Ground Clearance Question

[Stagewait]

First time poster. Almost bought an ambo today. Neighborhood EMS service has one for sale in their yard. 2003 Ford F-250 diesel, 164,157 k. Seems to be in fair shape with the owner telling me that there are issues with it starting. I heard it run and turned it off and back on so it will run today. New transmission in Jan. Box seems in decent shape but I have nothing to judge it by. Decent price. Looks like some dodgy wiring issues in the cab. The pic by the drivers side shows some whit discoloration in the carpet. I was assured that this was salt from the EMTs boots and not an interior leak.

Question I have and the reason I hesitated is the ground clearance. While I don't plan on going off road, it looks like there is only 6" to 8" of clearance under the back axle and shocks. My thinking is that while this would be fine in urban situations with paved roads, rougher roads may be an issue. What does anybody think?

Can't get the attachments to rotate so everything is sideways. Again!

 

[JHa6av8r]

Unless you're going to lift it and put really big tires on it, 8" where the shocks attach is pretty normal. My Chevy 3500 with stock height is about 8" at the rear differential shock attachment points with 32" tires.

 

[Bikersmurf]

It likely needs Glow plugs if it's a bear to start on cool days... Or just a glow plug relay ($55 & an hour of your time).

Clearance is fine for gravel roads... Comparable to many trucks. The tail will quickly drag. Do you mean 165,000 km... Or miles?
Either way... Ambulances have been used hard, so it's a lot more than on a personal vehicle.

That said, I'm happy with 15,450 hrs and 250,000 miles on it. If it has a 6.0 keep looking. 7.3 is the only way to go.