I'm looking for help on how to best store my sons 7.3L 350 CC LB for the next 18 months. He is away in the Navy. Should fuel be full or empty? What needs prep before being put up? Should it sit up on blocks or just on the wheels with suspension sitting normally? Additives?? Batteries?
What do you all think??

 

When My son was away , the tank was topped off , & a battery maintainer attached . Tires should be fine ,but we started it & moved it around occasionally too..

 

I would go to somewhere like Tractor Supply and get some diesel fuel stabilizer to put in the tanks and make sure that the truck gets run enough before it goes into storage to keep the fuel from going bad anywhere in the system. If it is going to sit continuously without being moved I would set it up on jack stands to prevent the tires from getting any flat spots and disconnect the batteries and remove them from the truck to prevent any corrosion from them offgassing.

 

Agree with that, and for the tires, inflate to the max press allowed and put the truck over some pieces of wood.

 

Thanks. Fuel stabilizer...I have a reason to go to Tractor Supply. I like that place. The truck will be in Nevada...Hot in summer and cold in winter.
I didn't understand "putting wood under it". Put wood under the tires after taking then off?

Thanks again.

 

Does the wood under the truck help absorb moisture?

 

We've always used concrete blocks on the frame in these kinds of situations.

I'm not sure on the type of structure it's going to be stored in... especially in the winter mice are a problem. I've always heard to use Bounce dryer sheets and put them in the cab and it will kept the mice away.

Don't use moth *****... you'll never get that smell out of the cab.

 

Concrete is bad for the tires , I have used thin plywood ..Just drive up on it ..

 

Thats what I meant. Thanks Rick.

 

I read an article a while back about the long term storage of classic cars. Do a google search for that.

I would set the suspension on jack stands, to keep the weight off of the tires, fill the tank(s) completely full & add a fuel stabilizer, put plastic bags over the exhaust outlet & intake opening. There are some products that keep mildew from forming, I would use that in the cab. I've also had people tell me they use charcoal in a pan to help keep moisture out. Pull the batteries out & put them on a "tender".

Take complete notes as to what you've done to put the truck up, you may not remember everything. Then when you put the truck back in service you'll know what to undo.

Thanks to your son & his commitment to our country!

 

I agree I would remove the tires.
I just bought a car that sat for 2 years. Lincoln Towncar.
It has a slight vibration. I believe it is from flat spots in the tires. Of course I can feel it better in a Lincoln but truck tires are even bigger too.

 

I would also make sure it does not sit over grass. For some reason grass will promote frame rust. If you need to park it over grass I would buy a tarp and put down under it and drive up on it. If you jack it under the differentails you can take the weight off the tires without removing them.
Thanks to your son for serving our country