I had a buddy ask me to write out a checklist of all the things I check before going on a wheeling trip. This is what my checklist usually consists of. (I will also check this every morning if it is a multiple day trip...) I thought I would post it up here to help people and/or for people to add to it. Let me know what you think!
Check link bolts for tightness. (Control arms and pan hard bars)
Check driveshaft bolts for tightness. (Front and rear)
Check steering arm nuts for tightness.
Check lug nuts for tightness.
Check air pressure.
Check caliper bolts for tightness.
Inspect jam nuts on tie-rod and relay rod.
Inspect drive flanges for loose nuts or leaking.
Inspect wheel bearings for looseness. (All 4 corners)
Inspect Tie-Rod Ends for looseness.
Check battery terminals.
Check coolant level in radiator.
Check air filter for cleanliness.
Check belts for wear and tightness.
Start engine.
Check all lights.
Drive until vehicle is warm, shifting manually. (Listen/feel for anything that doesn’t seem right or normal.)
Check ATF level. (Should be over-filled ¼ to ½ quart.)
Shut off engine.
Check power steering fluid level. (Do NOT overfill. Only use ATF)
Check engine oil.
Check coolant level in overflow bottle.
Check transfer case oil level. (Only use gear oil.)
Check differential oil level.
Grease U-Joints. (Do NOT grease slip yolk)
If anything was adjusted or changed, drive for a 2 miles and re-check.
Check link bolts for tightness. (Control arms and pan hard bars)
Check driveshaft bolts for tightness. (Front and rear)
Check steering arm nuts for tightness.
Check lug nuts for tightness.
Check air pressure.
Check caliper bolts for tightness.
Inspect jam nuts on tie-rod and relay rod.
Inspect drive flanges for loose nuts or leaking.
Inspect wheel bearings for looseness. (All 4 corners)
Inspect Tie-Rod Ends for looseness.
Check battery terminals.
Check coolant level in radiator.
Check air filter for cleanliness.
Check belts for wear and tightness.
Start engine.
Check all lights.
Drive until vehicle is warm, shifting manually. (Listen/feel for anything that doesn’t seem right or normal.)
Check ATF level. (Should be over-filled ¼ to ½ quart.)
Shut off engine.
Check power steering fluid level. (Do NOT overfill. Only use ATF)
Check engine oil.
Check coolant level in overflow bottle.
Check transfer case oil level. (Only use gear oil.)
Check differential oil level.
Grease U-Joints. (Do NOT grease slip yolk)
If anything was adjusted or changed, drive for a 2 miles and re-check.
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