Prepping for Hot weather. What to prepare for?

[desertnomad]

I've read a mindful amount of info on cold weather preparing but what about hot weather? This is my first diesel, bought used and have 50K miles. I plan on doing some offroad traveling later this year for a few weeks where temps will approach 120°. I plan on changing out the fluids/filters along with a new set of BFGs. Truck is stock and I use all Motorcraft products. To put "hot" in better perspective the area I'll be roaming around is Death Valley.

Last time I was out there with a '05 Dodge 1500 HEMI I nearly burned up the tranny, temp gauges were maxed out and the right front tire literally melted while I'll pulled off to let her cool down.

Last year I had the Ford in 100° conditions and the temp gauges never went above normal nor any signs of heat stroke. I was quite impressed but still want to be prepared.

Any other recommendations I should do? Should I look into fluid additives? What about an overall tune/checkup? Would I need to visit my dealer to have this done? Whats the avg going rate assuming nothing needs replacement?

Many thanks!

[DuramaxOn40s]

If you have aftermarket mods like a tuner or chip then I'd suggest guages mainly tranny and EGT and boost. As far as additive there are ones to use in winter time to prevent gelling, so any of them besides winter blends wouldn't hurt to use.. Like you said just check all your fluids before you leave and keep extra oil, fuel filter, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid handy with you on the trip...

[desertnomad]

Thanks for the advice. Do not have any aftermarket mods.

[DuramaxOn40s]

A new set of rubbers would be awesome too!

[smokersteve]

if your eng runs too warm put royal purple or read-line coolant additive

[Galaxie]

Keep your oil and trans fluid clean and go at it. I have some friends in PHX AZ. They run 5/40 syn oil and run them tru hell.