E350 VS Transit - Econoline Pros and Cons

[@jaraxlebanre6463]

Found me a 98 e350 cargo with the V8. 135k. Feel so damn lucky to have landed on this deal, older Ford vans you cannot go wrong with. I'll never be homeless again. Traded my mint condition 91 S10 show truck. Older ford's and Chevys are brothers now. Nothing holds up to the pinnacle American made full size vans. They will outlast the owners.

[@Khlandestine]

Seriously. Even before my econoline i had a dodge dakota with the good trans model/year and if it didnt explode it wouldve outlived its original owners.

[@HaloDaycare]

I love my econoline! 300,000 miles hit just this past weekend. It's my daily.

[@alexbarham6079]

WOW! That's insane! What motor?

[@jameseverham3703]

Mines a 91 it has 44,000

[@HaloDaycare]

@@alexbarham6079 Its an 03 e250 and it has 4.2 if you can believe that!

[@alexbarham6079]

@@HaloDaycare That's wild man!

[@alexbarham6079]

@@jameseverham3703 Barely broken in!

[@stevelipman1662]

Good video man. Its nice to see one from a guy who actually uses his van and knows what he's talking about.

[@richardhenry1969]

Gotta say as a mechanic you are going the wrong way. I would not go for a transit on a bet. You realize the transit is never going to hold up to anywhere near the abuse the E350 has. Hey what do I know ! Lol

[@faceinthecrowd5810]

Currently I have a 1997 GMC 1500 Savana conversion van with the fiberglass high top. 170k. I will be buying another van sometime in the future, no hurry. I have been researching vans for dual use camper van and daily use, most days I feel the cost of the newer pro master/ transit style van is just way more money than I am willing to spend, I dont do loans. The one must have for me is the high top, being able to stand in my van is a game changer and I wouldn’t even bother with a low top. My 97 is awesome, lots of power, drives so smooth on the open road, camps great with my mild build, and pulls my lawn mowing business trailer 5 days per week. One good option for myself and others who want a camper van on a budget are the conversion vans. Yes the stripping from the factory is hideous, most are 1/2 ton, and they all require a semi gutting to become useful…..but I’ve had two and I could buy another and still be under budget cost of a 2015 pro master. Just my thoughts.

[@alexbarham6079]

The conversion vans can be improved easily with some eblow grease. It isn't hard to remove that vinyl and the fiberglass fender flare step things. at that point they look like any other high top.

[@faceinthecrowd5810]

@@alexbarham6079 for sure. I had the lower section painted, painted the fiberglass top, added fog lights, dual exhaust out the back….best looking 97 Ive seen!!

[@yeyuan8788]

Just wondering how you did your insulation and interior walls? It looks simple and great! I want to do something similar.

[@Martin-xb2rz]

Hey Guys. I bought 2 Vans a extended 96 with the rare (in Germany) 7.3 and a short 5.8. also I bought a 2005 f250 4x4 for a 4x4 conversion, I also have 2004 axles with leaf springs. My plan building a shor gasoline 4x4 with leaf springs and a Diesel powered manual extended 4x4.

[@higharctin-tin9144]

How do you only have 4 subscribers?!?! Just picked up my e250 from a contractor. Gonna convert it to a camper!!

[@alexbarham6079]

I just started this channel a few days ago. Thanks man and good luck!

[@alexbarham6079]

Also go ahead and subscribe!

[@flowrob6861]

Got an E350 with 63k miles for 1800$ total 2yrs ago . It was butt ugly filthy . Mechanically Solid with easy inexpensive fixes that I & kids could do with utube . Parts are inexpensive . Would pay extra for an extra 6 - 12 inches in engine compartment .

[@alexbarham6079]

Ah yes! Amazing how everything is shoe-horned under the hood!

[@yuppy-gr4qj]

The under carrage rust very bad. My body on outside looks great . Don't look underneath. 5.4 have very expensive timing chain gear. . 5.4 has plenty of power. Tho I do like that fuel millage not terrible for a big vehicle 13.0 to 15.0 I still only love econoline.

[@LowTGaming]

Looking at getting an econoline to live in seasonally for wildfire, any recommendations on specific engines/years. probably going to also pay for a mechanic to check over things since i have very limited knowledge about them

[@alexbarham6079]

I would stay away from the e350s unless you really need the horsepower. The mpg will drop off fast with the bigger engines, and they are louder to drive. Otherwise you are really looking at each van as an individual and trying to find the one that has been treated the best.

[@readytorvdude1224]

What is the wheel & suspension parts? I like the way it sits

[@ChefAlexSocci]

Im looking for a used van for around 15k or less, my options are mostly vans with over 100k miles. Which one do you believe will be most reliable in those higher miles? Thanks!

[@alexbarham6079]

It is all a roll of the dice, but Econoline vans at least have parts everywhere for cheap, and most mechanics have worked on them before.

