Upcoming trip, what needs to be done...

[MtPaul401]

Got a long trip planned in Aug in my truck, probably 2300 miles or so. No real issues at the moment, other than a flaky fuel guage that sometimes works, sometime sticks at full, burns a little oil, 1 qt every 2000 or so (doesn't seem to use as much on long road trips for some reason) and a little smoke at start up when the engine is cold.

I changed the tranny fluid a few 1000 miles ago
Will change oil before the trip
I have 177k on my truck, probably 183K by the time the trip rolls around. What do all you pros think I should do or have checked before hand?

Thought I'd plan well ahead in case there's anything big I need to get on.

Thanks.

[azkcr]

I'm not pro but I would just make sure you have extra oil.
177k, how long since the bearings were replaced? They are a closed bearing if it's 4x4 I think.
Had mine go out from CollegeStation to Dallas (3hr drive). And all I had to do to prevent that was re-pack them.. Oh well

[Zaairman]

Change the oil and go. I took mine to California and back two years ago (4000 miles round trip). I asked what I should do... the responses varied, but basically I should have brought a spare truck along to keep them all happy. I brought an extra serpentine belt, a spare CPS, and an extra jug of oil.

[ArXane]

Originally Posted by Zaairman

I brought an extra serpentine belt, a spare CPS, and an extra jug of oil.

This, and maybe a couple jugs of water.

[MtPaul401]

Originally Posted by Zaairman

...basically I should have brought a spare truck along to keep them all happy.

Too true. I got similar responses last time I posted like this.

I'm more concerned about the mileage on the truck and if there was anything I should really check due to the 183K or so that will be on it by then. Hopefully if something's going to need fixed it will break before that.

Yup, I always pack a gallon of oil and 1 of coolant too on long trips. Spare CPS, belt and fuel filters, plus tools and my scanner. Wish I would have had that last year on the same trip when the ABS speed sensor went out.

I'll have to look into the bearings, I don't know about if they're sealed or not on mine.

Thanks!

[Zaairman]

I can tell you right now that they're sealed, unless you or the previous owner decided to drop the $2000 on the Dynatrac kit.

Don't worry about it though, it is entirely possible to change the wheel bearing using a standard Craftsmen tool set and the factory jack... even though it's a bit shakey.