Questions about a potential SMB purchase

[quietglow]

I've been lurking here for awhile, as I've been looking for options for upgrading my wife and my van game. We were Westy owners for a long while (a diesel 82) and are currently driving a Promaster with Wayfarer conversion. We put 15k mi a year on our vans, mostly weekend warrior style.

We've been thinking our next van would be an SMB and were looking at finding one in the next 18 months. I just ran across one that seems like it might be the one. It's a 2002 350 RB high top 4x4 with 49k miles (!) and the 7.3. It appears to be in exceptionally good condition all around, with the floor plan that has the split rear benches. We were looking for the single rear bench one, but everything else about this one seems pretty perfect.

We're going to look at it Friday, and theoretically could close the deal then. If you were me, what specifically would you be looking for with this vehicle? I'm mechanically competent but I don't have any experience with this engine. I've done a fair bit of reading about it and know it is the one I'd opt for if I had the choice. It's in the midwest so it's had at least some salt exposure. Some pics from underneath attached along with a pic of the rig.

Any advice, wisdom, etc. welcome. Many thanks!

 

[Cummins_Expo]

Maybe I am spoiled living in the Southwest, but some pictures make me a little worried. Once rust starts, it's hard ever to get rid of. I would also be concerned about the condition of rubber and sensors, trying to get bolts free.

 

[geoffff]

That may be a Sportsmobile, and be converted to 4x4, but that doesn't look like the Sportsmobile 4x4 conversion to me -- that van has coil springs.

 

[batgirls]

Look for signs of water intrusion:
-Bubbles in cabinet”veneer”
-Swollen cabinet sides, especially on the base
-Strains and streaks where the fixed top meets the roof
-Carpet stains and soft spots in the floor
-Rust stains in the rear floor cargo box (if it has one)
-Musty, mildewy odors

Other items-
-Discolored hot water/crud in the water heater
-Signs of heat damage to house wiring or scorched outlets
-Burst pipes / 12 volt water pump
-Starcool AC condition (if it has it)
-Condition of the fiberglass top-look cracks, wear, exposed fiberglass

One the non sportsmobile (Ford vans) stuff… Take it to a skilled independent Ford mechanic and pay them for a serious inspection. $300-$500 on a deep inspection could save you thousands. For example: i was just quoted $2000 to replace the oil pan gasket. They have to pull the engine or drop the suspension to get to it.

And you thought your westy diesel liked to spend money

 

[1der]

That may be a Sportsmobile, and be converted to 4x4, but that doesn't look like the Sportsmobile 4x4 conversion to me -- that van has coil springs.

Since it is a 2002, it is Quigley and likely ordered from SMB at time of conversion. SMB started their own Leaf spring/Atlas TC 4x4 option in 2003. SMB still offered the less expensive Quigley 4x4 option through 2014 alongside the SMB installed 4x4

 

[quietglow]

Look for signs of water intrusion:
-Bubbles in cabinet”veneer”
-Swollen cabinet sides, especially on the base
-Strains and streaks where the fixed top meets the roof
-Carpet stains and soft spots in the floor
-Rust stains in the rear floor cargo box (if it has one)
-Musty, mildewy odors

Other items-
-Discolored hot water/crud in the water heater
-Signs of heat damage to house wiring or scorched outlets
-Burst pipes / 12 volt water pump
-Starcool AC condition (if it has it)
-Condition of the fiberglass top-look cracks, wear, exposed fiberglass

One the non sportsmobile (Ford vans) stuff… Take it to a skilled independent Ford mechanic and pay them for a serious inspection. $300-$500 on a deep inspection could save you thousands. For example: i was just quoted $2000 to replace the oil pan gasket. They have to pull the engine or drop the suspension to get to it.

And you thought your westy diesel liked to spend money

Yeah, I have come to the conclusion that the westy was basically warmup for my entry into SMB land. Thanks for the tips!

I decided to pass on this rig. The price wasn't good enough to justify dealing with the rust, and we're looking hard at a newer SMB build on the benz platform. Hopefully will know soon if it's going to work out, and if so I'll post some pics.

 

[doublevan2]

Geoffff - I also have a 2002 E350 - it also had front coil springs - but after adding the RIP Kit - they were replaced with that kits hardware. Same as you - I don't like rust - luckily my used 2002 was from Utah -- but the power steering unit, etc., being cast iron does have rust.

 

[batgirls]

Yeah, I have come to the conclusion that the westy was basically warmup for my entry into SMB land. Thanks for the tips!

I decided to pass on this rig. The price wasn't good enough to justify dealing with the rust, and we're looking hard at a newer SMB build on the benz platform. Hopefully will know soon if it's going to work out, and if so I'll post some pics.

Sportsmobiles do fetch a high price. If you follow Ford diesels, the 7.3 is much lusted after.

Later power stroke diesels have had …
Issues

Our gasoline rig does just fine.

Good luck with the hunt!

 

[RVflyfish]

To me that all looks like surface rust? If so, I wouldn’t be concerned. I see no rust on the rocker panels. How much are they asking? Any interior pics?

 

[BrianW.]

I would not be at all concerned about the light surface rusting/patina shown in your photos. The E350 has a THICK frame and what I see it's just light surface rust on the frame and general patina on the control arms and such. Nothing an afternoon with a wire wheel and some paint or POR15 won't take care of. Yes, I'm in Pennsylvania and I know folks from the SW freak out when they see anything remotely rust-colored, but really this isn't anything to worry about IMO. Body parts are what would worry me more, in particular the lower rockers behind the rear wheels, which are a common rust magnet on E-vans. But even that is fairly easy to fix with aftermarket replacement panels that can be welded-in. In short, finding a 2002 7.3 with low miles like that is pretty rare nowadays, and even if it's a Quigley I wouldn't be so quick to pass it up if it's otherwise what you are looking for!

And as an aside, I personally wouldn't touch a build on a Sprinter chassis. Really nice vans, but I've heard too many maintenance horror stories directly from personal friends as well as on forums to ever consider one seriously.