1995 E450 7.3L Diesel shuttle conversion?

[bp944]

I have reached the point where I need to make the transition to van/bus life. I keep on coming across shuttle vans based on the E450 platform with a turbo diesel. Seems perfect for what I want it for. Under 22 feet so I can park it legally in cities, 15-18 mpg, enough room for a bed, fits my climbing gear and mountain bikes, and I found one that needs some tlc but he's asking $1000 OBO so I figure I have 4 grand to play with getting it running. Is there any huge concerns with these vehicles as conversions? I don't plan on running plumbing and my main real concern is insulation. Will the current insulation be worth while at all or will that part be a major pain. I may have to change out the rear end gear ratio for highway driving but that's not a huge problem.

 

[roach711]

The 7.3 is a solid engine but if it was abused 4 grand may not get it reliable. What's wrong with it? How many miles on it? How was it used? How old are the tires?

 

[sdwarf36]

Look for rust around the wheel arches.
And the only way you are going to get 15-18 mpg is if every trip you take is downhill--both ways.

 

[joeblack5]

ditto the mpg both way downhill .
my e350 extended van with 3.55 rear ration and 255/85/16 tires gets a yearly average of 16 mpg. The best i ever got was 20 mpg at 55 mph measured over one tank and you know that that does not mean much.

I am not sure what our bus gets yet with 4.10 rear ratio. i would be happy with 14 but i have a feeling it is lower then that.

later j

 

[sdwarf36]

With a 4.10 you are turning 2500 rpm at 65 mph. 10 -12 mph is far more realistic.

 

[joeblack5]

yes, you are probably right. I have my fuel receipts over the last 2000 miles so I will calculate it out.
Wonder if the 7.3 can pull my aluminum corbeil with a 3.55?

later j

 

[roach711]

Mine gets 13 (highway) on a good day, usually mid 12's at 65 mph.