To Drive or Not to Drive: That is the Question... (1 Viewer)

[fjwagon]

Great. Brings memories reading your post. I had the same thoughts about driving an old truck long distance. I drove a HJ47 with an H enginefrom Denver to San Antonio in the fall. I have made trips to the coast well. I was running 33s and pleasantly surprised on the speed.....65 with ease. You have to remember these trucks can be shifted up 3rd speed while making a turn at an intersection. So I understand what you talking about. The other issue I thought would be a a big deal was the brakes. It has drum brakes all the way around. But again, they worked fine. They did not need any adjustments. It stopped fine Anyhow, have fun and enjoy your trip. Your nephew will remember this trip and brag to his friends for years.

 

[Joe45]

How about some photos?

It's been mainly videos but I will do some photos moving forward. I'll post what I have, and maybe do some screen captures of the videos too.

 

[Joe45]

Great. Brings memories reading your post. I had the same thoughts about driving an old truck long distance. I drove a HJ47 with an H enginefrom Denver to San Antonio in the fall. I have made trips to the coast well. I was running 33s and pleasantly surprised on the speed.....65 with ease. You have to remember these trucks can be shifted up 3rd speed while making a turn at an intersection. So I understand what you talking about. The other issue I thought would be a a big deal was the brakes. It has drum brakes all the way around. But again, they worked fine. They did not need any adjustments. It stopped fine Anyhow, have fun and enjoy your trip. Your nephew will remember this trip and brag to his friends for years.

I think I may have different gears. Running 33s and when I am at 50 the engine just sounds too revved up. I think 65 would blow something!
But you're right about the brakes etc. Been fine.
My nephew is enjoying it, yes. We're also listening to The Hobbit, narrated by Andy Serkis. He's got a great voice and an ability to do other voices, including, of course, Golum.
At between 35 and 40mph the bluetooth speaker he brought works just fine.
We'll be in the mountains today!

 

[Joe45]

A few days before leaving from Sarasota. Dinner at Columbia Restaurant.

About to leave on Monday-this is just after the Sandhill Cranes were calling.

At my nephew's graduation. He got like six awards.

Storm on the way.

 

[Joe45]

Castillo de San Marcos, in St. Augustine.


Below: driving on St. Augustine Beach.

 

[PEOPLES]

So you're allready on the road, so I'm too "late" with the cheers

Going long distance means "only" having trust in your vehicle (and it doesn't matter if it's new or old). So put some emergency spares, some tools, etc. and be sure, that the car is in a good condition (I assume that) and then it goes anywhere. The TLCs where designed to do that.
But know your car, like how much oil it consumes, have a look at the coolant fluid once in a time, ect.

When I bought my truck, I was a little bit anxious as well and I told the insurance broker to include the road side service incl. tow-back infinte (and in Brazil this can be also 5000km ). But I repaired everything, got used to it, no open topics regarding maintenance, ect. I have a extended tool and spare-kit and I know what to do with it. The best thingis anyhow to fix all problems right away in your own garage, usually that's the best prevention against brake-downs.

Now I would never mind to go on a long distance trip with my truck, just check the oil/coolant and go. And I would know, how much engine-oil I need to take along with me to refill during the trip.

Cruising speed: I think you're doing right. My engine has also a range between 2100 and 2300 where it feels comfortable, I can tell by the vibration level and also by the consumption. This will be around 50mph and that is the cruising speed for the highways. Off the highway I go almost the same speed, depends on the situation. A old Landcruiser is not made for the highway

 

[Joe45]

So you're allready on the road, so I'm too "late" with the cheers

Going long distance means "only" having trust in your vehicle (and it doesn't matter if it's new or old). So put some emergency spares, some tools, etc. and be sure, that the car is in a good condition (I assume that) and then it goes anywhere. The TLCs where designed to do that.
But know your car, like how much oil it consumes, have a look at the coolant fluid once in a time, ect.

When I bought my truck, I was a little bit anxious as well and I told the insurance broker to include the road side service incl. tow-back infinte (and in Brazil this can be also 5000km ). But I repaired everything, got used to it, no open topics regarding maintenance, ect. I have a extended tool and spare-kit and I know what to do with it. The best thingis anyhow to fix all problems right away in your own garage, usually that's the best prevention against brake-downs.

Now I would never mind to go on a long distance trip with my truck, just check the oil/coolant and go. And I would know, how much engine-oil I need to take along with me to refill during the trip.

Cruising speed: I think you're doing right. My engine has also a range between 2100 and 2300 where it feels comfortable, I can tell by the vibration level and also by the consumption. This will be around 50mph and that is the cruising speed for the highways. Off the highway I go almost the same speed, depends on the situation. A old Landcruiser is not made for the highway

The cheers are still appreciated!

