First 40 - How to prepare for 1300+ mile road trip

[middlecalf]

And since this rig has a PO, I’d pack a complete set of non-metric wrenches and/or sockets.

Can your friend’s rig tow a vehicle trailer? Another option rather than driving it all the way back home.

 

[tls3601]

Mine needed a rebuild when I bought her. So I am impressed with your guts to drive it on a trip. There will be things it needs but if prepared you stand a better chance of getting there.

 

[1911]

The plan is to fly into Denver, pick up the cruiser, spend the night and then hit the road Wednesday morning to Telluride to meet up with some buddies who are making the road trip to CO from TN/AR starting this Friday. The drive from Denver to Telluride is a bit over 6 hrs, where we will spend Wed-Fri camping and riding trails (Black Bear, Imogene, etc).

The drive to Telluride will take longer than you think, as you will be in 3rd and sometimes even 2nd gear going over the passes (I've done that exact trip in my 40, after driving it from north Texas to Denver 750 miles). Take your time, make frequent rest/gas stops, and enjoy the scenery. Earplugs or phones of some kind are a good idea, especially with the top off.

The trails in the San Juan Mountains are all fun and not particularly technical (except for Poughkeepsie Gulch) but they are narrow and high.

San Juans 2

• 1911
• Sep 11, 2017

San Juans

• 1911
• Sep 11, 2017

Climbing "The Wall", Poughkeepsie Gulch Trail

• 1911
• Jul 18, 2018

 

[sproggy]

I think you can equate a trip in a 40 to a trip on a motorcycle...Enduro type. Same draining type of driving however you don't have the wind on your body. But you have costlier breakdowns. In any case, one must take it slow and remember that the journey itself is the destination and not the final arrival point on the map.

 

[FJ404345]

It's a Toyota and it's just 47 years old, you will be okay

 

[BRShap]

For what its worth I drove my truck back from Alabama to New York (about 1100 miles) without any issues. It was a fantastic trip I will never forget.

 

[Bama4door]

Tools-
Good time to start a permanent tool roll, buy a nice roomy one on line and fill it up.
Tow rope- pick up at harbor freight , good to get jeeps un stuck, but you never know....
Zip ties & electric tape
Box end wrench 8mm to 19mm
12" Knipex adjustable plier (button release, my favorite)
Flashlight, get one that you can place on the ground and direct the light to illuminate what you are working on.
Nylon rope 1/4 inch
Couple gallons of bottled water
2" of electric wire, never know when you will need to make a repair or jumper.

Sounds like a GREAT trip!

I will have my tool roll packed and ready to go. Hopefully I don't have any issues packing it in my checked bag. Zip ties and electrical tape will be added to the list as well as some extra electrical wire. Thanks for the help!

I would figure you'll find out any problems when you do your trail ride in telluride. If the rig has fairly new components and good fluids, the only problems I can think of would be with wiring & electrical issues that seem to pop up randomly, so a multimeter and some basic wiring parts may be good. Check all around after doing trails. It's gonna be hot so watch for heat issues for the truck & you as well. several hours in a hot rig with 100 plus heat index can be pretty bad.

good luck!
ty

I think the initial ride to Telluride will give me a good baseline of any issues. I've asked the PO to at least check the fluids and top off if necessary, but my first stop will be to Walmart to get engine oil, gear oil and brake fluid. Adding multimeter to my list, thanks!

Fire extinguisher.
First aid kit.
Jump box, for jumping your battery. Halo Bolt is great... 300+ jumps in one charge.
@kevos37 said, "2" of electric wire, never know when you will need to make a repair or jumper."... I think he meant 2'... I'd take a roll of 14ga wire.
A roll (25') of soft fuel line.

Extra fuel filters... the tank and lines may have crap in them.

Extra brake fluid - for brakes and clutch.

A gallon of 85-90w gear oil

Motor oil

ATF - if you have power steering.

Coolant and plenty of water - in case the cooling system isn't holding real well - or for an emergency.

Plenty of drinking water.

Maps.

Common sense.

A lack of taking risks and taking chances.

Jump box or jumper cables will be added. I'll pick up a fire extinguisher when I get there. Do you know what size fuel line I need? Also, I had PO send me a pic of the fuel filter and it looks like a big metal can a little smaller than a coke can with nipples on both sides. I'll see if i can order one in time before I leave.

