About Ford E-350 Econoline
The Ford E-350 Econoline is a full-size van manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. The Econoline was introduced in 1961 as the successor to the Ford F-series van and is now in its fourth generation. The Econoline was produced in several versions for private and commercial use, like a van or passenger car, as a cutaway van chassis, and as a demountable chassis. Since 2015, only the latter two models have been offered, and Ford has replaced the E Series with the Ford Transit. The Econoline was the best-selling full-size van in the United States from 1980 to 2014.
On September 21, 1960, Ford introduced the first-generation Ford E-350 Econoline for the 1961 model year. This model was introduced in 1957 and replaced the Ford F-Series. It had a disc suspension. Due to the 90-inch wheelbase, the E-350 Econoline's powertrain was mounted behind the front axle. The Ford E-350 Econoline took several parts from the Volkswagen Type 2 but differed greatly from other specified parts and positioned the engine in the middle. Above the front axle, the front seats were installed. The Ford E-350 Econoline was available in several versions during production. In addition to the three-door van, there was also an eight-door version.
Ford E-350 Econoline parts online
The second generation keeps the unique body design of the first generation, but the motor is now in the front instead of in the middle. This made it possible for a double I-beam suspension to be used. With a wheelbase of 457.2 mm, the model was the largest full-size van available in North America at the time. The wheelbase was lengthened by 381.0 mm. In 1972, parts like a sliding door were introduced. There was also an Econoline with a cab on top of an open van chassis. The chassis with a cab became popular in the passenger car market, where the E-350 Econoline continued to be the most popular vehicle.
In 1975, the Econoline E-350 was used a lot, both as a separate car and as a frame for other cars. As a van chassis, the full-size Econoline gained a lot of attention. This model was used to make a lot of ambulances, trucks, and buses. Based on the Econoline light van, the van's interior is very nice, and the parts of the powertrain have been changed a lot. The motor parts in the E-series were updated in 1997, and only the 7.3L diesel motor was kept. The gasoline one in the tenth generation of the F-series was changed to an inline V6, and the 6.8-liter V10 was changed to a 7.5L V8 engine. In 2003, a Navistar 6.0-liter diesel engine took the place of the 7.3-liter diesel engine.