[@cabracove]

Vantage HIDs are the bomb for Econolines.

[@theblevinsfamily3317]

Where do you get a lift for these vans? Looking to level my 98 e350

[@gabrielluiscontreras9188]

I'm getting an E350 soon. I guess I'll have to paint it with bed liner to protect against rust. Nice looking door cubbies!

[@alexbarham6079]

Undercoating and being religious about re-applying it will be your best friend

[@gabrielluiscontreras9188]

@@alexbarham6079 thanks for the suggestion! I hope you enjoy your new van btw!

[@llano19fly]

What is the difference between Ford Econoline & Chevy Express van? The stories I have heard about the "new" transit Vs promaster & Sprinter are not good.

[@alexbarham6079]

At this point Econoline vans have more available parts and I think that has to be a factor. Otherwise not much

[@dingalsbe88]

I just binge watched all of your videos... you are going to do well on YT. Subscribed for sure.

[@alexbarham6079]

Thanks a lot man!

[@BlueWonderLady]

Fabulously informative. Thank you!!!!!

[@smuir6104]

I miss the clearance on my E350. it was great, except for one detail, it was natural gas! I will never own another one ever again. when you are in the city and can get the CNG it's okay, but they only have a range of about 150 miles, so it made it useless for kayaking, and camping. There are not enough CNG stations across rural areas. Secondly the 1995-2002 Triton engines blow spark plugs all the time. Don't get a Ford van or truck with that engine for this time period!!! Lastly all CNG parts are super expensive. The only factory that makes CNG part is in Canada and because they are the only one, their parts are super pricey. A pressure regulator cost over $1500, (in a propane type equivalent they cost $15-20) Hopefully this will help people looking to invest a lot of money into a van, because if you get CNG you will regret it!

[@alexbarham6079]

My major issue on the 5.4 was the exhaust manifolds. FAMOUS for having major issues and needing to be replaced with all the studs requiring heli-coils. I did also blow a plug, but it wasn't a big deal in the end.

[@frenchfryfarmer436]

Up to 2004

[@JRMooreMusic]

The pockets on that side door...is that just the inside of the door, or did you make pockets to go inside there?

[@alexbarham6079]

That is the inside of the door lined with sound deadening. In my new van I also carpeted it. Highly recommend

[@jonlosito2004]

E 350 all the way!! They’re a lot more reliable than the Transits. The transits tend to have AC problems.

[@alexbarham6079]

I loved my E-series, but this was just not my experience. Both of the E-series vans I had were money pits costing me thousands a year to keep on the road. The Transit has needed nothing but new brakes this year including following a 12,000 mile road trip.

[@jesse1up]

Q6

[@DreamerxOfxThexNight]

Thank you so much for this breakdown!! ❤️

[@alexbarham6079]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alexsveles343]

I love the American Van's like the econoline

[@PedroGomez-bd9ro]

Good review 👍 I would like you to make another one of the other years down the road

[@alexbarham6079]

Reviewing the Transit? Yeah maybe a good idea

[@CJColvin]

I've seen a bunch of Econline Van's at my work and most of em and rusty as hell with over 100,000 miles.

[@alexbarham6079]

Rust is certainly part of it. They are all getting older now with no new ones unfortunately.

[@CJColvin]

@@alexbarham6079 I know brother and the Transit Van looks hideous and ugly. At least Ford makes the Econline cab over vans with the new 7.3L Godzilla V8 in it with a new interior.

[@jamessherman7570]

I have a 2003 E350 not 4 wheel drive. From Houston no rust .2.347300 miles runs great . I just redone the bed and cabinets inside but nothing in front of the gas intake bump my sink is right above it .. it is the extended van also ... the transit van I have driven for about 2 years as a shuttle driver.. did not like the gas cap area next to the driver door. It gets caught on your shirt jacket or pants.. I have see them broken off on other transit vans and Mercedes Van's.. not a good placement for the gas cover. The ride pretty nice after you get used to it.. ✌😎👍

[@alexbarham6079]

I'm hoping there is some aftermarket solution that comes out to deal with that silly gas cap. Seems like a total afterthought

[@christopher6161]

I was watching this then I discarded your opinion once I saw the transit

[@alexbarham6079]

Bahaha. I was in that camp myself at one point. This is my daily driver and switching meant that my gf was comfortable enough to take the new van around the country for 6 weeks. Wouldn't have happened in a massive econoline

[@christopher6161]

@@alexbarham6079 only because it is an older vehicle? The transits have bottomless expensive engine and transmission problems, good luck with that

[@Khlandestine]

Is the bumper that was on your econoline bolt on? I havent checked but im assuming there is not factory bolt mount holes for aftermarket offroad bumpers for the econolines? I have a 2000 E-350

[@alexbarham6079]

It is an Iron Cross

[@frenchfryfarmer436]

Get your transit up on a rack and look at the sheet metal box assembly holding the front of the springs on the dana80 . How long you think thats gonna last in salt country.

