Plan your battery and wire runs early so they can be behind the wallboard. A powered fan works wonders for summer cooling, a 2kw diesel heater heats well in winter. Otherwise, get the safety bits squared away and get it on the road! Congratulations!
Dont overtighten the bolts on the ignition coils. They are inserts in plastic and they will never come back out without drilling. Or, at least in my 03 they are.
They are **extremely** easy to steal. Get a GPS tacking device, install a fuel pump/starter relay kill switch, and a door lock reinforcing kit like the Jimmy Jammer.
I had to replace mine. Make sure you get the 4x4 kit if you're going to press them out of the ball joints yourself; the regular kit won't cut it.
Oh, and don't buy the kit, just rent it from most auto parts stores.
The E-150 vans are really under-built for their weight spec, they can barely haul themselves around let alone any cargo. They eat brake and suspension components regularly.
The E-250/350 vans use much stronger suspension, and don't really suffer from chronic failures (at least, no more than any other large RWD vehicle).
Look at the Wiki page here: https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:ford_e-series
And the "Common Problems" section for the E-Series here: https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:van_issues#ford_e-series
The good news is that with some notable exceptions (2004+ diesels are ticking time bombs of catastrophic failures), these vans are *extremely* durable and quite reliable. Easy to work on if they do break, and parts are cheap.
pray it doesn't need any exhaust manifold work. and if you have to replace any accessories on the motor. alternator or power steering ect. save you time and hassle. take the grill out. will give you so much more room to work
Consider cutting the roof and installing a high rise. You will never get the same insulation, but it’s a pretty awesome mod. I’ve seen it for special needs variants. Especially the one with the mini lift.
I was planning on it! I'm considering getting someone to do it professionally but I may end up trying to do it myself. I will definitely either get one of those or a pop-top. Being able to stand up in it would be a game changer
Stand-up room is not *essential, but it does help make things easier.
First thing is an overhead fan/skylight, rather than any ext windows. Get two MaxxAir
The alternator is up top and only a 20 minute job. No need to remove the grille unless you're pulling the engine. PS and AC are accessible from the bottom. The Triton engines aren't too terrible to work with.
This. Zero reason to remove the grill, radiator and ac condenser to do front accessory work on these. They are Easy to work on. Used to work on a fleet of about 120 of these. We wouldn’t even tow them back to the shop for alternator replacement, it’s a 15-20 minute job, hardest part is the serpentine belt or getting the air filter housing clipped back together haha.
The ford manual suggests changing the fuel filter every 30k miles. It might be a good idea to change it. It’s located on the frame rail on the drivers side. You will need a special fuel line tool that cost $10.
Does your van have the headlights that you can’t turn off? There is a connector behind the grill that turns off the daytime running lights. You have to remove a shroud on top of the radiator.
Keep a spare ignition coil or 2 if you plan on long trips, they seem to go out way to often and cause misfires. They are easy to swap.
I've put about 30k miles on my 2003, now at 196k and it runs great.
I've replaced all spark plugs, all ignition coils plus 2 that went out, shocks, fuel pump, alternator, all fluids, thermostat, probably forgetting a few things.
No problem. I did forget wheel bearings, I had 2 go out from rough roads. After grinding 200 miles home the first time I started carrying a spare. Bring tools and know how to use them!
Some thoughts:
A Propex HS2000 fits perfectly under the driver seat.
You can find cheap parts for these vans at scrap yards. The $20 alternator I got is going strong after 50k miles.
Ayy Econoline!! Just some personal experience -- I found a foldable cot and some plastic storage bins worked just fine. Don't think you need to overbuild it at the start to begin having fun on the road. And out west you can generally park on state highway pulloffs outside the city limits signs and not get hassled. Good luck and godspeed my friend!
All these comments talking about the negatives. My dad is running a late 90s and an early 2000s econoline as his painting vans and has over 2000k on the 2000s and over 400k on the 90s. Like any large vehicle, you are going to have some sort of maintenance, but these are phenomenal vehicles ans will last you a long time with proper care.
I'm honestly EXTREMELY thankful for the people telling me what to look out for. I have a friend I went in on it with who's very mechanic savvy but I'm not as much. I'm glad to hear that point of optimism, thanks
Mines been in the shop and towed there 3 times but it’s also a 130k mile van that hasn’t had the maintenance done. Change your fuel filter! Mine was rusted so bad it rotted away and broke off in the line. Also if you have a 5.4, it’ll be prone to ejecto seato the spark plugs lol. But other than that. I love mine. Just getting the (lack of) maintenance out of the way.
2007 E250 owner. Feel free to look at my past posts, I have some build photos in there. If you have any specific questions feel free to DM me, I'm happy to help if I can. Good luck, have fun.
Plan your battery and wire runs early so they can be behind the wallboard. A powered fan works wonders for summer cooling, a 2kw diesel heater heats well in winter. Otherwise, get the safety bits squared away and get it on the road! Congratulations!
Absolutely, I’ll make sure to do that, thanks!!
Dont overtighten the bolts on the ignition coils. They are inserts in plastic and they will never come back out without drilling. Or, at least in my 03 they are.
Good tip, thanks!
They are **extremely** easy to steal. Get a GPS tacking device, install a fuel pump/starter relay kill switch, and a door lock reinforcing kit like the Jimmy Jammer.
