Hey all,

I'm a pretty strongly mechanically inclined person (read: have built quite a few vehicles from the frame-up previously, solo).

With that said, I also know my limits on vehicles I haven't worked on -- so I was hoping for some advice from the experts here. '93 econoline with about 150k miles on it. Apparently has some rust and a crack at the frame where the steering box is, but runs and drives. I really would love some input on what to look for when I go view the vehicle tomorrow. It's a great price for it, so if there's nothing too crazy I'd love to buy it and join the group here.

Let me know!

 

I would suggest you check with some body shops to get an idea of whether it can be LEGALLY repaired. If anything were to happen and thru investigation it was determined the repair was not safe, , no need to go any further. There are hungry lawyers out there looking to help folks buy the farm, if you get my point.

 

Body shops can bolster the frame pretty safely by boxing it... this is standard practice. I actually grabbed a photo of the crack and it's on the interior side, and not too bad.

I guess my bigger question is what issues are common on the vehicle?

 

Water pumps, steering linkage, radius rod bushings and brackets that support the rear of the arms , holes can get elongated.
Brake rotors, pads don't let you know until it is too late,
Depending on engine some work can be a PITA.
If reasonably maintained, can provide good service.

 

Think it's generally a cost-worthy thing to just do bushings/brackets and pads on it if I get it? Also drums (while easier) are equally annoying to deal with compared to calipers.

We had debated doing an engine tear down, but I don't know the reliability of the engine and if 150k (if well serviced) meant its most likely fine. Things to research I guess.

 

If you have to have someone do the mechanical work for you, it is not worth it.At best, the van would fetch about $3k if in very good shape. Water pump, brakes, suspension work is not much if you do it yourself. If you have to overhaul the engine, transmission work, body and frame work from rust, I would walk away from the deal. I would say the most durable engine offered for the E150 would be the 4.9 straight six.

 

I went and looked at it (and am back, after 7 hours round trip YEESH!).

Short version: Blower motor was going out, downpipe on right side had a leak somewhere. Some weird misconfiguration of stuff to the rear AC and the bench seats retaining clips had been cut (?????) which was my biggest moment of "hmm maybe not".

So, as good a deal as 2k for it was, I passed. It drove ...fine... but it would've been at least $1500 of work doing it myself.

Anyway all, cheers.

 

These tend to have a lot of body rust. Check to see if it has been repaired and if so repaired right. Check the steel brake lines. Replacements can be hard to find, but they can be repaired.

 

Not sure where you’re located or if you still in the market. I have a ‘91 E150 Club Wagon available. I’m in GA.