I am looking at buying a late 90s Ford van with a gas V8. What do I need to look for? I have been told the suspension and brakes are horrible, but my mechanic says the 95-98 E Vans are bulletproof. Is the bulletbroof true?

What do you think I need to look out for?

Are they easy to get to the motor and trans? I have a 97 GMC Savana Van, and it is a bit hard to get to the motor. I am told the Fords are easier and more room to work on the motor.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

The 5.8 Ford engines gave good service when maintained . The trans was about average. As far as working on them , some things were easy and some were a hassle. It depends what you plan to work on. Changing spark plugs on the 5.8 did give you a good time when trying to change the two plugs on the right front of the engine. It was much easier to remove the battery then accessibility was much easier. Once you know what to expect they were not bad at all to work on. They took a beating and still performed well and held up better than a GM, in my own opinion. I have seen them so overloaded that the front wheels almost went where they wanted to go. They did the job and held up in spite of what was demanded of them. As far as the newer vans there was no comparison.Again that was IMHO.

 

i have a 96 with 347k on it still looks and runs like new only reason I'm changing the motor and tranny is i want the whole drive train new when i add 4wd

 

Owned 3 Chevy vans since 79 now have a 95 ford with 108000 . Of all for vans mechanically not much different but Henry knew his stuff maybe it's the weatherstripping.
All the Chevy's (cars included) since I had from 66, to much road noise. All vans are a bit of a challenge to work on just need a little more patience. My first post, my ABS light on snowed yesterday in pa and usually van runs like a 4wd