1998 ford e350 van 4x4 7.3 diesel camper van Van 4x4

[IanF]

Oh, I have no intention of bidding on it. I've already got one white whale sitting in my driveway that I don't have time to work on. I definitely don't need another one. I'm just curious about what the seller thinks it's worth.

If/when I do a 4WD conversion on my van, it'll be part of a complete nut/bolt tear down and rebuild along with an engine swap. Every part of it will be new or refurbished. But that won't happen for quite a while. I have numerous projects ahead of that one.

[SteelheadJones]

Chris at Ujoint used to have a detailed account of the problems he had to correct on a Javier/Crow’s van. Some of them were downright scary. I’m not sure if it’s still on his site, but if memory serves, it was a red EB.

[MadScience]

What's frustrating is that between the labor and parts, they are clearly able to execute. However that is then compromised by some choices that really didn't save that much cost.

That said, if you're willing to live with an older, higher mileage van and can accept some level of janky, these things can be put into service. Just don't pay the same amount you would for one done to a higher standard.

If you plan on using one in snow, check that they got the front drive shaft angles right, or used a double cardan. For trail use that's actually not that big a deal.

[clicker44]

This is scary!

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ail-17498.html

[MadScience]

Originally Posted by clicker44

This is scary!

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ail-17498.html

Yes, scary, but also, huh. That looks like a relocated track bar to work with a top mount drag link. That almost seems like too much effort for them. Mine, and every other one I've seen uses the stock f-series ball joint for the track bar. Even this e-bay listed one looks like it does.

That doesn't mean anything though, there are plenty of examples where they did clearly experiment with some other variations. However that failed track bar mount is not their standard approach.

[IanF]

So... Reserve not met with a high bid of $30,100.

I wonder if the mileage scared most bidders away.

[IanF]

Looks like they're trying again:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13447967737...&segname=11011

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by IanF

So... Reserve not met with a high bid of $30,100.

I wonder if the mileage scared most bidders away.

I don't think it will. Sadly, there are a lot of people who think buying a 7.3l at any mileage is a solid plan due to all of the 'million mile motor' myth. And it is a myth. It's a great motor but it certainly isn't maintenance free and I wouldn't want one over about 150k without thorough knowledge of it's history.

[IanF]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

I don't think it will. Sadly, there are a lot of people who think buying a 7.3l at any mileage is a solid plan due to all of the 'million mile motor' myth. And it is a myth. It's a great motor but it certainly isn't maintenance free and I wouldn't want one over about 150k without thorough knowledge of it's history.

I can imagine. My van with 200K+ miles has the 7.3 IDI engine which seems to have a similar reputation. And now mine doesn't want to start and I'm not sure if it's a problem with the engine or something to do with the hacked up wiring from the previous owner (that causes the batteries to drain within a couple of days if not kept on a charger). When it does start, it runs and drives fine - just with expected lethargic performance. 0-60 time measured with a sun dial.

But for the price I paid for the van - and it being rust-free in PA, I can accept some issues to sort out - when I am eventually home long enough to do something...

[blair]

High Bid of $25K, reserve still not made, with one day to go.