonder]

As far as noses go, I prefer the 2008+......although that's a personal preference....

Also, the 2008 has the new front end but older style dash and seats, 2009+ have the updated dash and seats.

In my case a 4WD drive van came up in a color that I desired, and I also wanted the newer style front end.....the last year of that color was 2008, so 2008 was my only choice to get both the color and updated nose.

[Flux]

Originally Posted by 1der

Re: SMB top- I would urge you to at least see a CCV top before you commit. Where are you located?

Southern California. A little south of the halfway point between SMB and Agile Off-Road.

I've got an industrial sewing machine and access to a lot of fabrication and machining tools. I have pondered building my own pop top. That is not off the table yet, but unlikely as I have kids and a full time job!!

[Brianjwilson]

I much prefer 09+ for the dash and door panels etc. I don't know why but I just much prefer the dash setup, and the 08+ front end.
A huge part of my reasoning for getting a v10 was the 5r110. Yes the top 3 (I believe?) gears are about the same. So as for acceleration, the main improvement is at lower speeds, less trans slipping etc. But it shifts SO much better and stronger, and tow/haul mode is great. I can put my van in tow haul and it will decelerate down very steep hills without ever touching the brakes. You'll feel much more confident down long steep passes. It's a lot more than just locking out overdrive on the 4r75. It will lock the torque converter in low gears and actually compression brake like a manual trans.

And of course a custom tune from someone like 5 star tuning will remap both standard drive mode and tow/haul mode.

Like you though, had cash in hand and searched daily for months. It's just hard to get a late mode one that's clean with lower miles if you're at all picky.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by Brianjwilson

I much prefer 09+ for the dash and door panels etc. I don't know why but I just much prefer the dash setup, and the 08+ front end.

One interesting thing...the 09+ van updated door panels are only in the cab....the stuff in the back is the same as the old style....

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by Flux

Southern California. A little south of the halfway point between SMB and Agile Off-Road.

...so where exactly would that be? 1der is in San Francisco with a CCV top and I'm in Orange County with a manual SMB top if you would like to check out either one....I think 1der is headed down to So Cal next week for a very short time as well.

The CCV tops have a lot to offer for similar $$.......

[Wirehead]

Here's what looks like a great starter van. V10, moderate miles (160k), looks clean, and under $6k.

[Tienckb]

I am very happy with my V10

[Flux]

Originally Posted by boywonder

...so where exactly would that be? 1der is in San Francisco with a CCV top and I'm in Orange County with a manual SMB top if you would like to check out either one....I think 1der is headed down to So Cal next week for a very short time as well.

The CCV tops have a lot to offer for similar $$.......

I'm up in Palmdale. Pretty easy to get just about any place in socal from here.

Had some stuff to deal with so I have been away from the computer.

Good news is that I sold the wife on the idea of the van and roadtripping with the kids. She's in as long as I build a very comfy bed and we split nights between hotels and camping.

Next question is quickly becoming RB or EB??