[Budsky]

Hi All!
Been trying to find a Transit Van- did a van conversion way back in 83 on a Chevy diesel- swore I'd never do it again- but here I am.
Finding it is difficult to pin down what I'm looking for- seems what shows on dealer websites and what they actually have are different things.
Have not been able to find one with limited slip-

So I finally broke down and visited the commercial sales guy at a local Ford dealer- very disappointing - I know more about these vans then he did.
It became pretty obvious if I didn't want one of the 3 on the lot he wasn't really interested in quoting an ordered one. He did say it would be October before an ordered one would arrive- and I don't believe that for a second!

He did provide me with a printout of the 2016 specs and standard/options.
I had read a 3.55 axle might be coming but not according to the stuff he gave me.

Did I misunderstand that the 2016's rear doors will not open all the way back like the 2015? Instead of 270 deg it says 237 deg. Seems odd???

He also told me I could not order the ambulance package only a ambulance company can??? That package seems to be the only way to get a 3.73 LS axle in a long high roof van..

 

[orton]

Hi All!
Been trying to find a Transit Van- did a van conversion way back in 83 on a Chevy diesel- swore I'd never do it again- but here I am.
Finding it is difficult to pin down what I'm looking for- seems what shows on dealer websites and what they actually have are different things.
Have not been able to find one with limited slip-

So I finally broke down and visited the commercial sales guy at a local Ford dealer- very disappointing - I know more about these vans then he did.
It became pretty obvious if I didn't want one of the 3 on the lot he wasn't really interested in quoting an ordered one. He did say it would be October before an ordered one would arrive- and I don't believe that for a second!

He did provide me with a printout of the 2016 specs and standard/options.
I had read a 3.55 axle might be coming but not according to the stuff he gave me.

Did I misunderstand that the 2016's rear doors will not open all the way back like the 2015? Instead of 270 deg it says 237 deg. Seems odd???

He also told me I could not order the ambulance package only a ambulance company can??? That package seems to be the only way to get a 3.73 LS axle in a long high roof van..

If you are going to put all the effort into a conversion, order a van with the exact options that you want. Do your homework to figure out each option. My 2015 148" WB high roof (not extended) has the 3.31 LS differential.

For a start the following is what I ordered for a conversion build:

http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/22473-post4.html

 

[wgc]

Budsky- welcome to the site, lots of information here. As far as ordering one now and having it by October seems doubtful, but funnier things have happened. I ordered mine at the end of June and hope to have it by November.
If I get it by the end of the year I'll be happy. Been through the same thing with salesman, I know tons more then they do. Get yourself a 2016 buyers guide and pick the options that you want. Write the item number and description and then present it to the salesman. I think the 3.55 was a nice rumor but not to be this year (midyear change?). I believe they changed the door opening on the rear because it was creating a problem with the side sliding door, hence from the 270 to what ever (237?). Good luck

 

[cargovanconversion]

Hi All!
Been trying to find a Transit Van- did a van conversion way back in 83 on a Chevy diesel- swore I'd never do it again- but here I am.
Finding it is difficult to pin down what I'm looking for- seems what shows on dealer websites and what they actually have are different things.
Have not been able to find one with limited slip-

So I finally broke down and visited the commercial sales guy at a local Ford dealer- very disappointing - I know more about these vans then he did.
It became pretty obvious if I didn't want one of the 3 on the lot he wasn't really interested in quoting an ordered one. He did say it would be October before an ordered one would arrive- and I don't believe that for a second!

He did provide me with a printout of the 2016 specs and standard/options.
I had read a 3.55 axle might be coming but not according to the stuff he gave me.

Did I misunderstand that the 2016's rear doors will not open all the way back like the 2015? Instead of 270 deg it says 237 deg. Seems odd???

He also told me I could not order the ambulance package only a ambulance company can??? That package seems to be the only way to get a 3.73 LS axle in a long high roof van..

I just ordered mine about a week ago. Transit 250 MR 148" LWB.
Unexpectedly, a great experience. Previously looked at the different models at local dealers without the pressure of salesmen. When I was ready, I did most of the haggling via email, within a 10 day period. Last week ordered and yesterday I received a copy of the dealers confirmed order. I'll publish the entire experience in a couple of days on my website.

