I'm 18 And I'm driving my 68 fj40 1500 miles across the US, what do I need?

[Mason1500]

Hey all I'm new here, I'm going on what I consider a balls out 1500 mile road trip to college this year. My truck is bone stock, 3 on the tree, no lift, and 29-30" ish tires with 198,000 miles on the original drive train. I bought it when I was 15, it hadn't run in 20 years an had rust holes bigger than my head, now all that has changed I've stacked up 13,000 miles on it and the only rust I haven't fixed yet is on one or the rear doors.

Things I have done/am not worried about:
• front axle rebuild
• brakes are working ish, I mean I've fixed them a few times
• Ive got all the tie rod ends in my garage, just need to put them on
• tires are 2 years old
• rebuilt carb
• welded new rear frame member to replace rusted one
• new bushings and shackles in suspension
• all my lights work (as of a week ago, after 3 years of driving it on street, haha oops)
• most of the rattles have been fixed although 1500 miles will bring on more
• stearing damper
• clutch
• clutch master
• brake mater, drums, pads
• temp, oil pressure, gas, amp, speedometer are now working
• Ignition problems fixed, always starts on the first tern of the key unless vapor locking

Things I think I should do:
• front and rear output shaft seals, they threw gear oil everywhere when I drove 500 miles this weekend
• New water pump it has a GM one on it right now and I don't trust it
• some one put on a head that has emissions stuff on it but I have the correct one for the engine so I want to put that on
• new shocks
• rear axle rebuild, I have the stuff i just need to do it
• tachometer, I don't want to kill it with crazy high rpms
• tranny to transfer case bypass line
• I'm running 10w-40 old right now as it is an old warn out engine, should I run higher weight?
• valve cover gasket
• oil pump? i don't know
• rust proof like a mad man, I'm going to Appalachian state so humidity and road salt in the winter.
• run premium gas all the way there, maybe my car will be nice to me if I'm nice to it.
• like 30 hours of music because I'm going to get bored as all hell
• random s*** that brakes between now and then
• redbull

It's my daily driver so it really doesn't have that many issues that I haven't fixed.
PLEASE GIVE ME ADVICE!!!!!! I'm pretty a competent mechanic but Ive never tried to drive it this far and I don't want to kill it

 

[shawnfj40]

Make sure that you have AAA, have extra fluids for everything, extra fan belt, tools and have fun.

 

[1911]

Sounds like you have it decent running condition already. Take a spare set of points and a condenser, some water/anti-freeze, and some oil (20w-50 if you like).

Premium gas is a waste of money on a low-compression engine like an F/2F; does nothing except make you feel better.

Tachometer is OK (I run one in mine), but not a necessity. It will be pretty wound-out at highway speed regardless, depending on if you have stock diff gears or not. Find the speed that it is comfortable at and keep it there, even if it is slower than everyone else on the road. Stay off of interstates and major highways, and pull over and let other people pass you. Slow down and enjoy the sights and smells.

Have fun, and write about your adventure here when you are done.

 

[shelfboy1]

done that several times leave early and dont be in a hurry we did 55 or 60 at most to cali and back a couple times .wire ,tie wraps, stop leak for the rad ,a container to scoop water out of ditches if you need it.points and condensor .enjoy the ride

 

[shawnfj40]

A spare set of plugs if you are burning oil.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Looks like a good honest truck. Hope you are less than 6' tall and that you have comfortable seats.

 

[JohnnyC]

As others have said fluids.... Fan belt... And other stuff to bring ... Rad hoses... Tune up stuff cap rotor wires points condenser... Extra coil... Extra plugs... Extra voltage regulator... Fuses... Bulbs.... And duct tape

 

[taro]

Get a pair of good quality sound isolating earphones. Shure makes a good pair. Not only will it protect your hearing, I find I'm also less fatigued when wearing them.

When you say the brakes are workingish, do you mean because it's working at 100%, but is just old truck tech or because something is still wrong with them? You should check the condition of the hard brake lines and replace if necessary.

A tent and sleeping bag with an appropriate temperature rating, an air compressor and plug kit, jack stands, and emergency food and water.

X2 on not using premium fuel. That'll have an unnecessarily large impact on the budget. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Weber Sarge]

As to fuel , 87 is fine - it's best to use non-ethanol if you can find it . Try a phone app like Gas Buddy or something , you can choose fuel type/grade for stations along the way . Make sure all the cooling hoses are new or like new - oem and not aftermarket makes a big difference . Get those brakes fixed properly , last thing you want is wadding it up on a long trip . I'd freshen up the drive line oils and carry a grease gun as well to ensure it's lubed enough . Make sure you have a good spare tire , ignition parts and fluids just for peace of mind . That distance won't be hard on it if you take your time and treat it like the senior citizen that it really is ...

