Changes in Ford vans

[bluedog225]

Spurious posted the following another thread (I think it was about a Ford):

"All center consoles from 1997 up to 2010 use the same mount so yes you can find a smaller console."

Pretty useful info. Where do you find stuff like that?

Does anyone know when the major changes were made to the Ford vans? When did the wheels go metric, body styles change, that sort of thing.

I've got a 1994 and am looking for a donor van and general misc. parts. I had a 1991 lined up only to find the front grille was different.

thanks

Tom

[carringb]

E-series wheel are still SAE. They never became metric. Exception: 4x4 conversions with the '99+F-series front axle usually have metric wheels, by using rear adapters, or swapping rear axles.

Not sure where to find this stuff exactly, except newer years which are included in the "What New" publication from Ford Fleet.

Here's some stuff I can remember off hand:
Body style change was 1992. Front clip upgrade was 2008. Mirror mounts changed 2003. Rear turn signal color changed 1995. Front axle, all brakes changed 2008. Gas engines except 6-cyl became overhead cam Triton motors in 1997. Dash change 1997 and 2009. E150 gained GVWR 2007. E450 gained GVWR 2008.

[Greg In Austin]

Front fender sheet metal change for 2008
Headlight change for 2008
Grill Change for 2008
Hood change to metal for 2008

[mjeffrey]

Basic changes can be found in the wikipedia article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_E-Series

I started a page on this site's wiki for the insider information like Spurious' center console info

http://wiki.sportsmobileforum.com/index ... e_E-Series

I got some of the basics there, including those items mentioned in this thread, but I'm nowhere near finished. Obviously, feel free to update the page.

Cheers!
Mike.

[bluedog225]

Thanks everyone.

[UJOINT]

I didn't know the 08's had steel hoods. Learn something every day, right?

[spomo1]

Did the mirror mounts change in 03 or just the mirrors. I was told that anything up to 06 was a bolt on replacement for mirrors. Anybody know this for sure before I shell out for fancy new mirrors?
Thanks

[jage]

I think your worst case scenario is having to drill... there is a post about it somewhere around here.

[Bones_GSXR]

I removed the studs that are installed in the late model mirrors then I cut off the second one from the top. You do need to enlarge the holes and drill for the third from the top but then all you need is longer bolts and fender washers.

[spomo1]

Awesome.. Thanks for taking the time to post a reply. Now I get to choose the mirrors.. humm.. This could be the hard part..