I'm looking to get a used FORD van.
What are the years , engines , transmissions to avoid ?
I also want to tow with it .

 

avoid all models, GM savena and Chevy Express, 5.7 engines, and automatic transmissions,

 

You will find problems with every brand/type. IMHO, one of the big problems with the Econolines is the front brakes.

 

I could never understand why Ford did not put squealers on their front disc pads. You can get some idea of when the pads need to be replaced by looking at the master cyl fluid level, but why Ford puts 29 cup holders in the vehicle and no type of warning that the pads are getting ready to destroy the rotors is beyond me. Anybody have any ideas on this?

 

It just seems to me, of all the vehicles I have driven with front disc brakes, Econolines have the shortest life span for pads.

 

I must agree with you there with one exception. Vehicles with ESC , electronic stability control, wear out the rear pads pretty fast. Depending on your driving habits,the rears are always working to keep the driver and vehicle from going off the road or having a mishap.

 

As a flooring installer, I have always driven Econolines. They are about 12'2" from back doors to dog house. Just right for flooring. Chevys are usually 11' 6'' to 11' 8' and the one and only Dodge I owned was 10' 6". Of course,, these are for standard vans. When you work in the downtown of a major city, extended vans are too hard to park.

 

I am talking specifically about Ford vans . My mistake.
I would not ask about chevy's and dodges on a Ford forum

 

When I ran flooring crews , if they showed up with a chevy I knew they were questionable
If they showed up with a Dodge , I knew they would be late.

 

Aren't they pretty much all the same, all they really change is the dash and front grill
Pick a color and engine u like and ur set!