I dealt with several commercial or fleet salesmen, but they often get a salary and have less incentive to deal. And like you, regularly noticed that I knew more about the details of the van than the salesman.

The retail production of the 2016 models starts this weekend, while orders have been placed since early May. And when you search this forum, you'll notice that the current wait is approx. 10-12 weeks.

The 2016 feature list doesn't show a 3.55 axle. I read somewhere that Ford was updating its documentation to reflect the change in how far the rear doors open, but I will have to find out when I receive my vehicle.

Can't tell you about the ambulance package.

One last thing, when I received Ford's confirmation of the order, it stated that the 3.73 Limited Slip axle was on order, so that might complicate things further.

Van Williams

 

[EddieZ]

I believe they changed the door opening on the rear because it was creating a problem with the side sliding door, hence from the 270 to what ever (237?). Good luck

You may have confused the specs for the long and short vans. What I recall reading (if not superseded by something new) is that the rear door on the shorter wheelbase van simply cannot open as far, due to the sliding door going back all the way on the side(s). (The rear doors can be full open even when the slider is open, and, that dictates how far the rear doors can go.)

 

[Budsky]

Thanks guys!
Question- is there no option for opening rear windows?

 

[Budsky]

You may have confused the specs for the long and short vans. What I recall reading (if not superseded by something new) is that the rear door on the shorter wheelbase van simply cannot open as far, due to the sliding door going back all the way on the side(s). (The rear doors can be full open even when the slider is open, and, that dictates how far the rear doors can go.)

Could be- it is on the first page of 2016 Transit Major Product Features printout (17 pages) the dealer gave me- it does not state any particular models.

Wait- just found more- on page 2 it says regular wheelbase is 180 opening and long wheelbase and long wheelbase EL is 237 opening.

 

[EddieZ]

Wait- just found more- on page 2 it says regular wheelbase is 180 opening and long wheelbase and long wheelbase EL is 237 opening.

I don't recall exactly what my 2015, LWB is, but, it's not the 270 you mentioned in your first post. To do that, the doors would have to point straight forward, ie, NO room for the slider.

 

[Budsky]

I wondered about the 270 also- I'm just stating what Ford says in their documentation.

 

[elysium]

If you are going to put all the effort into a conversion, order a van with the exact options that you want. Do your homework to figure out each option. My 2015 148" WB high roof (not extended) has the 3.31 LS differential.

For a start the following is what I ordered for a conversion build:

http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/22473-post4.html

Was reading your build thread and noticed that you had updated your van order/build in post #84 (vs the original in post #4 ). Pasting here for ease of reference/completeness (in case others are skimming this thread and not the other one).

Option Invoice Retail Description

101A Van with XL trim
R2X $33,546 $35,285 250 High Roof 147.6 WB 9000# GVRW
446 6 speed auto
TC8 235/65R16 tires
57B Manual Air Conditioning
C Cloth seats
B Charcoal color seats
UJ $129 $150 Sterling grey color
20B 9000# GVWR
99G $1,590 $1,865 3.5 Ecoboost
21D $52 $60 2 way manual seats
X3L $277 $325 3.31 limited slip axle
63E $252 $295 Dual heavy duty batteries
17B $129 $150 Sliding door and back windows
63C $222 $260 220 amp alternator
53K Modified wiring kit
53B $397 $465 Heavy duty Trailer tow package
59B Trailer wiring provisions
86F $64 $75 Two additional keys
67C $73 $85 Four user defined switches
61C $214 $250 Rear view camera
92E $341 $400 Privacy glass
57N Rear window defrost
68B $422 $495 Remote start
90B $12 $15 12 volt rear powerpoint
58V $293 $345 Single CD radio with 4" screen
85D $60 $70 LED cargo lighting
60C $277 $325 Cruise control
542 $133 $155 Short arm heated turn signal mirrors
94C $48 $55 Front map lights
43R $252 $295 Reverse park aid
64H $29 $35 Black wheels
67D $196 $230 Trailer brake controller
425 50 state emissions
Delivery $995

Totals $39,008 $42,680

 

[Tourneo]

Read that next week (Aug 11th?) Ford is supposed to update its Transit website so you can build your own 2016 online. Have been after my local Ford commercial truck salesman for 2016 info, but haven't seen the new specs. Planned on checking out revised website & calling him again.

