Driving from Philadelphia to Arizona on Friday

[MMoyle]

Hi Guys,



Well... I finally picked up my first 1st Gen this past weekend and I am planning a 2400 mile excursion from Philly to Arizona. Arizona will be the new home of the truck and i'm sure she will like the nice dry weather. I did a once over on the truck yesterday before the long trip and everything looks good. Oil, trans oil, air filter, checked the brakes, etc. . etc. . Do you guys have any suggestions about checking anything in particular on the truck or any advice before embarking on this 3 day excursion? Looking forward in getting this baby on the road. I've had 2 2nd Gens in the past which I abosultely loved, but I love the look of the first gen so much better. I am a proud owner!



Thanks Guys!

Mike

 

[tugboatphil]

Mike,



If you're near the I-77, I-81 interchange (Wytheville, Virginia) let me know. I'll send you my phone number if you're going to be this way.

 

[MMoyle]

TugboatPhil,



Thanks for the invitation. I will not be down that far south (i'll be on I70), but maybe some other time. If you are ever in the Phoenix area come 1/2005 on, drop me a line.



Thanks

Mike

 

["Mad Max"]

Mike,

Sounds like fun! A buddy of mine and I jsut finished a 1200 mile trip from Alabama to Colorado - Flew into Atlanta, drove to 'Bama, then on thru St. Louis, K. C. , Topeka, and on into Denver/Colorado Springs. Great trip, few glitches.



If you're coming through the Rocky Mountain area (Denver/Colorado Springs/Pueblo) and have any problems or just want to stop for a cup of coffee/food feel free to drop me a line. My home # is (719) 494-2240, and the cell is (719) 494-6688.



Advise for the trip - Check all fluids, including the diff's, transfer case, and power steering. Also check the idler pulley and belt alignment, and always carry a new belt. You will need a good tool 'kit', including a 1/2" breaker bar - best thing to use to take the tension off the idler pulley for changing a belt. Some aftermarket pulley's are a 3/8 drive, so take the little 1/2"-3/8" adaptor.

On looooong hauls sometimes the fan clutch can be okay for a while and then crap out - might not be a bad spare part to have along.

Take a small electrical kit that will 'fix' the three wires on the fuel solenoid, or at elast a pair of pliers to tighten the existing spade terminals - they always seem to come loose and the truck-no-wanna-run.

Air pressure - take a good gauge and check it every fill-up. That can add up on fuel mileage.

Take some red rags and some hand cleaner - driving with greasy hands really, really sucks.

I dunno what else except for a spare quart of every fluid, and if the rear diff has a posi a little bottle of hypoid additive wouldn't hurt to have along in case it's too tight. A can of brake cleaner and PB Blaster are always good to have along, but you'll have to drop by a Wally World to get 'em.



GPS/cell phone - if you have a GPS reciever it's awesome for telling you exactly how fast you're going, where you're going, what direction, and where the roads are and how far away. Cell phone... well... don't leave home without it.



Hmmmm, probably think of someth - OH, print off the TDR Travel Companion. It has names and numbers of TDR members all over the world. If you get in a pinch odds are someone is nearby and if they're on the list they are already very willing to get dirty and help out whenever and wherever needed.



Good luck, have fun, and hammer down amigo. If you can convince a buddy to go with you it's very well worth the money for tickets, etc, to have a trusted pal along for the ride, and through the anxiety. It's also great fun.



- Sam

 

[MMoyle]

Hi Sam,



Thanks for the advice! Actually my Dad decided to go with me, so I won't be by myself. He is excited if not more than me to drive across country, especially in a 1st Gen. The TDR Travel companion is a great idea. I'll make sure to print it out. Sucks that I'm not coming through your area (I'll be further south) because I'd like to come through and grab a cup of java with another 1 Gen owner. I'll keep your information handy just in case. I'll keep you guys up-to-date on how the trip went. I'm of course going to take precise MPG calculations. Thanks again guys. You are the best!

 

["Mad Max"]

Good luck on the trip Mike - Hammer down!

- S

 

[Greenleaf]

I luv road trips! The fun and excitement and all. Besides being fun to drive the truck, its the perfect reason to have to get stuff fixed!



Have some fun. I hope you have a "D" model and not one of them Teddy Roosevelt "Rough Riders"



On second thought my truck is too nice of a ride... ... . puts me to sleep. I hope you guys will tag team it.



Scott

 

[0013]

hey mike,

if you need any help with anything or want to stop for a beer or coffee--give me a ring. (623) 546 0312 or cell (623) 826 6499 Luke AFB, AZ. congrats on the new rig... .

chris (0013)

 

[MMoyle]

Hey Guys,



The trip was a great success! The truck's performance was flawless and I averaged around 16MPG at 72-75MPH. That was with a GVW of around 7800lbs. The only thing I would like to change is either having a full-lockup converter or a 6sp manual. I would prefer the manual, but I think the conversion costs are way to high. That aside, I love my first gen!



Thanks,

Mike

 

["Mad Max"]

right on - glad you made it safe and sound. Yer gonna love bombing the thing, even if only mildly. The rewards of just some minor upgrades and little things have a big impact on the trucks drivability.

- S

 

[CEpp]

when are u leaving? im of i70. .