lets talk one-ton vans, cause I need one

[Patronus]

So far I've been put on this planet to run Econoline vans into the ground. I've been a general contractor for 30+ years and have driven one since 16. My current steed is a nice 1988 E-150. A bit light in the cargo capacity, brakes, trans, etc. I had a 92 once but it was pretty rough. I wanted to ask the guys wrenching on stuff everyday if they had any advise on them. Im currently looking at an '02 E-350 15 pass w/ v8, 44K for $12.9 and an '05 Chevy extended g3500 w/v8, 103K for $12K what sayeth the crowd? (The ford is in LV so I'd have to ship it.)

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/ctd/4639781434.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/4626934986.html

[Indygenerallee]

If I were looking for a van I would buy a pre 02 Ford with a 7.3 Powerstroke... better fuel mpg and better driver loaded. I have never been impressed with 6.0 Chevy's they have serious piston slap problems, most knock like hell on cold start up. At our car lot we won't buy a Chevy truck with a 6.0 because we have had way too many problems in the past. 5.3 is good but that 6.0.... Oh the 6.0 Powerstroke 03-up is a turd as well if you don't do a EGR delete, new head gaskets, head studs, etc. about $5,000 worth of work to make those reliable.

[Patronus]

Thank you. That was what I was hoping for, some real info.. I'm not a fan of the diesels really. The price at the pump is the biggest factor. Am I wrong? I don't tow much so that wouldn't be an issue.

[twodko]

I vote for a 1 ton Ford van myself. I drove a few for 22 years and they
were bullet proof. I carried a lot of gear so they all had 460's in them
except for the last one which had a V10 and better mileage.

While fuel costs are a large factor. A 1 ton by necessity
is going to have a big mill.
You couldn't give me a diesel in one. 

[Indygenerallee]

The diesel will get better MPG than the 5.4 or V10.  I have a 99 F250 with a 7.3 and I get 18-20 MPG on the highway and when you are fully loaded pulling a trailer goes down to 15 mpg.

[Patronus]

I've only had Fords. It's been maybe 10 now, I forgot. But if the 6.0L Chevy is a pos then I will stick with em I guess. Thanks for letting me know what ya think.