I had an old Jeep and rebuilt it from the ground up, including rewiiring and putting in a new inline six engine when a "mechanic" blew the original engine. It's just that this is diesel and I am still learning about it.

So I seem to be getting pretty good fuel mileage.
My speed gauge is actually working now, and read kilometers. Kind of a cool, exotic feeling.

I noted a fillup at 3576km (yes, the mileage clock has probably spun over at least once)
At 4030km I filled up with 12.376 gallons.
At 4743km I filled up with 10.66 gallons

I have two five gallon jerry cans filled up in the bed. They are strictly for emergency use only.

 

[Joe45]

Somewhere in South Carolina.
We just crossed into North Carolina.

 

[RodrigzCrzr]

What a great thread! I am glad you decided to drive it. No better way to become one with your rig.
Your nephew is only going to remember this and have a story for years too come.
And have that ultimate question “Uncle remember when …..?”

 

[fjwagon]

You and your nephew will be fine, them engines are Industrial type engines. Once you get them running they will run and run and...run. I believe the one I drive has the H41 tranny. Basically the input shaft turns about 5 times to make one complete turn on the output shaft. I would not be surprised if we have the same type of tranny. After getting it home, the only descepency I gotten was a fuel issue. Somehow I put bad diesel, I ended emptying the sentimenter to get rid of some water. And about 12 year later i had to rebuild the 12v starter. And somewhere in between, the fuel line clogged and got an air tank and blew out the fuel line. I concur, not very fast but very dependable. These engines don't like cold weather either. But once the engine warms up it purrs like a kitten. Keep the pictures coming.

 

[sterling]

Great read!
Your nephew will never forget the journey all because of you.
If the door is still giving you trouble, three screws and a trim tool and you are in.Hardest part is being careful with the door cards if they are the cardboard-vinyl type.
Thanks for sharing the adventure.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

View attachment 3345552
Somewhere in South Carolina.
We just crossed into North Carolina.

Looking good. For the no AC issue my solution is to go shirtless.

 

[flx]

Open the feet doors + wing windows and as long as you move there is no need for AC xD

 

[45Dougal]

Great thread.
So many people on here wishing they were joining your trip, including me!

Ditto on the door cards. It's possible that your rear window track has broken loose and is jamming the door lock.
Pop the card out and see what's up.
Otherwise maybe your door dropped a bit on a bump and need to adjust the outside bolts a bit.
Simple tools and easy jobs as always with a 40

Who needs aircon anyway?Hell; I don't even have a heater or blower!
Kick the vents open.

 

[Joe45]

Thanks everyone!

Boone, NC


Our camping spot in Grandfather Campground...

Lunch!

 

[Joe45]

Took the opportunity to open up the door. The track had indeed come off, and the little plastic clip for the lock seems weak, and allowed the locking bar to slip off.
I temp-fixed the window issue by cleaning the track a little, applying some silicone adhesive, and then rolling up the window. Working great so far.

The lock issue I temp-fixed by zip-tying the locking bar onto the plastic clip. The door cards are plastic. Could not get the card off because someone in the past, instead of replacing the window crank clip with another clip, applied some heavy duty glue. I did what I could to chip it off but the handle won't budge. Will probably try some paint stripper or something once I get home.

 

[Joe45]

Camping at Grandfather Campground was great!


Skirt Steak for dinner with mashed potatoes!

In 2005 I packed my camping gear into my Jeep and headed to Boone. Spent a month at Grandfather Campground right at this exact spot (we got a different spot, but this old one was open for a bit, so I took this photo).

Here's my camp back in 2003...

We had a great dinner, talked, and struggled with the wet firewood they sold us. Lot's of smoke and not much fire, but we got some good laughs-mainly at each other every time the wind shifted and the smoke hit us right in the face.

I forgot my tiki torch oil, so used some diesel.

There were bats flying around, and Daddy Long Legs all over, and fireflies.
We eventually went to bed and were later awakened by some really heavy rain! There was some thunder, but the lightning thankfully stayed in the mountains.
The sound of thunder in the mountains is amazing. Made me think of Middle Earth.

We were lulled back to sleep by the rain and woke up to a very wet morning.

It was a great experience.

Now, onward with the journey. We'll be camping for a night in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

 

[aztoyman]

What a fun "adventure".

 

[Chungas Revenge]

Thanks everyone!

Boone, NC

Our camping spot in Grandfather Campground...


Lunch!

Boone, NC is a ”National Treasure”, idyllic landscape. Well played. You passing through Blowing Rock?

 

[Joe45]

Boone, NC is a ”National Treasure”, idyllic landscape. Well played. You passing through Blowing Rock?

We are in Alabama now: heading home.