Long Travel

[barrett86]

Wut do you guys think about traveling distances like around 500+ miles, its through mountain passes, and its from Spokane Washington, back to Great Falls, Montana. what would u guys recommend i do to my truck before that kind of drive. Of course i know FLUIDS, but wut else. i maybe moving back to my old stomping grounds.If i cant make it, i might look into Vehicle transport. let me know guys.

 

[Broncobill78]

Well, you've already got the basic idea. Ck your fluids, ck the belts, ck your tire pressure & be sure you have a spare and a basic set of tools. Other than that I don't know what else to recommend

 

[barrett86]

is there anything that would go out if traveling that much, ALT, Starter, **** guys i know what things are i know how to replace them, but when it comes to like what breaks im clueless. i just know how to change it or fix since ive replaced 85 % of every part on it. i know our trucks are basic, motor to tranny to t-case to rear end, nm more than that. so i know a driveline wont snap or anything is gunna fall off. for being 21 year old truck, and never made a trip longer than 100 miles how often should i stop for a cool down/ rest or should i stop at all.another question also will help for travel, i know my hubs are greased but to grease them should i take the end off and stuff as much grease in there as i can. or what.any other advice for a long trip being that ive never driven that far before. AKA ive put 1800 miles on her in the 7.5 months ive been legally able to drive it. i have a spare, jack, extra fluids oil, tranny, coolant, $hit load of tools,belts look good. sorry for being a lil bia about this its just that i love my truck and thats a haul to drive and if something breaks ill have to leave it in its spot.or have my parents tow me and that wont be fun going through passes and huge hills, thanks again guys.

 

[barrett86]

Correction its like 367 miles. look. lol http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.ad...z=59404&r=f

 

[Broncobill78]

These are good trucks, if you've kept up on it and done your maintenance then there isn't a lot to worry about. If the volt meter is steady & your lights don't flicker or dim when you turn on the heater fan then I wouldn't worry about the alt, but you can always ck it with a mutlimeter while the truck is running just to verify the ouput. Starters are usually pretty solid & good for 10yrs or so at a time & I wouldn't worry about *that* unless it's giving you some indication that failure is immiment (cranking slowly, hard to start when hot, etc). Top off your fluids & bring extra for anything that you think leaks, power steering, transmission & Xfer case.

Do you have a transmission cooler ? They aren't strictyly necessary but they're nice to have, but again, NOT something that you absolutely need for an 800mi round-trip.

You should be able to drive it straight through without ever needing to stop & let anything cool-down or rest. I wouldn't worry about the hubs at all, if they're greased then they'll be fine for at least a yeear or two & probably much longer ( a lot of guys *never* service their hubs and have zero problems, don't sweat it).

If you're in doubt take it to the Dealer or a trusted garage (I'd almost say Jiffy-**** but those guys make some people nervous, however, They're always an option) to take a quick look at everything but it sounds to me like you've covered your bases and have the spares & tools you'll need to deal with any problems that crop up.

 

[Roadkill]

Yeah, don't sweat it. If you've done your preventive maintenance you've got very little to worry about. On several occasions I've driven mine 650 miles to New Mexico, wheeled it offroad in the desert for a few days, then driven 650 miles back to central Texas. Then a couple months later, make the 950 mile trip to my parents in Kentucky and play in the mud for a few days. These trucks will take you anywhere if you take care of them.

 

[Justshootme84]

After reading CSM Bronco's roadtrip tale, I'd say you should be prepared for almost anything. Carry your tools and a Haynes repair manual, and a *** of cash. Some items I always carry in the Bronco are a good Hi-Lift jack, hydraulic bottle jack, a couple boards to put under the jack on soft ground, spare u-joints, starter solenoid, spark plugs, oil, coolant, ATF fluid, spare wheel bearings, grease, and a fire extinguisher. JSM84

 

[barrett86]

Cool guys thanks, ill snag extra parts fromt the pull and save b4 i go, and take it to a shop to have them run a check, and when i turn my heater fan on my lights dim but go back to normal. i need to pick up another altenator though, mine is good for being 8 bucks cuz i went from a non working to a working, like if i start my truck i am at 14 to 14.2 volts now switch on the lights, stereo (huge system) and the heater it drop me to about 13 to 13.5 volts, and thats driving w/o the stereo cranked, now idle its at 11.5 to 12 volts with everything going, pumpin out music and everything. starter solenoid ill pick up cheap 2, and ? about my t-case how do i change the fluid in it since i never ever ever have and what type of fluid goes in it and around avg how much so i can get it changed asap. if its like all my other fluids when i bought my bronco theres prolly little to nothing in it. so that would be a big help thanks guys.

 

[Justshootme84]

Your 86 t-case uses Ford Mercon ATF or transmission fluid, same as the AOD. Look for 2 plugs on the back of the case. The lower plug is for draining, the higher plug for filling and checking the level. Pull the top plug, stick your pinky finger inside the hole, and check if there's any fluid. If 'ts more than an inch low, or you want to drainand change it, pull the lower plug. The plugs use the end of a 3/8' drive ratchet, or the square part. If you can find brass plugs with a square head on them, it's easier to get the plugs out in the future with a wrench. When filling with new fluid, fill up to the higher hole, or when fluid starts to run out the higher plug hole. Get a few quarts of ATF, and save what's left for topping off the AOD and ps pump. JSM84

 

[michibronc]

One thing more - a BIG *** of $-) for gas!

 

[barrett86]

coool i woulda been under there searching for awhile. and yah the money would help for GAS and thats about it.

 

[snowman74]

I've only glanced at the posts for your question, so forgive me if somebody has already said this...but driving in mountains/hills can be **** on brakes. Make certain your brakes are up to ***** before you go. Nothing like being on a downhill grade and your brakes go out on you! Be safe bro!

Snowman74