Transmission and model Q's

depark · 02-03-2013, 11:08 PM

Here is a question for the group that has 2 parts. What would people recommend between the 4-speed Automatic or the 5-speed Torqshift Automatic on a 2013 5.4L? Pros/Cons for each would be appreciated. Also should I consider a E250 or E350. I want something that will tow well on hills and I don't want the 6.8L. It will be a wheelchair accessible van conversion.
Thanks for any suggestions. I'm sure I will have more to follow.

Cheers

Darryl

carringb · 02-04-2013, 12:07 AM

The only difference between the E250 and E350 are the spring rates. Everything else is identical. If you are doing a full camper build-out, an E350 will even be maxed out most likely.

The 5-speed is a stronger transmission, and it provides better ratios. But the 4-speed is strong enough for the V8. You cannot pair the 5-speed with the V8 unless you are ordering a cutaway chassis.

What's wrong with the V10?

Ocsmb · 02-04-2013, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carringb

The only difference between the E250 and E350 are the spring rates. Everything else is identical. If you are doing a full camper build-out, an E350 will even be maxed out most likely.

The 5-speed is a stronger transmission, and it provides better ratios. But the 4-speed is strong enough for the V8. You cannot pair the 5-speed with the V8 unless you are ordering a cutaway chassis.

What's wrong with the V10?

I thought the e350 weighed more and had more tow capacity. No?

carringb · 02-04-2013, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ocsmb

Quote:

Originally Posted by carringb

The only difference between the E250 and E350 are the spring rates. Everything else is identical. If you are doing a full camper build-out, an E350 will even be maxed out most likely.

The 5-speed is a stronger transmission, and it provides better ratios. But the 4-speed is strong enough for the V8. You cannot pair the 5-speed with the V8 unless you are ordering a cutaway chassis.

What's wrong with the V10?

I thought the e350 weighed more and had more tow capacity. No?

They weight the same within a few pounds. The 5.4L with is rated to tow the same with either, however the 4.6L is only available in the E250. Even the E150 is rated to tow just as much.

depark · 02-04-2013, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carringb

What's wrong with the V10?

I don't think that there is anything wrong with the V10. I just don't know if I can justify the added fuel cost associated to the 6.8L. I want to keep some money in my pockets.

UJOINT · 02-09-2013, 07:20 PM

I would go V10 for a few reasons. The power of course, and also to get the 5R110. If you're going to make it 4wd, it doesn't need to be removed to do so. Plus, its a GREAT tranny!

charlie56 · 02-09-2013, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carringb

The only difference between the E250 and E350 are the spring rates. Everything else is identical.

You and U-joint would know better, but I always heard there was a difference in the frame rail thickness between the three models. I can't remember if I heard that from SMB or if it was "just talk" on this forum.

Ford_6L_E350 · 02-10-2013, 12:15 PM

I have a Ford Data Book for an 04 E-Series and it lists the E350 frame as having a section modulus of 5.44 cubic inches vs. 3.3 cubic inches for the 250. The 350 frame is listed as 7.69" x 3.18" x 0.212" and the 250 is listed as 6.16" x 3.18" x 0.181". The 350 frame is taller and made of thicker material.

And both have a SF Dana 60 axle, but the 250 is rated at 5520# vs. 6340# for the 350.

The 350 also has bigger shocks (1 3/8" vs 1 3/16") and stronger springs.

And the 350 weighs between 200-250# more than the 250.

They both have the same front axles,brakes, steering, wheels.

At least for the model year 2004 there are differences between the two, basically the 350 having a stronger frame and a heavier rear axle. I'd be surprised if other years were much different.

Mike

carringb · 02-10-2013, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

I have a Ford Data Book for an 04 E-Series and it lists the E350 frame as having a section modulus of 5.44 cubic inches vs. 3.3 cubic inches for the 250. The 350 frame is listed as 7.69" x 3.18" x 0.212" and the 250 is listed as 6.16" x 3.18" x 0.181". The 350 frame is taller and made of thicker material.

Mike

I don't have experience with the cargo vans, but with the passenger vans, this is not correct. I suspect Ford put those specs in the body builders guide incorrectly at one point, and never fixed it or noticed it.

But to get the thicker frame, you have to get the EB. The RB frame is the thinner than the EB frame, and on newer vans ('08+) the E150 & 350RB are the same.

Its frustrating that even Ford can't get sh!t right when if comes to documentation. For example all of the '97-'02 EB Wagons have a full float D70, even though the specs say otherwise. The '09 Wagons in either size also got the full float, even though the specs say otherwise. I've even seen some EB wagons in between those years will full floats.

I think of it this way, the published specs show the MINIMUM equipment you may end up with, when in reality your van may have been built with something better.

But as I said, I haven't been under the cargo vans. Maybe there is a substantial difference unlike the wagons, where the split is RB vs EB. Chris would certainly know better since he's under all of them on a regular basis.

carringb · 02-10-2013, 12:35 PM

PS - I wouldn't get hung up on frame specs anyways. The vans are so overbuilt you could probably run any of them at double their GVWR, and still not have any frame problems. I've been in E450 shuttle buses with 80 other passengers all with heavy backpacks (sardine packing) and those buses are going on 10 years old now, and are still in service continuously 5 days/week.