I've been looking for an inexpensive tow rig for a while. I was hoping to find a 1 ton van so me and my son could crash inside. My buddy bought a bunch of E-350 vans from Pacific Bell, and I can pick one for under 3k. I'll be towing a zuk so it doesnt need to be a superhero. Here's my two favoites:

88 with 70k miles and an injected 351, C6, D60. CLEAN but an empty tin can. Plenty of room for sleeping and camping supplies.

87 with 100k and a carbed 460, C6, D60. Pretty clean, but has serious utility option including a built in Onan generator and air compressor, built in air reels, and internal and external electric outlets. Also has a few shelves, and external work lights. Bring the welder, the chop saw and the :blender: !!! Less floor space but still plenty of room to sleep.

I'm leaning towards the rolling shop but looking for any input. Well????

Originally posted by scwafish


87 with 100k and a carbed 460, C6, D60. Pretty clean, but has serious utility option including a built in Onan generator and air compressor, built in air reels, and internal and external electric outlets. Also has a few shelves, and external work lights. Bring the welder, the chop saw and the :blender: !!! Less floor space but still plenty of room to sleep.

What was the question ???? :D:D:D:D:D.

Dude! Get the loaded one! Big block, generator, compressor. You'll be the most popular guy in camp! And if you don't want it, let me know and I'll buy it!

Oh dont get me wrong the lure of the toys..er tools is huge, but I don't know jack about Fords and was wondering if this year/drivetrain is a dog or something.

I would go with the big block. All the stuff would be a bonus plus the other will be a pig on gas too so you might as well get the power.

Both have great drivetrain setups. The C6 is bulletproof as anything Ford put out. Stick with the 460 since you do want this thing to function mainly as a tow rig. Those vans aren't light and with a rig in tow the 351 would just be gasping for a breath, especially with any grade or headwind. Both are going to suck gas since you foot would be permanently planted to the floor with the 351. You'll get more life out of the 460 as a tow rig's engine also.

By all means go with the rolling shop!
The 460 will be loafing even when towing the Zuk, it will probably get better mileage than the straining 351 would..........
:D :D :D
the only downside to having a stocked truck with loads of tools,welder,air comp,etc... is to keep it a secret so your freinds won't always be hassling you to come over and install their shat...

shop van....way cool

Either way you'll still be able to park the zuk right in the back:D Get the shop van:flipoff2:

The 460 will be loafing even when towing the Zuk, it will probably get better mileage than the straining 351 would..........

I was thinking the same thing, looks like this may be a no brainer. Anybody like that 351???

the ones we have at work are 460's go pretty good but sure eat up the gas quick

87 isnt fuel injected? i know the trucks were injected from 87 on. id go with the loaded one, but buy some fuel injection for it.

Originally posted by yjtj
87 isnt fuel injected? i know the trucks were injected from 87 on. id go with the loaded one, but buy some fuel injection for it.

88 was the first year of big block injection on the trucks and vans

id go with the 460....351's arent worth the metal they are made from

460

you can add FI yourself.

There is no substitute for a BB.

BIG BLOCK, BIG BLOCK, BIG BLOCK!!!!
Go for the shop on wheels. Sounds like a killer setup to me.

460!!!

Dude, those things are awesome. I worked my way through college as a deisel tech for Ryder Truck Rental and Leasing and they put 460s in most of the (pre '97, I think) 15-foot moving vans. You could get in an stand on it in the parking lot and those things would just SMOKE off the Duallys on dry pavement. :D In '97 or so they switched to the Triton V10s, and those were doggy as hell by comparison...AND they got worse mileage.

The only bad thing about the 460s in the Econoline 350s was that about 50% of them ended up with cracks in the back of the driver's side exhaust manifold so they had that "exhaust leak tic." And many of the ones that didn't crack broke the rear manifold bolt on the driver's side manifold. Those leaked exhaust too, usually a little worse. It was a design flaw caused by a very tourquey engine and an exhaust mount located too close to the engine compartment. No biggy, Just thought you should know. I can't count the number of rear manifold bolts we replaced on those things... I think they fixed it in the later models by moving the exhaust mount further back, but with an '87, you'd still have the old style.

Anyway, I still say get the 460! You won't be disappointed.

HTH,
Jake

POR has spoken....the shop van it is! I'll call the guy today.

Go for the 460! An empty cargo van is way cool. Throw in a matress in the back and screw the camping gear. You would still have plenty of room to store other gear. Paint that sucker like the Mystery Machine and your off!

I'm driving it tomorrow. I'll keep you posted and thanks for the advice.

Originally posted by Jeepskickass
You'll be the most popular guy in camp!

He already is. :D :D :D

Did I hear sarcasim???? You wanna come for the ride oh great one?