It all started when...

[rallypanam]

VIN Decoder - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

This will have the stock info, but you should confirm in person.

 

[Annie O]

Maybe....over the years the E-350 came with semi-float and full float rear axles.....the full float being the desired config....
Many folks here have heavy rigs with semi floats without issues, but some have had axle failures.

Cool Thanks
So the awesome vin decoder has this info:
Mechanical & Powertrain

5.4L EFI FFV V8 engine
Electronic throttle control
Rear-wheel drive
650 CCA (72 amp-hr) maintenance-free battery
120 amp alternator
5000# capacity twin I-beam front/6340# capacity semi-floating rear axles
Front stabilizer bar
Front & rear HD shock absorbers
Pwr steering
Pwr 4-wheel disc brakes....

So I would need to confirm if it has OEM, but if so...to convert to 4x4 I would need to replace one or both axles?
Have not received a quote back nor heard from UJOR.
Trying to figure out a ballpark cost to convert and I have guesstimate $6-8000 since I need to pay for labor hours. Sound realistic? Can't recall if I added wheels and tires into that cost

 

[boywonder]

Annie: It is best to NOT make any assumption re: rear axle being FF or SF without looking. Even the Ford spec sheets on what axle SHOULD be in there not reliable. ONLY way is to look. (shared from personal experience)

^^^^what he said.....you need to pop the hubcap & take a look......

that being said.......if you find your dream van and it has a semi float, don't sweat it too much...there are lots of rigs here running semi-float. When the van gets really heavy the SF axles sometimes have issues.


4WD conversions can be front axle only...and a bunch of other stuff....you can use a SF rear in a 4WD conversion no problem.

 

[boywonder]

For giggles, I just put my VIN in the VIN decoder....

the data says I have a semi-float......my van came stock with a FF axle.

 

[rallypanam]

4x4 conversion will be more on the $13-20k range.

 

[Annie O]

For giggles, I just put my VIN in the VIN decoder....

the data says I have a semi-float......my van came stock with a FF axle.

WHATdoyaknow right? this must sound pretty basic to y'all I am just learning from the ground up. I've found it is best to show up having some semblance of knowledge when shopping vehicles!

4x4 conversion will b
e more on the $13-20k range.

RIGHT! I woke up thinking that today- I had guesstimated $15K not sure why i wrote 8k on my post.

As far as 'dream vans' I am finding a lot of white e350's plain vanilla most with long wb (which i prefer not to have.) On top of 4x4 i am adding another $5k just for simple build out platform bed, comfortable seats, insulation. Hey it is free to day dream right?
It is all downhill from here, since I am now waking up thinking about this stuff
:i5:

Gee I'd really prefer a manual transmission too...

 

[boywonder]

As far as 'dream vans' I am finding a lot of white e350's plain vanilla most with long wb (which i prefer not to have.)

....took me a long time to find a non-white RB.....went to Wyoming to buy it as well.....

If I wanted white.......there are dozens readily available.....

 

[BeeDub-ClassB]

In case you don't know what a FF axle looks like when you pop off the wheel cover or center cap, here's a pic. Basically the FF axle end protrudes through the wheel center, while the SF axle is flush with the wheel center.

http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/9305322+w600+cr1/131_0603_04_z+axle_tech_info+full_floating_axle.jpg

 

[Annie O]

Thanks for that pic!
Check this 2013 V10 out ....

VIN Decoder - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

28k miles

 

[Annie O]

Found a 7.3 and here is the email I got about it yesterday, guessing it is scam or confusion on sellers part. I was able to trace the vehicle to past owner in Arizona so I think this is allegedly from second owner
............
Re: 2002 Ford E-Series Van E350 $20,100 /7.3 explorer model I believe w/4x4 low miles
.............

Hi,

Due to the high volume of internet scams, I give you the chance to receive the car at your home address BEFORE i receive my money for it. I appreciate your interest but I want to let you know that the car is located in Portugal. I purchased the car in US and I moved to Europe, in Portugal the law is different recording the registration of a vehicle that is outside of Europe, it is expensive and difficult to register this car in Portugal, this is the reason of selling. Instead of letting it sit in the garage I've decided to sell it at low price.

