I think I found a candidate for our stealth camper

[grumpyjarhead]

My concerns are the miles on the vehicle for a Ford V8. Should I continue looking for something with less miles?

https://mobile.craigslist.org/cto/6161006224.html

GJH

 

[user 37446]

My concerns are the miles on the vehicle for a Ford V8. Should I continue looking for something with less miles?

https://mobile.craigslist.org/cto/6161006224.html

GJH

Man, that's just what I want.  Other than the mandatory inspection and check his records (to verify fluid change claim) I'd personally be ok with it, Ford motors can go longer.  Now you will get some who say absolutely too many miles and or the price should be at least $1,500 less.  

I don't know what you have seen for prices in your area but a high top, plain vanilla, stealthy, window van in good shape is very difficult to find.  Of course offer less, citing concerns over tranny replacement costs (about 2500-3,000) and see if he will drop a grand.  My opinion anyway.

 

[Gideon33w]

Ford Vin decoded for more details - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/vindecoder.php?vin=1FBSS31L1YHB60113

My sticky on full size vans - https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Info-On-Common-Vans

Something to note about that motor:

"2-valve 4.6 L, 5.4 L, and 6.8 L engines found in many 1997-2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles may have aluminum cylinder heads with threads for spark plugs that are stripped, missing, or otherwise insufficiently bored out. Ford acknowledges this issue in TSB 07-21-2 as well as earlier TSBs. Ford's TSB does not state that this issue is caused by owner neglect. Ford's only authorized repair procedure for out-of-warranty vehicles is to use the LOCK-N-STITCH aluminum insert and tool kit. For vehicles under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, Ford will only cover the replacement of the entire cylinder head; however, the Ford recommended spark plug service interval extends beyond the duration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty."

 

[user 37446]

Ford Vin decoded for more details - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/vindecoder.php?vin=1FBSS31L1YHB60113

My sticky on full size vans - https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Info-On-Common-Vans

Something to note about that motor:

"2-valve 4.6 L, 5.4 L, and 6.8 L engines found in many 1997-2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles may have aluminum cylinder heads with threads for spark plugs that are stripped, missing, or otherwise insufficiently bored out. Ford acknowledges this issue in TSB 07-21-2 as well as earlier TSBs. Ford's TSB does not state that this issue is caused by owner neglect. Ford's only authorized repair procedure for out-of-warranty vehicles is to use the LOCK-N-STITCH aluminum insert and tool kit. For vehicles under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, Ford will only cover the replacement of the entire cylinder head; however, the Ford recommended spark plug service interval extends beyond the duration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty."

Thanks for letting grandpacamper know of the old issue.  It did affect vehicles to a small degree, there's a lot of discussions about it on the Ford truck and van forums, yet remember that with that many miles it's bound to have had plug changes.  Get your mechanic to pull a plug and see the condition.  Most any larger, reputable shop has that Ford tool for the plugs.  
Or take it to Ford.

Don't let that issue throw a scare into you. Just get it checked.  Every make has issues, GM has problems with piston slap and oil consumption in some mid 2000 5.3's... all over their forums as well. it's a warning yes.  But not a red flag.

 

[frater secessus]

I attached the .pdf of the full Autocheck report on that van in the other thread where it came up.  Looks like it has been (very) consistently maintained.

 

[StarEcho]

Were you planning to replace the inside ceiling with insulation or anything? If not, notice that the headliner is bubbling up in one of those pictures and will be falling sometime soon. Just something else to think about.

 

[grumpyjarhead]

We passed on it because i cant stand completely.

But i did find this on ebay today.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2006-Starcr...sh=item21281a0073:g:aXsAAOSwjqVZCsqp#viTabs_1

Looks really good except the color but i can deal with that.

 

[djkeev]

If you want a Bus, that's a REALLY NICE BUS!!!

Dave