Need help with pre-trip inspection

[ol'beater]

Unfortunately, I have to take my truck on a 1500 mile drive to relocate. I don't have much choice in the matter, nor do I feel completely comfortable with it, or have a ton of money to throw at a shop to look it over for me +parts. I've put about 5k on it since I got it in January, but never too far for AAA to save me if needed.

What should I inspect and how should I do it to make sure my truck can make it? I know nothing is a guarantee, but I need the best chance I can get.

2.3L..I'm not sure exactly how many times the odometer has rolled, but I'm assuming it's around 217k?

Thank you so much.

 

[modelageek]

my 2 cents......all fluids, leafsring hangers and shackles, serpentine belt, timing belt?....i could go on but i will lets someone else have a turn

 

[frankserrano]

belts, brakes, ALL fluids, key suspension components, resolve any and all CEL codes.

217,000 an you're driving it across the country? sheesh, good luck and god speed, you're gonna need it.

thanks for comin' out though

 

[ol'beater]

Thanks, guys. I'll get on that.

As far as the timing belt goes, I've been wanting to replace it, but I don't feel completely comfortable doing it because my Haynes and Chiltons manual don't really have the best photos for explaining the process. I've searched the site and found nothing. Does anyone know of a timing belt replacement tutorial online with pics for my motor?

 

[frankserrano]

Thanks, guys. I'll get on that.

As far as the timing belt goes, I've been wanting to replace it, but I don't feel completely comfortable doing it because my Haynes and Chiltons manual don't really have the best photos for explaining the process. I've searched the site and found nothing. Does anyone know of a timing belt replacement tutorial online with pics for my motor?

check youtube or maybe autoMD.

 

[greasemonkey6886]

As far as the mileage goes I woudn't worry all that much. Check it over real good but if there are no major noises or leaks it will probably be ok. My 92 Ranger super-cab with 2.3 has 240,000 on it and makes trips to Ga. to Pa. and back every 5 weeks or so with no problems at all. I do run full synthetic oil in it though. I would recomend you do the same. The little bugger even runs smoother with the synthetic in it. Hope this helps. Good luck dude

 

[Jason]

1500 miles sounds like alot, but it's half of an oil change. Most cars go that long without breaking in much harder conditions than a one shot run.

 

[greasemonkey6886]

Very true Jason. A long trip will provide mostly steady rpms and load verses the constant change in rpm and constantly changing load conditions of city,local driving.As I said, I wouldn't worry about it. With these engines it isn't un-common to see 250,000 miles and still humming right along.

 

[modelageek]

I just looked on rockauto.

radiator hoses upper lower and heater $25 Gates/goodyear
serp belt $12 Gates

plugs and wires $55 Autolite Dp's

timing belt $8 Goodyear

airfilter $4

maf cleaner $5

synthetic fluid change( all fluids in truck less than $50)

tstat and gasket $13( motorcraft)

coolant $20

Total cost less than $200( these were all brand names parts)


Even if you slowly brought it up to snuff over 6 months you will be better off.

A tow charge is $100 and all the aggravation. IMHO 80% of all truck breakdowns are mainatance related........