I recently drove my rig across Canada 6300km (4000 miles). Before that it was in a barn for the past 20 years. I had a chance to drive it for a day before I embarked on the trip. I brought it to a lube place and had them change every single fluid in the truck. For the record I didn't have time to do it myself as I was on a tight schedule (9 days to catch the ferry to Newfoundland). This is a list of what I brought.

-$50 tool set from Canadian Tire (metric sockets, wrenches and screw drivers.
- crescent wrench
- 5 gal jug of fresh water (I was worried about overheating going over the Rocky Mountains - It stayed cool the whole trip)
- sleeping bag
- Tent
- Air mattress
- Water jug
- Small cooler for road snacks and food
- 3 changes of clothes, but lots of socks and undies ( I smelled like stale farts, exhaust, beef jerky and black coffee)
- Axe
- Knife
- Head lamp
- Fishing pole and gear
- zip ties
- Black Tape
- Duct tape
- Bailing wire
- Rain X - (This saved my life I'm sure a few times. The wiper motor gave up 5 days into the trip. Rain x did the work for the rest of the trip)
- Bose Noise Canceling Headphones
- IPhone with lots of podcasts loaded on it, and a charger
- Lots of room on my credit card for the numerous gas stops (beef jerkey)
- A bottle of Jack Daniels Whiskey
- Rub A535 (For my right knee that never got a rest during the trip. God was it sore...
- Oil
- Brake Fluid - I used more of this then anything else due to the failed clutch slave cylinder

The truck only broke down twice. First breakdown was the mechanical fuel pump. I was able to limp it to a parts store and install a electric fuel pump since no mechanical fuel pumps were available in Canada. Second breakdown was the clutch slave cylinder. parts stores didn't have that either but I was able to jerry rig one up using a piston out of a T-100 P/U (which Napa had in stock) in the old cylinder.

The truck will hold up fine bud, there is a reason they have the reputation they have. Just enjoy the trip and have a drink for me!

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Wow, talk about some balls driving a truck that sat for 20 years. That's intense, but very cool!! I'm glad you brought up a cooler, I will buy one out ther and pack it down. Rain-x is another good idea. I've got my noise cancelling headphones and ear plugs packed too. Thanks for the pics and all the help! I'll be sure to post updates and pics along the way.

I have airplane headsets and an intercom cut the thumping in a long day.

If you have issues vail to Telluride call me, 970-210-7321 happy to help I am in Grand Junction, Colo.

You're the man, I really appreciate it! I'm glad you brought up the drive. I've been looking on Google Maps and there are 3 different routes to take from Denver to Telluride.

Option 1: Take I-70 West up through Breckenridge, Vail, etc then cut down South.
Option 2: Take 285 down to Salida then head West towards Gunison and Montrose and cut down
Option 3: Take I-25 South to Colorado Springs and head West on 50

Thoughts? Thanks again!

 

[Bama4door]

And since this rig has a PO, I’d pack a complete set of non-metric wrenches and/or sockets.

Can your friend’s rig tow a vehicle trailer? Another option rather than driving it all the way back home.

Good idea on the SAE wrenches. I will be traveling with an '06 LX470, '10 Tacoma and a '11 JK. So, I would say realistically probably not. LX will be loaded down with lots of gear and 3 family members.

The drive to Telluride will take longer than you think, as you will be in 3rd and sometimes even 2nd gear going over the passes (I've done that exact trip in my 40, after driving it from north Texas to Denver 750 miles). Take your time, make frequent rest/gas stops, and enjoy the scenery. Earplugs or phones of some kind are a good idea, especially with the top off.

The trails in the San Juan Mountains are all fun and not particularly technical (except for Poughkeepsie Gulch) but they are narrow and high.

San Juans 2

• 1911
• Sep 11, 2017

San Juans

• 1911
• Sep 11, 2017

Climbing "The Wall", Poughkeepsie Gulch Trail

• 1911
• Jul 18, 2018

If I left Denver at 8am, could I expect to get into Telluride by 3-4pm? We are planning to camp at Clear Lake that night. Also, I asked someone in a previous post, but which way would you suggest going from Denver to Telluride. Up 70 through Vail etc, down 25 to Colorado Springs and cut over west, or take 285? Which will be the quickest in a 40 (that's laughable haha), but also the most scenic?

 

[Solace in Solitude]

@Bama4door

Re: “Do you know what size fuel line I need?”