I can ship the car to you, also I can be responsible for the transport cost and you'll pay after inspection. The car looks and runs fantastic! Within 19 days you will get the car and you will have a period of 2 days to inspect the car and when the inspection period ends, if everything is fine you can make the payment.

CLEAN TITLE IN HAND, NO LIENS OR ISSUES!
If you are interested let me know and I will provide you more information and more pics.

I'm looking forward to hear from you soon.
(No name yet)

Previous response:
Still for sale. Garage kept. No accidents. Clean title in hand. Original bill of sale.
Where are you located ?
PICS ATTACHED !

 

[1der]

Fishy for sure.

I have family in a number of parts of Portugal. Ask seller where it is in Portugal and you can get someone to see it there before it is shipped. We just got back this week from nearly a month there. Too bad this did not pop up a couple of weeks ago!

Ray

 

[1der]

(Edited: Duplicate post)Fishy for sure.

 

[boywonder]

scammer.......who is going to ship a vehicle (giant van no less) from Portugal for you to inspect for 2 days?

For fun let's assume the van actually exists.....what happens if you inspect it and then don't buy it?


You could keep the conversation going to the point that they ask for some $$ just for sport, but you'll be wasting time.

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

Who would keep calling a van a car, truck maybe...?

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

Even though they're offering to ship it to you at their cost, I bet as the deal progresses they would suddenly ask for a good-faith deposit or something like that.


Herb

 

[boywonder]

Even though they're offering to ship it to you at their cost, I bet as the deal progresses they would suddenly ask for a good-faith deposit or something like that.


Herb

If Annie is game, we can have a little contest here to guess how the scam unfolds.......there are a handful of possibilities.....

Winner gets a free SMB forum sticker or something... ;-)

 

[Annie O]

Who would keep calling a van a car, truck maybe...?

Good catch I had not noticed that as I was busy getting out of town. Now I am in Maine and the long drive was worth it.... Even at THIRTY THREE POINT THREE miles per gallon ( In Carla, the four cyl accord coupe. :d8: tho I definitely could have used a nice van).

I have seen some gorgeous large sail boats which have BEASTLY LOUD deisel engines. Definitely killed the sunset tranquility and drowned out the snorting seals off shore.

Anyhow, noticed i have a window of cell service so wanted to post.

I awas considering keeping the alledged ex-pat seller of van/car online until I can report it to internet scams which I believe is by state, department of commerce.

His last email was highly entertaining:
***************
The car looks great, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it!

Here are satisfied the terms of the transaction:

1) If you agree, I'm going to start the transaction, I'm going to pay shipping fees, and I will sign the purchase contract.
2) You will be notified by the transport company with the information about transport and I will send you a copy of the purchase agreement.
3) Within 19 days you'll get the car, including Title, Owner Manual, history of the car, bill of sale and keys.
4) After the inspection period ends, if you are satisfied, you'll confirm the payment to the transport company and they will send the payment to me.
After you get the car if you find any problems, you'll not buy it and the transport company will deliver the car back to me. I'm not here to waste my time and to spend money. I give you my word that the car has no problems and everything will be alright, if you agree to buy my car I will prove you this is a real deal and I am a honest person.

IF YOU AGREE PLEASE SEND ME YOUR PHONE NUMBER SO WE CAN TALK ALL DETAILS OVER THE PHONE.

I'm waiting for your answer.

Thank you!
***************
Vague info except that the Car IS PERFECT. Yawn.

About the v10 I mentioned last week - although I can't do much about it til next week I asked the salesmen to pull the wheel covers and identify the axil to which he answered "3.73 limited slip axle "

If true is that good, bad or indifferent?

 

[rallypanam]

"3.73 limited slip axle"

That's fine, as its the gear ratio. Good info, but not the key question... which is full float or semi float.

 

[boywonder]

3.73 typical stock gearing (may end up being a little tall with larger tires) limited slip is also a nice feature.......as RallyPanam mentioned......nothing to do with FF or SF...have the sales guy text a pic of the rear wheel with the wheel cover off......

The scammer is interesting.....still trying to figure out what the scam is....at some point they'll ask for money.......

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

This evening I learned that 6 Margaritas is 3 or 4 too many.

That is all I have to say about that!

Tell the seller to send the van to your purchasing agent at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.