Newbie needs Help

[JBG]

So I found a 2003 e350 with the 7.3l and 157k for 6.9k It was a work van with no real service records. The guy said it was leaking oil and had put only 1000 miles on it in the last two years but other than that worked fine and was fine with me taking to a mechanic to check out. My plan would be to run it was a 4x2 until late fall then decide if it's a good fit and send it off to quadvan for the 4x4 conv. from what I've gleaned here it seems like the 7.3 is a good unit if taken care of. So we'll see what the mechanic says and go from there. I'll let you folks know how it turns out

[Ultrasport12]

7.3s are great but they are not intercooled in a van and have less power than in a truck...

Make sure you can live with the noise on road trips as 7.3 in a van are quite loud, one of the many reasons I don't have a diesel van is my better half cant stand the noise/sound of a Ford Diesel 7.3 (or even the quieter 6.0) in a van on trips...We test drove at four or five diesel vans and after a few 15 minute highway speed 65-70mph test drives and she said no way...I must say while I absolutely loved the noise of the 7.3 in my 2000 F-350 truck I also thought it was too much in a van for our long road trips...

And since it is a cargo van make sure you think it had lots of power and acceleration now because they get less and less as you add interiors, camping gear and 4 wheel drive...

Having the van checked out is a really good idea...7.3s can also have oil leaks in the valley/bed plate and it looks like a rear main seal leak...That can be an expensive repair...But 7.3s can run forever...

I think your idea of using it as a 2wd this summer then doing the conversion is a good idea, that way you can have the van well sorted and checked out before you convert it...

[Ultrasport12]

Hey I don't know what I was thinking last night when I said 7.3 bed plate leak they dont have them. I had just read a post about a 6,0 bed plate replacement and had that on my mind. What I was thinking was turbo stand seals and thats not a costly job. Most 7.3 oil leaks are not as big of a deal as the 6.0s are. How did the van check out?

[JBG]

WEEEEEELLLLLLL, so i took it to get a Buyers Inspection and here's what it needs
Needs Rear Brakes and Calipers with Rotors replaced
Right Rear Tire is on Discard bars
2 QT low on OIl
High Pressure Pump is leaking oil $1500
Codes in Memory are P1280, P0113, P1212
Needs new ICP Sensor $680
Ball Joint in front are bad and unsafe $1000
Needs cooling system service 135.00

SOOOOOO it looks like it needs about $4k. The guy is asking about 6.5K do i walk, run away or is it the case if i get this stuff done all the engine will need is the basic maintenance stuff for the forseeable future. My gut tells me to walk or should I offer him the difference of the service and what he's asking and get the work done? Thoughts?

[BroncoHauler]

That's a LOT of telltale signs of a neglected vehicle. Aside from engine challenges, I would be suspect of the transmission and 4wd system as well. I'd run and not look back.


my $0.02,
Herb

[JBG]

Thanks Herb, it doesnt even have the 4x4 in it yet. I would have added that later. The search continues . . .

[Ultrasport12]

Go with your gut...its always your best guide... so you could have $10,000 or more for a better van instead of this one...

[JBG]

Sooo I found a different one here are the details
'00 e350 quigly 4x4 RB
7.3L diesel with 107k miles
Sportsmobile pop top.
The inside is birtch lined over insulation but no built-ins
Custom front and back bumpers

Thier asking 29k
Go for it?

[86Scotty]

Ouch, sounds pretty high to me with no built out interior. Depending on what you want inside that could cost you a few more thousand.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Did you see this one?

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9134

06 for less.

Mike