tcwaltz
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The 2000 is a good year model to work with as a base for a fairly decent vehicle. I paid $1000 for one that had a few known issues. Probably the worst thing I've been dealing with is rust, but I've been able to treat most of it and its fine. These things will develop rust holes in the roof where the ridges are. I had 4 in mine and they were half ass repaired and the PO wasn't on the up and up about it. I originally thought the water coming in was the typical windshield leak and it turned out to be the holes. I used a flanging kit and riveted new metal in and its fine now.
If you can get a 2000 EB you will be getting a car that can easily be updated to have most of the conveniences of the newer vehicles. I recently installed a Jensen VX7022 in mine. Took a little cutting of the dash, but I now have bluetooth, hands free phone, ipod connectivity, DVD in vehicle, Navigation and a backup camera. I replaced the engine with reman long block from Promar. I replaced the intake manifold with Dorman after market and the vehicle runs just fine (its not very expensive and changing it is relatively easy). I've done the suspension all the way around including replacing the air springs in the back. I have around $6500 in mine at the moment and that includes having purchased an engine lift, engine stand and a transmission jack. Parts are readily available and you can use many parts from the F150 as well. The only two things that have not been rebuilt or serviced on this yet is the transmission and the rear axle.
I have 3 minor annoyances that I have yet to resolve. I have a little play in the steering. I'm guessing its play in the gear box because I don't detect any wear in the pitman arm or tierod ends. I have a rattle when I stop for a bit. It will go away when I put it in park. Then it will come back. I think this is likely the heatshield on the exhaust pipes rattling since I did have to pry around them a bit when getting at the bell housing bolts. Last thing is the passenger window that will roll down but not roll back up consistently. Its electrical and I figure related to the drivers side button I just haven't tried to track it down yet.
Overall, its a good year model to work with, rust can be an issue, but parts are pretty much available. The 2000 has the PI heads and overall its a pretty upgradeable vehicle.
If you can get a 2000 EB you will be getting a car that can easily be updated to have most of the conveniences of the newer vehicles. I recently installed a Jensen VX7022 in mine. Took a little cutting of the dash, but I now have bluetooth, hands free phone, ipod connectivity, DVD in vehicle, Navigation and a backup camera. I replaced the engine with reman long block from Promar. I replaced the intake manifold with Dorman after market and the vehicle runs just fine (its not very expensive and changing it is relatively easy). I've done the suspension all the way around including replacing the air springs in the back. I have around $6500 in mine at the moment and that includes having purchased an engine lift, engine stand and a transmission jack. Parts are readily available and you can use many parts from the F150 as well. The only two things that have not been rebuilt or serviced on this yet is the transmission and the rear axle.
I have 3 minor annoyances that I have yet to resolve. I have a little play in the steering. I'm guessing its play in the gear box because I don't detect any wear in the pitman arm or tierod ends. I have a rattle when I stop for a bit. It will go away when I put it in park. Then it will come back. I think this is likely the heatshield on the exhaust pipes rattling since I did have to pry around them a bit when getting at the bell housing bolts. Last thing is the passenger window that will roll down but not roll back up consistently. Its electrical and I figure related to the drivers side button I just haven't tried to track it down yet.
Overall, its a good year model to work with, rust can be an issue, but parts are pretty much available. The 2000 has the PI heads and overall its a pretty upgradeable vehicle.
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