Long trip preventative maintenance

[darkspork]

What preventative maintenance should I do to my truck before taking it on a long trip (1700 miles each way). I've chained the transmission oil, bled the clutch, replaced the pcv valve, and fuel filter. I plan to do a synthetic oil change before I start the trip (I've been running synthetic in the truck since I got it). I also plan on draining the coolant and refilling the radiator with fresh coolant just because I don't know when the last time it was done was. The truck was looked over in February by a small shop and by the Ford Service department and the truck was found to be in good mechanical shape (brakes good although a little squeaky, ball joints good, shocks good, struts good). The alignment is near perfect.

I'm confident my truck will make it there and back (may be pulling a trailer back), I just figure it wouldn't hurt to do some preventative maintenance to optimize my fuel economy and avoid extra wear. I'll be passing through Montana, Idaho, Nevada, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The truck currently has a little under 68,000 miles on it. Didn't look like there is a whole lot to do before 100,000 miles as far as scheduled maintenance goes. Truck in question is 2003 Ranger 4.0L V6, 5 speed manual, 4x4. So, what am I leaving out for preventative maintenance I should do before I start my trip?

 

[pwrranger88]

check the fluid in the differentials and the transfer case maybe check wheel bearings and repack them with fresh grease

 

[exbass94]

Make the spare tire is in good shape and inflated.

 

[Brandon12]

Make the spare tire is in good shape and inflated.

Along with the other 4 tires, Check all lights (turn signals, brake lights...), Good time to buy new wiper blades also if yours are getting bad. Maybe check airfilter

 

[darkspork]

Differentials are sealed and are not supposed to require maintenance before 100,000 miles. Spare tire is in nearly new shape, properly inflated. All 4 tires still have good tread life, were new when I got the truck in February, all lights work. Air filter was replaced when I bought the truck in February, as were the wiper blades, but they could stand to be replaced already. Transfer case was drained and refilled with the transmission. Sounds like with the wheel bearings as an exception I got everything covered. Now I just need to pray the wife's car will make it up here.

 

[thegoat4]

The diff has a breather to let out excess pressure, so it's not sealed. It can push out oil via vapors over time, so you do need to at least check. They're probably just fine, but you want to make sure.

Clean off the exterior of the radiator and check your belt, tensioner, and fan hub. If your battery is serviceable, check the water and top off as needed. If you're headed somewhere hot, check your antifreeze mix and make sure you're a little on the water side as that will cool better.