mlg@akgua.UUCP (M.L. Graham [Mike]) (07/26/85)
We plan on ordering a full size van (window, not a conversion) this fall. For various reasons, we think Ford will fit our needs best, and we pretty much know what we want as far as interior optioins. But I don't have much basis for deciding on the power train. I doubt that we'll ever pull a camper or boat, its main use will be highway travel. I would like to get reasonable mileage(15-18mpg), but I don't want to sacrifice all power. Ford only offers their OD transmissioin with the 6 and small V8 engines. (Is that because its a car transmission and won't handle the larger engines in the vans?) I'm thinking about either a small V-8 with OD transmission and rear end in the 3.5 range, or a larger engine with a 3 speed automatic and rear end in the 2.7-3.0 range. Does anybody have any experience with Ford vans, good or bad? Any recomendations on engines, transmissions, rear ends? Thanks in advance. Mike Graham @ AT&T, Atlanta akgua!mlg