7.3 box van

[dubrider22]

ok i have been trying to do a lot of research but figured to just ask.
looking at getting a 7.3 box van to make in to a race rig for my motocross bikes. it seems everyone says the 7.3 over the 6
i found one thats an 03 with 229000 on it, what type of mileage can these handle, is the 7.3 the right choice, i am looking at 14 -16 ft box maybe 4 bikes and occasionally pulling a 20ft travel trailer.

any other suggestions

thanks

[dieselcrawler]

The 7.3 is the way to go... there's lots of good info here to help you evaluate the condition of the van you're lookin' at, and the mileage isn't that bad... my F-350 is gettin' close to 200K, and there's lots on here who have that much and more... properly cared for you can see 400K to 500K with few problems...

I have both a van and a truck, and my vote would be to find a truck with the box. The vans do not have an intercooler, and overall power is going to be somewhat lower. Couple that with the ease of mods to the trucks vs the vans, and your plans to tow a trailer, you might be better off with a truck with the same box on it... I know I would, but my van is also loaded to the gills with tools and supplies for my work as an electrician. My next work "van" will be a F-350 truck with the same style covered utility box bed as on the van. One of my reasons for that is the option of 4x4 and low range in the transfer case. Gettin' the van into someones yard can be an issue when it's wet and no 4x4...

However, if you're gettin' a great deal on the van, and it's what you need for your bikes, it's likely to be availble cheaper than a compairable truck. I've seen ones like you're discribing go for less than 5K on Ebay...

Check out the 7.3 geniral disc fourum... do some searches.... lots of info here....