I carry https://www.amazon.com/Fuel-Inside-Diameter-Length-SAE30R6/dp/B00UVNXJEU?tag=ihco-20​

Re: “Fuel filter and it looks like a big metal can a little smaller than a coke can with nipples on both sides.”

I’m surprised to see you describe it as a “big metal can”... but, I’m not familiar with ‘71.

You should be able to use https://www.amazon.com/Atima-40-Micron-Replacement-Stratton-49019-0027/dp/B077S9V4NM?tag=ihco-20

These are cheap and allow easier monitoring, for contaminates.

I’d pick up a couple and use one, carry one.

You can go back to oem later, if you so desire.
​

You can buy fuel line and fuel filters st parts stores... or online, if you have time.

​

 

[1911]

If I left Denver at 8am, could I expect to get into Telluride by 3-4pm?

Yeah, that is pretty realistic and doable. If you could go the speed limit the whole way, it would only be a six-hour trip, so you should be fine.

Also, I asked someone in a previous post, but which way would you suggest going from Denver to Telluride. Up 70 through Vail etc, down 25 to Colorado Springs and cut over west, or take 285? Which will be the quickest in a 40 (that's laughable haha), but also the most scenic?

For me it is 285 every time. Less traffic, smaller towns, gorgeous scenery. I-70 is pretty too, but you will have a continual stream of pissed-off people passing you. They will still pass you on 285, there is just a lot less of them and they will be friendlier. But to qualify, I grew up in Colorado and I am sick of I-70; drove/rode it too many times in too many different vehicles. It's the fastest way to Utah and points west but IMO the most boring.

 

[FJBen]

Good idea on the SAE wrenches. I will be traveling with an '06 LX470, '10 Tacoma and a '11 JK. So, I would say realistically probably not. LX will be loaded down with lots of gear and 3 family members.

If I left Denver at 8am, could I expect to get into Telluride by 3-4pm? We are planning to camp at Clear Lake that night. Also, I asked someone in a previous post, but which way would you suggest going from Denver to Telluride. Up 70 through Vail etc, down 25 to Colorado Springs and cut over west, or take 285? Which will be the quickest in a 40 (that's laughable haha), but also the most scenic?

As being in Colorado my whole life with the exception of the last 8 months...I agree with 285. I-70 is a rat race and you will be going REALLY slow in an FJ40. I had an FJ55 on 35's stock gearing, 2F and it was brutal climbing the pass. 2nd gear and slow. Plus being in July you will be pushing her hard in the heat.
Enjoy the ride and drive slow. It's an experience that you WANT to get to, not push and end up on AAA or down the side of the mountain.
I love the telluride area.

 

[74fj40]

Yeah, that is pretty realistic and doable. If you could go the speed limit the whole way, it would only be a six-hour trip, so you should be fine.


For me it is 285 every time. Less traffic, smaller towns, gorgeous scenery. I-70 is pretty too, but you will have a continual stream of pissed-off people passing you. They will still pass you on 285, there is just a lot less of them and they will be friendlier. But to qualify, I grew up in Colorado and I am sick of I-70; drove/rode it too many times in too many different vehicles. It's the fastest way to Utah and points west but IMO the most boring.

I agree. I70 is typically stop and go until you get past Idaho springs (stop in at Beau joesif you do head that way!) and it’s very crowded otherwise.

The biggest benefit with i70 is you can hangout in the far right lane with the truckers doing a solid 45mph with your hazards on. (I know because I’ve done it many times in my cruiser!!) Where as 285 is a lot of two lane with some passing lanes.


Either way, sounds like a blast. Have a great trip!

 

[Bama4door]

@Bama4door

Re: “Do you know what size fuel line I need?”

I carry https://www.amazon.com/Fuel-Inside-Diameter-Length-SAE30R6/dp/B00UVNXJEU?tag=ihco-20​

Re: “Fuel filter and it looks like a big metal can a little smaller than a coke can with nipples on both sides.”

I’m surprised to see you describe it as a “big metal can”... but, I’m not familiar with ‘71.

You should be able to use https://www.amazon.com/Atima-40-Micron-Replacement-Stratton-49019-0027/dp/B077S9V4NM?tag=ihco-20

These are cheap and allow easier monitoring, for contaminates.

I’d pick up a couple and use one, carry one.

You can go back to oem later, if you so desire.
​

You can buy fuel line and fuel filters st parts stores... or online, if you have time.

​

See below for a pic of the filter he sent me. Thanks for the links, very helpful.