Also found searching online frustrating. Only way to check specs is to find window sticker & then you need to confirm whether it's sold, a customer order, or to be shipped. A good salesman can help search, as dealerships will usually be willing to transport vehicles in from other dealers. It's difficult to navigate Ford's check inventory function & detour to each dealer website for details yourself.

Of the civilian car search websites I've found cargurus to be the easiest to use.

 

[Budsky]

Whoohoo!

Well I found close to what I was looking for- about 400 miles away.
Leaving at 0500 Wed the 12th will be there by lunch time and drive it back.
Driving it back will mean towing the 1995 Ranger I drove up there to get it.
Spent all afternoon installing the $56 (on sale +20% off coupon) Harbor Freight tow bar on the Ranger...luckily it is a stick so flat towing isn't an issue for the tow back.

Van is HR extended dually 3.2 diesel, 3.73 axle, tow package, load area protection, privacy glass on back windows and passenger sliding door, long power mirrors, cargo area LEDs and block heater.
Cruise, rear defogger and dual batteries were no charge on this version/package.
Only things missing I would have liked are the 2 extra keys and sort of wanted limited slip but I'm looking at some aftermarket solutions for that.
Stickered out at $46925.

Oh yeah this is the 10,360 lb config- I can and will register it for 9990 in SC, keeps me out of the over 10,000 quirks.

 

[ultane]

Well I found close to what I was looking for- about 400 miles away.
Leaving at 0500 Wed the 12th will be there by lunch time and drive it back.
Driving it back will mean towing the 1995 Ranger I drove up there to get it.
Spent all afternoon installing the $56 (on sale +20% off coupon) Harbor Freight tow bar on the Ranger...luckily it is a stick so flat towing isn't an issue for the tow back.

Van is HR extended dually 3.2 diesel, 3.73 axle, tow package, load area protection, privacy glass on back windows and passenger sliding door, long power mirrors, cargo area LEDs and block heater.
Cruise, rear defogger and dual batteries were no charge on this version/package.
Only things missing I would have liked are the 2 extra keys and sort of wanted limited slip but I'm looking at some aftermarket solutions for that.
Stickered out at $46925.

Oh yeah this is the 10,360 lb config- I can and will register it for 9990 in SC, keeps me out of the over 10,000 quirks.

If I'm not mistaken, you are not supposed to use the cruise control, or pull a trailer for the first 1,000 miles.

 

[Budsky]

What the owner's manual states is-

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 miles (480
kilometers). During this time, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics. The engine also needs to
break in. Avoid hard accelerations and
driving too fast for the first 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers). If possible, avoid
carrying heavy loads up steep grades
during the break-in period.

Nothing about trailer towing or cruise control.


But to be safe instead of towing the Ranger I decided to push the Transit home with it- took me forever with the Rangers little 4 cylinder

 

[cargovanconversion]

It's a general strategy that even my father applied to every new car during his lifetime.
Be gentle with a new motor, but accelerating fast periodically is OK, but don't overdo it.
And pulling a car during this time is probably not the best thing, but you got to do, what you got to do!

Van Williams

 

[Budsky]

Being gentle during break in is a highly debated topic.

Many don't realize most new motors are redlined under load at the end of the production line!
Some experts claim break in of current motors is pretty much done in 20 minutes with their much better manufacturing methods..

I tend to be more in the middle- take it easy and vary speed a lot to not create any wear patterns related to one continuous drive, but don't baby it.

Yep- I'd have preferred to not tow but considering the Ranger is less than half the rated tow capacity I'm not concerned.

 

[cargovanconversion]

Being gentle during break in is a highly debated topic.

I tend to be more in the middle- take it easy and vary speed a lot to not create any wear patterns related to one continuous drive, but don't baby it.

Gentle may not have been to best word to use, it more like moderation. Like you said "don't baby it", but don't overdo it either.

Van Williams

 

[Burt]

I don't remember exactly where it is, but the manual does say not to tow for the first 1,000 miles.

 

[ultane]

I don't remember exactly where it is, but the manual does say not to tow for the first 1,000 miles.

IIRC it was in the trailer towing section.

 

[Budsky]

It is, I found it this morning, and they should have put it in the "Break In" section if they thought it was important..