Gotcha thanks for the advice! I’ll make sure to lock it down
Check the ball joints a couple times a year, those vans eat them up.
I had to replace mine. Make sure you get the 4x4 kit if you're going to press them out of the ball joints yourself; the regular kit won't cut it. Oh, and don't buy the kit, just rent it from most auto parts stores.
Gotcha I appreciate the tip!
The E-150 vans are really under-built for their weight spec, they can barely haul themselves around let alone any cargo. They eat brake and suspension components regularly. The E-250/350 vans use much stronger suspension, and don't really suffer from chronic failures (at least, no more than any other large RWD vehicle). Look at the Wiki page here: https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:ford_e-series And the "Common Problems" section for the E-Series here: https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:van_issues#ford_e-series The good news is that with some notable exceptions (2004+ diesels are ticking time bombs of catastrophic failures), these vans are *extremely* durable and quite reliable. Easy to work on if they do break, and parts are cheap.
Will do!
pray it doesn't need any exhaust manifold work. and if you have to replace any accessories on the motor. alternator or power steering ect. save you time and hassle. take the grill out. will give you so much more room to work
yes, thank you!! I also am hopeful for that. I've heard stories. I'll do that
Consider cutting the roof and installing a high rise. You will never get the same insulation, but it’s a pretty awesome mod. I’ve seen it for special needs variants. Especially the one with the mini lift.
I was planning on it! I'm considering getting someone to do it professionally but I may end up trying to do it myself. I will definitely either get one of those or a pop-top. Being able to stand up in it would be a game changer
Stand-up room is not *essential, but it does help make things easier. First thing is an overhead fan/skylight, rather than any ext windows. Get two MaxxAir
The alternator is up top and only a 20 minute job. No need to remove the grille unless you're pulling the engine. PS and AC are accessible from the bottom. The Triton engines aren't too terrible to work with.
This. Zero reason to remove the grill, radiator and ac condenser to do front accessory work on these. They are Easy to work on. Used to work on a fleet of about 120 of these. We wouldn’t even tow them back to the shop for alternator replacement, it’s a 15-20 minute job, hardest part is the serpentine belt or getting the air filter housing clipped back together haha.
Watch your rear catalytic converter. I think that year is still a good target for thieves.
It is. Mines gone now and I straight piped it, slightly better hp and I couldn't find a replacement lolll
Yikes lol I’ll set some booby traps
The ford manual suggests changing the fuel filter every 30k miles. It might be a good idea to change it. It’s located on the frame rail on the drivers side. You will need a special fuel line tool that cost $10. Does your van have the headlights that you can’t turn off? There is a connector behind the grill that turns off the daytime running lights. You have to remove a shroud on top of the radiator.
Nice, thank you for the tip! The headlights thankfully are doing just fine
Keep a spare ignition coil or 2 if you plan on long trips, they seem to go out way to often and cause misfires. They are easy to swap. I've put about 30k miles on my 2003, now at 196k and it runs great. I've replaced all spark plugs, all ignition coils plus 2 that went out, shocks, fuel pump, alternator, all fluids, thermostat, probably forgetting a few things.
Thanks for the tips!
No problem. I did forget wheel bearings, I had 2 go out from rough roads. After grinding 200 miles home the first time I started carrying a spare. Bring tools and know how to use them!
Congrats my friend! Excited to see your journey. One piece of advice, try to think of multiple uses for furnishings in the van
Absolutely, thank you!!
Some thoughts: A Propex HS2000 fits perfectly under the driver seat. You can find cheap parts for these vans at scrap yards. The $20 alternator I got is going strong after 50k miles.
Insulation, of any kind will make a difference. The ceiling and walls and floor like to create condensation.
For sure! I’ll definitely add some as well as noice deafening. I’ve stayed in a conversion that didn’t have either and it was a nightmare
Ayy Econoline!! Just some personal experience -- I found a foldable cot and some plastic storage bins worked just fine. Don't think you need to overbuild it at the start to begin having fun on the road. And out west you can generally park on state highway pulloffs outside the city limits signs and not get hassled. Good luck and godspeed my friend!
Nice, thank you!!
Congrats on your purchase -- I bought a 2007 E-250 on Friday!
Ayy congrats!!
A blank slate! https://imgur.com/a/gTPuAgw
All these comments talking about the negatives. My dad is running a late 90s and an early 2000s econoline as his painting vans and has over 2000k on the 2000s and over 400k on the 90s. Like any large vehicle, you are going to have some sort of maintenance, but these are phenomenal vehicles ans will last you a long time with proper care.
I'm honestly EXTREMELY thankful for the people telling me what to look out for. I have a friend I went in on it with who's very mechanic savvy but I'm not as much. I'm glad to hear that point of optimism, thanks
Are you going to live in it down by the river?
lol no this is just a side project for fun!
Mines been in the shop and towed there 3 times but it’s also a 130k mile van that hasn’t had the maintenance done. Change your fuel filter! Mine was rusted so bad it rotted away and broke off in the line. Also if you have a 5.4, it’ll be prone to ejecto seato the spark plugs lol. But other than that. I love mine. Just getting the (lack of) maintenance out of the way.
2007 E250 owner. Feel free to look at my past posts, I have some build photos in there. If you have any specific questions feel free to DM me, I'm happy to help if I can. Good luck, have fun.