E250 vs. 350

joerosh · 01-07-2010, 06:45 PM

This question has probably been answered somewhere on this forum but I haven't found it. I'm looking for the main differences between the E250 and E350...(assuming the same engine)...can someone enlighten me? Assuming the buildout is an average weight, is the 350 necessary?

Ford_6L_E350 · 01-08-2010, 10:16 AM

Yes.

Even with a 350, many, if not most, of our vans are over the GVWR. With a 250 it would be much worse.

Mike

joerosh · 01-08-2010, 12:26 PM

I know you have a diesel, but what do you think of a 350 with the 5.4L engine?

j.whitbread · 01-08-2010, 01:10 PM

V8's have powered pickups and more for years. They are perfectly suited to the task.

I would add that the transmission with Tow Haul that comes with the more powerful engines is a consideration too. They work great!

Burklin · 01-08-2010, 01:52 PM

Our first SMB was a 2002 with the 7.3 PSD with 19 days in the shop. I now have 2006 4X4 SMB with the 6.0 PSD and with 44k miles; it has been in the shop twice, for a total of 9 days. It’s a good thing that Ford has discontinued their relationship with International Harvester. I hope Ford gets it right with the 6.7 diesel. Most likely the 6.7 diesel will not be offered in the Van.

That being said, our next SMB 4X4 will be an E350 with the 5.4L. We don’t tow, we just bump around on trails and the highway. Lots of mechanics here and in Mexico are familiar with the 5.4L and parts are abundant. I look at the additional cost of the last two diesels; I’d be money ahead even if I had to be replacing 5.4L short blocks and transmissions.

I did talk to one SMB owner with a 4X4 and 5.4L from Carmel, and he stated he was perfectly happy with the performance.

Ford_6L_E350 · 01-08-2010, 03:39 PM

Unless you need to tow heavy trailers, the 5.4L should be adequate. And it may do an acceptable job of hauling a trailer also.

Shoot, my dad pulls a 6000# trailer with a 5.3L pickup without difficulty. He doesn't go more than about 60 with the trailer, but he pulls it up hills.

If I was to do it over, I'd opt for the 5.4L engine and save the money.

Mike

surfgeek33 · 01-08-2010, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joerosh

This question has probably been answered somewhere on this forum but I haven't found it. I'm looking for the main differences between the E250 and E350...(assuming the same engine)...can someone enlighten me? Assuming the buildout is an average weight, is the 350 necessary?

I would suggest a 350 if you had a choice. More is good, especially for 10,000# + rigs. Good Luck.

Ray

joerosh · 01-08-2010, 07:52 PM

the consensus seems to be a 350 with a 5.4L...thanks for the help. ps-thanks for costing me more money too!

Ford_6L_E350 · 01-08-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joerosh

the consensus seems to be a 350 with a 5.4L...thanks for the help. ps-thanks for costing me more money too!

You don't think the spending stops when you buy the SMB, do you?

Mike

unimogdave · 01-08-2010, 08:39 PM

Keep in mind the 350 has the larger tranny (4r100) than 250. I have a 2002 5.4 and very happy with it,but i don't tow. I would go bigger and be save. By the way the frames are the same and the rear axle is probable a dana 44 but not sure, maybe some one can comment on that..

Dave