As being in Colorado my whole life with the exception of the last 8 months...I agree with 285. I-70 is a rat race and you will be going REALLY slow in an FJ40. I had an FJ55 on 35's stock gearing, 2F and it was brutal climbing the pass. 2nd gear and slow. Plus being in July you will be pushing her hard in the heat.
Enjoy the ride and drive slow. It's an experience that you WANT to get to, not push and end up on AAA or down the side of the mountain.
I love the telluride area.

Sounds like consensus is to take 285...so 285 it is, thanks!

 

[Varty Yo]

2 years ago i bought my 42 and flew out to the coast and drove 1100 miles home the next day! I stopped at the 1st Canadian tire i saw and bought $400 worth of tools and fluids. Drove it all the way home in 2 days zero issues. returned all tools the next day haha.

ear buds are your friend take a set!!!!

Link to my journey in my signature

 

[tls3601]

Exciting trip you have planned. I plan on being in T-ride and the Mtns around it Labor Day weekend. To me it is the definative mountain town and probably my most favorite place. Take it slow and drive smart.

 

[cruisermatt]

Just hop in and drive it you’ll be fine

 

[tls3601]

@1911 absolutely love your pics in the San Juan’s. That is a bucket list trip for me and my ‘78. Thanks for posting them.

 

[Tennessee80]

I've got a flight booked for next Tuesday, July 24th to fly direct from Birmingham, AL to Denver, CO to pick up a new to me '71 40 series from a fellow MUD member. It has a 2f & 4 speed swap on 33x10.5's and has been his DD for the past few months.

The plan is to fly into Denver, pick up the cruiser, spend the night and then hit the road Wednesday morning to Telluride to meet up with some buddies who are making the road trip to CO from TN/AR starting this Friday. The drive from Denver to Telluride is a bit over 6 hrs, where we will spend Wed-Fri camping and riding trails (Black Bear, Imogene, etc). This has been a bucket list trip for me for a few years now and the fact that I get to fly out and buy my first 40 and then take it on these trails is a dream come true.

However, seeing as the whole truck is an unknown to me, I want to be prepared for anything. Luckily, my buddies who are driving out to CO will be bringing a lot of tools, fluids, etc, but I want to make sure I have anything that may help out. After we get done camping/trail riding, we are leaving Saturday morning for the 1324 mile trip home.

So the question, anyone with long road trip experience in a 40 (new to them or not), what all did you do to prepare for your trip? Any advice or suggestions are welcome.

Tools/fluids to bring:

-54mm Hub Socket & snap ring pliers
-Brass Drift and BFH
-Vise Grips, cresent wrench
-Ratchet straps, gloves, tarp
-Jack/Hi-lift
-1/2" socket wrench with 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 21mm sockets
-Engine Oil, gear oil, brake fluid, coolant
-Tire Repair Kit
-Truck does have a good spare tire on it currently

Basics:

-Tent, sleeping bag, pillow
-Rain jacket, sunscreen
-Phone/GPS chargers, 12v cig plug and USB outlet
-HAM radio/charger

I will be taking lots of pics on the way and hopefully keep this thread updated throughout the trip.

Go Cole! Nothing like a road trip in a 40... The farthest I have ever driven is 475 miles one way, but the old iron can be pretty dang reliable... Oil change for sure!

 

[tyama]

See below for a pic of the filter he sent me. Thanks for the links, very helpful.

Sounds like consensus is to take 285...so 285 it is, thanks!

View attachment 1747811

Looks like a standard inline fuel filter. I bet the ends are 3/8" id. you can get them anywhere. Also, if you can get a spare clutch slave kit, i'd do it. I keep one in my glovebox just in case it goes out.
have a good trip!
best, ty

 

[SteveH]

Remember that on very long trips, things like exhaust manifold gaskets and collector gaskets can fry. Be aware of this, in case you hear or smell exhaust issues on your way back. Also, my ignition timing was set for Colorado, so it started pinging in Nebraska, and I had to dial back the timing a bit to quiet it down.

I drove my '78 FJ40 from Colorado to upper Michigan and back in the early 1990s. It was ungodly hot in Omaha (106F), and I found myself falling asleep at the wheel. I had to be the only guy ordering coffee at the gas station on that day. I was also given a warning for going 59 in a 55 mph zone - surely the only speeding ticket I will ever get in this truck. So, beware those speed traps!