Sarge

 

[Tancruiser]

Make a list of mud members along your route and if you have problems along the way I'm sure someone will help you out slow down and enjoy the adventure.

 

[FARMAN33]

Essential reading.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/the-journey-begins.604956/

@ElHefe

 

[Heirloom]

I would run Rotella T 15w40. Carry an extra gallon jug of oil on your trip. Also, carry a gallon of distilled water (for the radiator). If you are planning on replacing the head, you will also be replacing a bunch of gaskets, which is good.

When you replace the drive shaft seals, make sure you also clean out the transfer case, transmission, and axle tube vents.

Grease everything before you leave. Give the ignition system a tune up (new plugs, points, condenser, cap, and rotor). Top off all the fluids and have a safe trip. Message me if you plan on driving anywhere near the Dallas, TX vicinity. I can be available to help if you break down in my neck of the woods.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Get a pair of good quality sound isolating earphones. Shure makes a good pair. Not only will it protect your hearing, I find I'm also less fatigued when wearing them.

When you say the brakes are workingish, do you mean because it's working at 100%, but is just old truck tech or because something is still wrong with them? You should check the condition of the hard brake lines and replace if necessary.

A tent and sleeping bag with an appropriate temperature rating, an air compressor and plug kit, jack stands, and emergency food and water.

X2 on not using premium fuel. That'll have an unnecessarily large impact on the budget. Good luck and have fun.

You'll be traveling thru several states, check the laws on use of earphones. Some states don't allow you to use both earphones.

Definitely download the Waze app for your phone.

 

[ErikinSC]

Give yourself plent of time. Take plenty of rest stops & pics while you go. If you can avoid the interstate - you will see SO MUCH MORE of our beautiful country and have plenty of experiences that you will NEVER HAVE driving across country on the interstate. Don't push the truck for too many continuous hours if I can avoid it. Drive 4 hrs; stop for an hour; 4 hours; stop. Keep speeds at / below 55-60mph. Once you get into the mountains, SLOW DOWN AGAIN, and enjoy the ride into town.

Try to line up your trip thru several cities, regions and check in with the LC Clubhouses in those areas. You might be able to find some places to crash overnight, get a nice meal, and save on hotel costs. I've also known some people to use social media and 'crash on my couch' type sites while biking across country. Not sure if that's an option you've considered.

Carry your fluids, truck fluids, rad hoses, fuel filter, plugs, confessor & points, VRegulator, fuses, bulbs, grease, jack, good spare, and a tow strap (just in case).

Keep some cash on yourself, and hide some of it on your truck in a few different places. A CB is not a bad thing - but having your cellphone, an EXTRA charger, maybe an extra 12V outlet also, is a must.

X2 for AAA !

Post up progress of your roadtrip, and you're sure to find some Cruiserheads looking out to meet & assist you on your trip! ENJOY!

 

[TheHardWay]

I believe you have been officially welcomed to MUD, young'un

 

[Devilmans Hand]

Service your brakes and axles
install comfortable seat and a couple 12v cabin fans one pointed at face and the other the crotch.
fix and rubber isolate anything that rattles. 6 hours into a repeating rattle will drive you nuts.
heat insulate the transmission hump next to the gas pedal. Mine heats up my boot pretty well after an hour.
install a foot rest for the left foot.
fix the drain tubes under the dash so you don't get wet when it rains.
flush the cooling system
keep speeds around 55mph or less
bring tape just in case those hardtop seals start whistling.
update your headlights and headlight harness
service your windshield wipers.
bring or find a girlfriend on the way with soft lips
invest in AAA

 

[Spike Strip]

"I'm 18 And I'm driving my 68 fj40 1500 miles across the US, what do I need?"

An Iron Butt and an 18 y.o. spine. You're half-way there. GBWY.

Where you going to school ?

 

[Opus]

Personal Protection.....

 

[micruz60]

Get an inflatable stadium seat for cushy.
[/QUOTE
bring or find a girlfriend on the way with soft lips
invest in AAA[/QUOTE]

Travel the blue highways (old us routes, not I- routes)
Enjoy!

 

[74bruiser]

I drove my 74 from NJ to Colorado 3 years ago. The big rigs will blow your car sideways so slow down when you're getting passed by them. Also I went through 3-4 fuel filters because my truck sat in my parents garage for 12 years.