Pre Road trip checks, inspections, and maintenance

[wrxFTWdey]

Hey guys, sorry if I'm beating a dead horse here, but what are a few things you guys recommend I take a look at before my road trip from Louisiana to California that I'll be taking next week?

I got new tires and a new full size spare as well. Oil changed within 1k, new water pump, fan clutch, radiator, flushed and refilled coolant, thermostat, all new belts, ac comp, battery, heater core flushed for peace of mind so I don't freeze. I got a s*** ton of tools, jumper cables, air compressor, extra radiator hoses and heater hose, oil, trans fluid, and extra coolant as well in the rear. I also have an ultragauge to monitor temps and other vitals.

is there anything big that I'm missing? It's going to be a 1750 mile road trip and it'll be the biggest road trip I've ever taken in the cruiser by far.

Thanks in advance guys

 

[bicycleagent003]

IMHO, the four nuts on the bottom of each steering knuckle should be checked for tightness. I believe the torque value is 71 ft/lb., someone please correct me if I'm mistaken. They're 17mm nuts, and the two outboard ones are right up against the brake backing plate (not sure the actual name of that piece). I always double check those before trips. The nuts have been known to work loose over time.
Good luck on your trip, you sound well prepared.
The most likely causes of trouble are inattention and excessive speed. Be safe, don't hurry.

 

[ccslider]

AAA membership( there is a delay before the membership can be used so get it soon
Fire Extinguisher - A must for CA right now

Electrical tape, butt connectors, fuses, wire are all a good thing to have. I like to save my old belts as spares.

Before a big trip I would check the wheel torque on all the lug nuts, check for loose arms / rods, fluid leaks, grease driveshaft ( don't over grease)

Good luck

 

[ewillis]

AAA Platinum card...maybe fusible links

 

[jpoole]

I don't see mention of non-engine fluids but I'd check diffs, trans, transfer case, power steering, brake and knuckle lubes if they haven't been checked lately. I'd also lift each wheel individually and check for bearing slack since, if you are comfortable with the process, it's easy to check and easy to tighten the bearings if any are loose. As long as nothing is loose to the point of coming apart or beating itself up, and nothing is dry you should stand a good chance of only needing to add gas to make the trip.

Have fun!

 

[RFB]

diffs, steering knuckle nuts u joints and get on a creeper roll under it with a flashlight and check everything.make sure wheel bearing are tight and greased. also knowing mud members across your route is always a good idea. good luck.

 

[baldilocks]

What condition is the PHH and the hard to access water by-pass hoses in?

 

[DSRTRDR]

enjoy the trip

maybe program the numbers of Toyota dealer along the road into your phone

and if you have the time, turn into Big Bend . . . - we didn't have the time when we came by there, but it looked tempting even from far away

 

[96FZJ80]

There's something I've seen @BILT4ME post a few times that says
Make sure it stops
Make sure it goes
And I forget the rest of it (they say the mind is the.. nevermind)

I see new belts and battery, how about the brakes?

 

[Broski]

Looks like the boys have you covered. If you are in the Central Coast area hit me up I can provide a place to camp/rest if needed.

PS I would make dam sure my AC was in working order before a trip like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BILT4ME]

There's something I've seen @BILT4ME post a few times that says
Make sure it stops
Make sure it goes
And I forget the rest of it (they say the mind is the.. nevermind)

I see new belts and battery, how about the brakes?

Thanks for remembering!

The list is:
Make it run
Make it stop
Make it go
Make it reliable
Make it pretty
Add the bling....

In the case of a trip, it's more about the reliability.

If you know the truck has an oil leak, take along oil.
If you know it has a coolant leak, fix it before you go.

Check all your fluid levels, top them off or change them according to schedule.
Check all your tire pressures INCLUDING your spare.
I usually carry an extra set of belts, an extra set of fusible links, and the tools to change both.

Then get a AAA Platinum membership.

What's the worst that can happen? Truck break down on the highway? Have it towed.

If it breaks down off road, make sure you have communication tools (CB, Phone , HAM radios), water, food, warm clothing. Use the truck for shelter.

 

[wrxFTWdey]

What condition is the PHH and the hard to access water by-pass hoses in?

PHH has been bypassed using gates heater hose about 5k miles ago. Not sure which water bypass you are referring too, but I’ll probably just roll the dice for that lol

 

[pawnthatdude]

If the trip is all highway, then you're already more prepared than basically anyone else on the road. Make sure your wheels are on tight, tires aired up and safe looking, brakes have life left in them, and your fluids are topped off.

 

[Beej]

Oh, i like this. Bump.

Ill compile and categorize recommendations once we get a critical mass.

 

[BILT4ME]

Oh, i like this. Bump.

Ill compile and categorize recommendations once we get a critical mass.

Thing is, there are about 20 of these threads asking the same questions with the same inputs.

As @cruiserdan says: "There is no new information, just new audiences."

 

[wrxFTWdey]

There's something I've seen @BILT4ME post a few times that says
Make sure it stops
Make sure it goes
And I forget the rest of it (they say the mind is the.. nevermind)

I see new belts and battery, how about the brakes?

Pads and rotors were changed about 5k ago. bled the brakes with about 4 bottles worth of brake fluid and replaced Master cylinder last weekend.I’ll be swapping my booster 2 days before the trip because it failed the pressure test and the brakes feel like hot garbage. I can push the trip right a couple days. I’ll be on leave so I can use the first couple days to get ready for the trip.

 

[whaler]

Sounds like you are well prepared. Enjoy the trip!

 

[96FZJ80]

Oh, i like this. Bump.

Ill compile and categorize recommendations once we get a critical mass.

I think you'll end up with one helluva tool/spares kit. In my younger days (albeit with younger vehicles) it was oil change, tire pressure, credit card and making sure I had all the kids in the car before taking off.

 

[Bludozer]

Ideally you are towing an entire spare 80 series drivetrain behind you at all times. I am shocked at your lack of preparedness.

 

[Irish Reiver]

I did Orlando to Laguna Beach (and back) earlier in the year and had prepped for every eventuality. 7000miles later and I hadn't needed a single thing I brought. These trucks just go. Take the advice of @BILT4ME and just go.