In the next two weeks or so I may be taking a look at a 2000 F-350 CCSB. The truck is for sale at a used car dealership. It only has 35K on it and was old man owned before it was purchased in an estate sale. While the super low miles are really appealing, I have some concerns. It's apparent that this truck has done some sitting, I'm not sure whether it was kept indoors or not. The truck is in Michigan which seems to be smack dab in the middle of the rust belt, although it looks to be rust free. What are some things to look out for on something of this low of mileage? Is it right to assume that leaks of some sort may develop down the road if the seals started to dry up?

 

Drain every fluid in it and replace and run it a while (100 miles?) and then replace those fluids again. imo

There are tips to replace steering fluid.

You are correct, O-rings and seals will dry out and need to be replaced at some time.... The very good news is that you can replace most of them your self (we are here to help with any questions). A good place to go for a lot of O-rings and seals and Advice is

DieselOrings

Instruction Sheets and Information
Welcome to guzzle's Ford PSD Maintenance Web Page
http://www.dieselorings.com/1999-2003-ford-7-3l.html

 

Les, we have a big amount of guys scattered around michigan nose to tail. Might be worth while to post a location and have one of the FTE bros in the area take a long look.

I wouldn't personally be concerned about time spent down. I would be more concerned about mice in the harness, or if it was sitting on anything but concrete. I've found many low mileage vehicles in perfect condition sitting in yards up here. Frames were gone from beneath moisture. Panels were great, but............

Might want to have someone take a peek before you travel.

Denny

 

 

I'm Tawas. We have fte's in the thumb.

Nail the location and let's fish,

Denny

 

If I'd known then what I know now I possibly wouldn't have bought my truck! (I'm so glad that I did though!)
It was advertised as 19k miles (3 years ago) which turned out to be km's! It was driven 1500 miles home having only checked the levels etc, the tyres were original & the truck had been in dry storage for many years, it then got a good service, fluids & filters have been replaced regularly since, 6 tyres were eventually replaced last year after 80k km's as they were getting near the wear limit (I still have the original spare lol!)
Touch wood I have had no issues with the truck in regards to seals & other perishable items, the chassis is still like new as is the body & I consider myself to be one of the luckiest 7.3 owners around.
Buy on condition but go in with your eyes open

 

Freakishly low mileage vehicles scare me just as much as freakishly high ones. Unless it was owned by a good collector who kept it on jack stands to prevent tire rot and flushed the fluids periodically; they're never worth the premium price people want for them...