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Advice needed: Keep it or dump it?
#561299 May 10th 2012 7:39 am
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Well fellow vaners, I need some advice on what to do with our van (1999 E-150, Coachmen conversion (plain)).

Without going into details about how much we put into the van the last 2 years (it feels we pretty much replaced everything), 2012 started out bad and I was wondering what you thoughts are.

This year, we drove the van on 3 weekends, for a total of about 1,500 miles. We had to replace the steering gear box (~$600), power steering radiator (~$300), the cooling system flushed refilled again (already did it last year), because of contamination (~$250).

Now the cruise is out and the van (we call him Big Green) supposedly needs a new clock spring.

So we spent almost $1,200 so far, and am looking at another ~$75 plus labor (guess we could replace the clock spring ourselves).

Yes, nothing beats a real van. We could live in it if times get tough, it runs fine (thus for our long trips, I do not want to go without cruise).

Only items of "negative discussion" would be rust on rocker panels and doors, and 2 interior parts which is minor.

So what do you think? It is paid for. Shall we just keep it and drive it as is and enjoy, and just wait till the next thing is happening? Maybe nothing is happening for right now?

I guess I am just so "fed up" with what happened recently that a current offer of $2,500 came just in time.

You can not replace the van for this, no way. And I do not want to give it up.

Sorry for the long post. But it helps to talk about things like that, that's what forums are for, or not?

I would appreciate any thoughts.

Greetings!


Do not touch a running system!
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Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it?
BigGreen #561310 May 10th 2012 9:00 am
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Did you do that work yourself or have a shop do it. Cause 600 bucks sounds way to much for a steering box.


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Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it?
BigGreen #561313 May 10th 2012 9:29 am
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Had the dealer do it. Gear box refurbished was $150, $450 for putting it in, with shims which were needed ($60), power steering system flush and fill and alignment of course.

Had way too many people working on the van already who claimed but actually did not know how to do work right. Had to pay badly for it, so if it is items which are either specific for safety or drive-ability, I rather go with a specialist. As a matter of fact, our local shop would have done it, but they have no clue what shims are. So I would drive it now and wear off the new tires unevenly.

And it never hurts to double check, technician said clock spring would be around $75, but parts says it would actually be $110. Checked with 3rd party suppliers (like Doorman), they don't make such a replacement part.

Last edited by BigGreen; May 10th 2012 9:34 am.

Do not touch a running system!
Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it?
BigGreen #561318 May 10th 2012 10:12 am
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Dorman makes the column clock spring for the F150s, thru 550 Super D and Expedition, 1999 thru 2004. They're about $55 to $65.
Maybe the van is different???

Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it?
BigGreen #561319 May 10th 2012 10:18 am
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It is the E-Series, F-truck parts don't fit. Good thought, but that is the first thing you do, check if the part fits other applications.

Some parts are shared with the F-Series van, some with the Excursion, but many are unique as the E-Series has it's own "Super Duty" line.

As a matter of fact, Doorman just introduced the clock spring for the 93-95 E-Series van, parts are still marked as "new".

At this point I am willing to take everything apart just for the heck of it. Clean it with electric cleaner and put it back together. Have done it before, and most of the time, things work (even though just for a short time).

Greetings!


Do not touch a running system!
Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it?
BigGreen #561534 May 10th 2012 11:18 pm
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Just sounds to me like you had a spate of maintenance items fail in a short time.


My 68 was never a 'reliable' van, but I am glad I kept it (43 years now) and may finally get it done so it can be driven often.


Gregg Groff

The right to bear vans

65 ChevyVan Pontiac OHC 6/TH2004R
68 ChevyVan 108 454/4L80E
86 Dodge "Yeah, it's got a 318"
83 ChevyVan Shorty- B2%B Pt II
Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it?
BigGreen #561601 May 11th 2012 9:16 am
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I would keep it.Sounds like you've already put enough $$$ into it,now just enjoy it!

Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it?
BigGreen #561603 May 11th 2012 9:24 am
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Yeah, that. Hell you've already spent the money, at least keep it to enjoy your hard earned money. If you sell it, you will regret it before the tail lights are out of sight.


2003 Grand Caravan

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Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it?
draggnastro #561631 May 11th 2012 12:39 pm
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Keep it...you know what's new in it now...having a dealer work on it "wow" ..well I couldn't afford that no way...but I do lots of trading with friends and am able to do lots of work myself....the only way I could keep this old iron rolling....


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............" REALITY IS JUST AN ELABORATE ILLUSION"..................

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