• The E-series van is related to Ford's F-series pickup truck line.van fano denmark image by david harding from Fotolia.com
  
  Ford began manufacturing the E350 van, also known as the Econoline, in 1961. Part of Ford's E-series of full-size vans, the E350 was initially introduced as a compact van with a flat nose. It was eventually enlarged to a full-size van and given a truck-like front hood. It proved to be an extremely versatile and popular vehicle; by 2006, it had been the best-selling American full-size van for 26 years, according to the Ford Econoline History website. The 1987 E350 was part of the third generation of E350 vans that were produced from 1975 to 1991, and it remained virtually unchanged throughout those years.
  
  

Engines

• The 1987 E350 van came equipped with a 4.9-liter, in-line, six-cylinder engine capable of 145 horsepower and 265 foot-pounds of torque. It has a 4-inch bore and a 3.98-inch stroke. A 5.8-liter V-8 engine was also offered as an option. This larger engine can put out 200 horsepower and 310 foot-pounds of torque. It has a bore of 4.00 inches and a stroke of 3.50 inches. Both engines have a compression ratio of 8.8-to-1.
  
  

Transmission and Suspension

• Several transmission options were offered on Ford's E350 van. Buyers could opt for a three-speed manual, a four-speed manual, a three-speed automatic or a four-speed automatic. The E350 features Ford's Twin I-Beam front suspension, where the I-beam is divided in two and mounted away from the center of the chassis. With leading arms and a front-mounted steering gear, the design was intended to provide a smooth ride and better control when handling large loads.
  
  

Exterior Features and Dimensions

• The third generation E350 van features improved ergonomic controls and a larger, full-size frame, which also allows it to be used as a truck chassis. Its front end had square headlights, the blue oval Ford logo incorporated into the front grill, and a more traditional hood resembling those seen on today's models. The E350 has a wheelbase of 138 inches, a length of 206.8 inches, a width of 79.9 inches and a height of 85.4 inches. The vehicle rolled out of the showroom on 235/85R16 tires.
  
  

Sub Models

• The E350 van was offered in several different sub-models. Buyers could choose a regular or extended cargo model, with cargo space rather than seats in the back. An extended club wagon passenger model was also available, as well as regular and extended display wagon passenger models. In addition, regular and extended window passenger wagons were offered.