[@alexbarham6079]

Undercoated annually. I am not worried.

[@awack_]

Econoline by far is the best choice. Your Door Hinge is worn out .. Thats common and easy fix.

[@alexbarham6079]

After nearly a year I am not missing the Econoline anymore. I had the offroad monster and it was really mostly a pain for daily use

[@K-9Gar]

Where did you get your fender flares

[@alexbarham6079]

amzn.to/3fBvtFF

[@K-9Gar]

@@alexbarham6079 thank you

[@truthseeker2190]

The reason this guys van is getting destroyed by rust is because from the looks of it, he lives in the rust belt, and the frame and body he showed had zero undercoating on it It will help slow that rust right down, make that old van last for years

[@ericerickson72]

I am super interested in the material you used for the walls and ceiling. I have an 03 E350.

[@alexbarham6079]

That is grey indoor/outdoor carpet. You can find it at any big box hardware store. If you want loads of detail on the build go into the video description and follow the expedition portal link to my build

[@orthopraxis235]

to all California haters: our stuff doesn't rust. You can find drive own whatever you want for forever here. Now back to regular programming. Nice video thanks.

[@alexbarham6079]

Don't you guys have salty roads in NorCal?

[@wildcatoutdoors]

Go smog yourself

[@greglp970]

Beware of the water pump on the Transit. It's driven by the timing chain INSIDE the motor.

[@alexbarham6079]

Solid point. Oil changes are huge on these

[@Khlandestine]

Sheesh I almost fainted I thought you said econoline

[@ricusserfontein1086]

The old style American vans are just better lookin than these new eurovans But thats just me.

[@alexbarham6079]

Agreed. Having a real frame is huge too. I don't understand why they have to build these things like cars now. Extremely limiting

[@NgelR]

We love Econoline, I can say that the only thing transit bring is more fuel economy just that. But maintenance is more expensive and if you need to repair something parts are rare to be. Instead Econoline ones have a huge parts access and better prices. Transmission on transit sucks. Even the brand don't put any information of how to maintain, it just says go to dealership. Actually you can change that oil but it have to be pump out, just imagine that. Road view on transit are better but in long distances you will feel your bones any moment. Seats and driving space on Econoline is better I know because I'm 6'5". AC on Econoline have issues, on transit I can say is more stable and clean.

[@alexbarham6079]

No joke on the repairs. The Transit doesn't need to go to the shop often, but the mechanic groans every time I pull in.

[@sebastianslife91]

Econoline ❤

[@alexbarham6079]

Yeah I miss it, but not the mpg

[@k9andsbarklesadventures466]

Where did you get screens for the econoline?

[@alexbarham6079]

Sandy I made them from scratch. Just cut to shape and then made little squares to hold strong magnets. I attached the squares by putting my cut out screen on wax paper and gluing on the magnets and squares with black silicone. Simple and effective.

[@donalddlugos6688]

Dude. My driver door is hammered have a black van

[@bentwood4414]

Undercoat goes a long way, better investment than a oil change where they use salt on roads. Won't have your rust problems🤟

[@j03y__]

It can also make it worse

[@Khlandestine]

@@j03y__if you dont scrape the rust off first?

[@RichardNaslund]

I'd rather on that Ford 4 x 4 then the other one I'm old school I'm an old man need old thing I like that Ford van would do me good not picky something to live in and travel with

[@alexbarham6079]

They are both Fords

[@HolyPelvisPresley]

Why not just pay for annual rust prevention treatment

[@alexbarham6079]

Because I got it when it was already old enough to vote. At that point you're living on borrowed time

[@VegaVenturing]

Liked and subscribed. :) We purchased our 2011 E350 last summer and are slowly building it out. Will do a 4x4 conversion this year. We live in Oregon and don't appear to have the rusting issue you had, but you never know what might happen down the line. We post videos of our adventures on our channel if you're interested. Great content!

[@alexbarham6079]

Thanks and good luck!

[@marcoadamberger4456]

Its a gas guzzler

[@Khlandestine]

How much was your 4x4 conversion? Who did you get to do it ?

[@wesm3915]

Most transits that are 4 wheel drive are NOT 4 wheel drive they are AWD with no low range unless you get the Quigley 4x4 system. I'll stick with my three 4x4 E series vans

[@alexbarham6079]

Parts Used: www.amazon.com/shop/alexbarham?listId=3N68A8A4V6ALL

[@thruthaseen.9892]

That’s a diesel

[@alexbarham6079]

You honestly think I owned this for years and was successfully running diesel on gasoline? It was a gas engine buddy

[@savvysavvy4527]

How much did you sell it for ?

[@alexbarham6079]

I think it was $10,500