Ford Brougham

[Wallflowers]

2 years ago I sold my 1998 Holiday Rambler 37 ft w/2 rear axle to an older lady that drove it from Vegas to Florida where it is now her 1 br apt. Was a good RV. Now last year I found a 1983 Ford Brougham 24 ft with great interior that was sitting at a dessert location for quite awhile. Had it towed home. Had to put new tires on it and did a discussion on what size tires to install. Ended up going with orig size 8.75x16.5 with a lot of input Thanks! This RV is on a Ford E350 chassis with a 460 motor. Lots of stuff I fixed and lots to fix. I know it's a bit of a money pit but it fits in my driveway and it still looks good. I do not know how many Brougham owners are still out there but I would like to hear from them. The only real problem now is it seems to be tacking high for the speed. At 55 it runs at about 3000 to 3500rpm. seems high. Is This normal for an RV? thanks

[Gooma]

Does it have an overdrive transmission? If so it's not shifting into OD.

[d23haynes57]

There is a button to disable the overdrive. Check it. I think it is on the back or end of the shift lever.

[House Husband]

NO overdrive on that year of E350, The RPMs are normal for that combination of chassis & transmission.
Overdrive add-ons, such as Gear Vendors may be an option.
https://gearvendors.com/hrford3s.html

Richard

[RVfixit]

These are the specs for that year motorhome chassis-

1FD = FoMoCo USA .. Ford Van - Incomplete Vehicle.
K = Class 3 - Hydraulic Brakes - 10,001-14,000 lbs. GVWR
E30 = E350 Cut-Away RV
L = 460 4V (7.5L).
3 = Check digit, FoMoCo use only.
D = 1983.
H = Lorian OH Assembly Plant.
B21744 = 1983 Numerical Sequence of Assembly, the vehicles specific serial number.
9A = White.
86 = Sold to an RV Dealer.
176" Wheelbase.
E303 = E350 Cut-Away RV; 11,000 lbs. GVWR
BH = Tan all Vinyl.
G = C6 Automatic Transmission.
53 = Dana 70 Rear Axle / 3.54-1 / 7,400 lbs. Rear Axle Capacity.
Hood is the same: 1975/91 E100/350 // Lower grille panel is the same: 1979/91 E100/350.

Note that it has a C-6 transmission which only came as a 3 speed. This has been paired with the standard axle ratio of 3.54 which at 60 mph would give you the RPM's your getting at cruising speeds. This actually is optimal since the 460 V8 max torque is reached at about 3000 rpm.

You have a good rig there as long as you keep up regular maintenance.

Good Luck and Safe Travels!

[d23haynes57]

Oh shoot! Got the year wrong, missed the '83. I had a '92.

[Wallflowers]

Its an 1983 so no overdrive. May have been an issue with the 55 mph Fed law. I may look into an overdrive as soon as I get everything working. Thanks for the full info on the unit. the question I would have is the sticker for incomplete vec shows the axle ratio is a number 52 not 53. the 52 shows a 4.11 however the 53 seems to fit correctly and that would match up with the rpms and speed. Thanks for the info!

[RVfixit]

Originally Posted by Wallflowers

Its an 1983 so no overdrive. May have been an issue with the 55 mph Fed law. I may look into an overdrive as soon as I get everything working. Thanks for the full info on the unit. the question I would have is the sticker for incomplete vec shows the axle ratio is a number 52 not 53. the 52 shows a 4.11 however the 53 seems to fit correctly and that would match up with the rpms and speed. Thanks for the info!

The information sent was the stock specs without any special order options. You could very well have the 4.11, especially if its equipped with the trailer towing package.

Safe travels!