Are 2001 E350's easy to work on?

[oughtsix]

I am considering purchasing a 2001 E350 with 86,000 miles and a full interior conversion with a 5.4 V8. Asking price $2750. The catch is a spark plug shot out of the head taking a chunk of the head with it.

A couple of things about me.
1) I do all my own Automotive work. To many idiots out there calling themselves mechanics and too hard to find one that actually is.
2) I used to own a Chevy Astro. It was for the most part a pretty good vehicle with the usual Chevy problems. Peeling paint. Bad power accessory switches. Bad fuel injector "spider". Cheap shotty latches, door handles etc. Otherwise it was a pretty decent vehicle.
3) When I replaced the fuel injector harness the job wasn't too hard but the windshield being half way over the engine made it miserable to get to everything.
4) I liked the room in the Astro and it felt like it had more cargo hauling capacity than a Suburban. But I really did not like the cramped quarters when trying to work on the engine.
5) Ford has the market on vans making them plentiful and easy to get parts for hence to me Ford seems like the only logical choice in a full size van.
6) I own a 67 and a 72 pickup. I converted the 67 F100 to power steering and power brakes from a 80's F350 and swapped the rear 9" for a Dana 60 at the same time (all 4 wheels have 8 lug pattern now). Anyway I am comfortable with the Ford I beam suspension and Ford engineering in general.

What I really want to know is how cramped is the engine compartment on the E350? I don't fear changing a head and a new 5.4l head isn't too pricey. But I don't want another vehicle that is miserable to work on. If I pass on the Ford van I will probably buy a Suburban instead. Because of the shear number that have been produced and having a hood that I can climb under. I would like the room in a full size van but it isn't worth it if they are a bear to work on like the Astro.

Is a 2001 5.4l a pretty solid engine? (I own a bullet proof 300 straight six and a 390fe V8. And a 392 International V8. These are my references when I say "solid engine").

How about the tranny. What tranny would an Extended E350 with a 5.4 come with. Are they reliable? Or are they 100K rebuilders?

I really like the idea of double folding doors after owning the Astro with a semi-sliding door (It would slide closed pretty easily when it felt like it or put up a fight when it didn't feel like it.)

The intended uses I am looking for a vehicle to fill are:
A) Family outings and camping.
B) Hauling around supplies like plywood.
C) Occasional road trips to purchase used woodworking machinery.
D) Not a daily driver.

[WVFord]

Ask the current owner if you can take the inside engine cowling off and get a good at what you'll be dealing with.

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by oughtsix

What I really want to know is how cramped is the engine compartment on the E350?

It's a van. It's cramped. Not as bad a Chevy or Dodge vans as the engine is further out front, but it is not like working on a pickup truck. I've only had the "dog house" off a couple times in the 11 years I have owned my E150. With the dog house off, it is very easy to get to the back plugs and wires.

BTW, E350 ride pretty rough, especially when empty. You definitely want to get the ball joints and shocks checked.

Is a 2001 5.4l a pretty solid engine?

Blowing plugs was not "uncommon". Usually they can be fixed with a heli coil. Google "+helicoil +ford +v8"

How about the tranny.

The 4R75E is pretty bullet proof. Been around for a long time with no issue. Add a trans cooler if it does not have one.

[oughtsix]

Thank you guys for the replies. I appreciate the information.