In a message dated 4/3/00 1:22:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time, grendal@USA.COM
writes:

<<  How can one tell if the engine has been rebuilt or head gasket replaced?
 2) How long do the clutches last?  Could this really be an original?  it
 seems to hold just fine. >>

head gaskets USUALLY blow/leak around ~75k mi..  if your van has over 150k
mi, and the heads aren't dripping coolant, then odds are theyve been
replaced.

your tranny will prolly develop the 3/4 gear slider hub crack and crap out
before the clutch needs to be replaced..  (sad, but true inherrantly bad
design flaw on the '83.5-'91 4spd trannies)

sounds like your friend found a nice van..
good luck,
chris