I have only had a few problems. At around 100,000 miles a part of the steering mechanism popped loose. When I turned the steering wheel the wheels would not change direction until a full spin of the steering wheel. I had to replace the main bearing of the Y-joint steering. Every rod was taken off before I could take the bearing off the chassis. It also took a pneumatic press to pop the bearing loose of it's clasp. A replacement bearing was $150. As I understand it, the Y-joint steering was one of the worst designs ever. It was too easy to foul it up.
Aside from that, the only other problem I've had was that a radiator hose popped at 110,000 miles.
This van did get a remodeled engine at 87,000 miles because of years of disuse.
This is the cargo van model.
It has been hit twice in the back. Only once was there any trouble from an accident, when hit by the other vehicle my gas tank was punctured.
Overall, I do enjoy having a large van and I haven't had any huge problems with it. It starts every time even though I only drive it about once a week.
In response to a review posted re: 1974 FORD E-300 VAN and it's inherent Y-JOINT STEERING flaws, I could use more detail about the dysfunction. Did the reviewer encounter this difficulty while at cruising speed? This seems like it could be a potentially life-threatening problem, if in traffic. I am about to purchase a 1973 E300 and presume that the steering construct is the same. Can anyone offer any info on this subject? My family and I offer many thanks.
To answer your question sir, models from 1970 to 1976 had the Y joint I believe. And yes this is a life threatening problem, my advice is to buy a later model van. The 70's weren't a terrific time for American car manufacturers anyway.
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