Need advice on an 87 E350 Pathfinder for sale...quickly!

[jacobconroy]

Hi All,
I've been eyeing 4X4 vans for years. A 1987 E350 Pathfinder is available down the road. Here is a spec sheet and a picture. I haven't seen the inside yet, but am meeting the fellow tomorrow. He seems like a really nice guy that has owned the van for 8 years. Offered to let me take it for 24 hours for inspection too (which I am doing tomorrow).

What do you experts think? I really like that it's old enough that I can work on it without a dealer and could replace the engine and tranny if needed without going into debt. Electrical problems don't scare me. Light mech work doesn't scare me. Engine and/or tranny problems DO make me a bit nervous.

Thanks for any advice!

• mileage = 149K
• motor = 460 with rebuilt carb (no efi)
• gas (two tanks)
• tranny = c6 auto
• 2/4WD with Hi/Lo (all works, new hubs)
• new fuel pumps
• new battery
• maintenance records
• Haynes manual
• wiring schematics
• matching spare
• $4500.00

Inoperative:

• Drivers' auto window
• dash lights
• cruise control

Needs:

• paint
• alignment
• apolstry
• window seals
• tires before too long

 

[winmag4582001]

FWIW
Positives:
The C6 is a great trans.
Easy to work on and parts are cheap if you are doing the work yourself.
Negatives:
It's old which means long distance could be nerve racking.
An 87' 460 gets horrible gas mileage and has no more power than a more modern 5.4.
Big blocks consume oil and can run hot because of the size.
Rattles can be annoying.
Old emissions components can be aggravating.
Changing a trans in a van is easy, motor, not so much.

Figure $1000 in bearings, ball joints, bushings and all fluids/tune up parts. Tranny cooler and possibly a bigger radiator. Carbs take a little skill to set right. Plus another $1000 in tires. Then you have an interior to finish out....... IMO, after you do all of that, you have a $4500-$5000 31 year old van.

 

[VisionxOrb]

460 to 6.0 6l90e swap would be pretty sweet in that.