Going on road trip, need advice

[OlBlue1990]

i have a trip coming up soon, ill be driving around 8 hours on the interstate one way back to my home state, then another 8 back to tennessee.
the trip is around 1000 miles (500 there, 500 back)

i was wondering what all i need to have done to my truck to make sure it will make it that far without blowing up on me?
I have recently replaced the timing belt, and retimed it. also replaced both drive belts, changed oil, replaced all 8 plugs and both coil packs


not sure on the mileage of my truck, its a 5 digit odometer and ive fairly certain its turned at least once in its life time..

my truck is a '90, with the 2.3L

 

[Mark_88]

If the truck has been operational otherwise there is not really much you can do other than what you've already done.

What you might want to do is to take extra things that you may need as a just in case (I used to have a "justin case"...it was a tool box with spare parts)...

Things you may want to carry include spare timing and alternator belts, spare alternator, spare tires (one extra), fluids such as oil, coolant, and washer fluid (and gas), and a good set of tools that includes wrenches, ratchets and sockets, a johnson bar with a lug nut socket, and maybe a spare head lamp.

Have you checked the brake shoes and pads recently? Topped up the transmission fluid? Checked the master cylinder and top up the brake fluid? Had the rear end fluids changed?

I'm sure others have suggestions also...but it's not a major trip by any means...I put about that many miles on my truck a week but usually carry as many spare things as I can...without adding too much weight...

 

[modelageek]

i have a trip coming up soon, ill be driving around 8 hours on the interstate one way back to my home state, then another 8 back to tennessee.
the trip is around 1000 miles (500 there, 500 back)

i was wondering what all i need to have done to my truck to make sure it will make it that far without blowing up on me?
I have recently replaced the timing belt, and retimed it. also replaced both drive belts, changed oil, replaced all 8 plugs and both coil packs


not sure on the mileage of my truck, its a 5 digit odometer and ive fairly certain its turned at least once in its life time..

my truck is a '90, with the 2.3L

I would change out the t-stat and flush the coolant, make sure all the coolant hoses are good?.........in TN you should be all set but I would check the rear leafspring hangers and shackles for rust....I am not sure what tranny you have been check/changing fluid is a good idea.........also check the rear diff for gear oil?

 

[chilsam]

Seafoam it

I'd get a can of this and follow the directions made mine run smoother & more responsive.

 

[OlBlue1990]

I would change out the t-stat and flush the coolant, make sure all the coolant hoses are good?.........in TN you should be all set but I would check the rear leafspring hangers and shackles for rust....I am not sure what tranny you have been check/changing fluid is a good idea.........also check the rear diff for gear oil?

i have the manual 5speed tranny in my truck, im not sure of the exact name for it though..

i filled the fluid in my rear diff, that was pretty low. checked tranny fluid, no problems there.

already flushed and filled my coolant, had to replace a temp sensor a few weeks ago so thats taken care of.

im just trying to go over everything to make sure i dont break down, i hope these little trucks are pretty good when it comes to interstate traveling..

 

[97ranger xlt]

check your spare tire!

 

[chilsam]

Exactly

check your spare tire!

and JACK!

 

[OlBlue1990]

haha about that... the previous owner never gave me the full size spare for the truck :/

i do have the jack though. i change tires and such for a living, i can do it by hand on the side of the road if i have to, its just a PITA!!!

 

[Earl43P]

Inspect the brake pads and maybe repack the front wheel bearings.

I usually carry a good assortment of tools too.

One thing I will say, if you are driving a lot of hills/mountains, put it in 4th gear well before you begin to climb. You'll get better mpg.

Be safe!