66 econoline heavy duty version question

hello knowledgeable ford folks, thinking about buying a 66 e100 heavy duty and was wondering are they more rare than the regular version, do they ride and drive like lumber wagons, good-bad- thoughts, thanks

This question has been asked and answered before...-at the top right; have "search", pick topics, type in "heavy duty" and then pick "go"

Drives better, not like a 1965 f250. Can do the speed limit on the highway. Stronger frame if 1964-1967, so less chance to develop cracks. I think a much better choice. Welcome to VV.

9" rear ends i believe in the HD's

The Heavy Duty trucks have .120 thick frame rails. The standard frames were .050 for earlies and .070 for 65-67's. They also have an extra leaf in the spring stack. And 9" rear axles. They were rated at 3/4 ton.

Duane in Tennessee

Of course none of those differences make a difference in ride except for the added leaf. It is really going to depend on the van itself, they cannot be judged as a whole. As far as rarity, there are plenty of them out there. The one thing that really makes a difference in the VALUE is the heavier frame.

When looking for a van or a pickup, you are way ahead of all the issues if you look for what is called a "LATE",, meaning from 65 to 67 with the 67 the ONLY one with a "DUAL" master cylinder.  There is a LONG list of differences in frame and brackets on an H/D,,, with the MAIN DIFFERENCE in that if it is a H/D it WILL have the preferred 9" rear axle.
 They were offered in any HEAVY DUTY, regardless of a small six or the large six motor, HOWEVER the 64 was the change year, and then in 65 they also had a REAL engine cross member for support and to make tie the frame rails together as one, as well as a hump in the rear of the doghouse for added breathing and bell housing clearance.
  The 9" rear axle has many advantages over the smaller rear end that did not come in a Heavy Duty option. The 9" has BIGGER BRAKES,,  and axle bearings with the larger brakes even highly sought after for the Mustang crowd.  The last advantage is that you can change the gearing to your liking in about an hour and much less expensive, as well as MUCH STRONGER.
 In ANY 65 to 67 that had the BIG SIX,, the 9" rear axle came as STANDARD as it needed to be stronger in order to take the now available BIG SIX option that became available.
 In regards to springs,, they could be all kinds of combinations,, but it makes no real difference there as you can easily change them to suit your style or needs.  AGAIN,, any 65 to 67 is the better option to look for, and EVEN BETTER with the highly sought after 9' rear axle...
vic

thanks for all the great info

The HD Econos came with an anti-sway bar on the front axle. In my opinion, they all need one.

The HDs were rated at 1-ton payload capacity. I never noticed any real change in the ride of a 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton and the 1-ton versions. Some folks with the HD Econos will remove a leaf to soften the ride.