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Offline Bigdave_185

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Road trip preparations
« on: September 20, 2016, 12:37:45 AM »
From you fellows that are a bit more experienced then me in this area.  What are some vehicle things I should look at before I put 1400 miles on my truck Round trip.     After the transmission line this weekend I am getting a bit worried

One two three go !


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Offline Wilbur

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #1 on: September 20, 2016, 01:09:21 AM »
For road trips I always had the usual- belts, hoses (radiator, heater core etc), oil, brake fluid, atf, gear oil, water, fuses and all the tools to fix almost anything too (within reason).

Pre-trip was always oil change, filters, grease, etc. And many times it was the pretrip checks that caught the things that would have gone on the trip had I not double checked....check brake pads, all fluid levels, air pressure in the tires look for any bulges or screws/nails etc. (bring a good patch kit ).

I found that catching the stuff that likely would have caused a problem before I left was the best option. If you have a scan tool I would bring that. I can't remember what you drive but bearings and grease if you don't have sealed units.

I'm not sure if you're going off road or not but if so all the recovery equipment. Shovel, heavy plank, winch/come along and snatch blocks, snatch strap (s), an extra spare.

I'm sure others will chime in but that is my list. Sorry it was kind of rambling....

Oh and make sure you have fun! Don't try to overdrive each day. Have fun with the family! :)

Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2016, 06:56:43 AM »
2007 lbz duramax with just a little over 100k on the dial.
It is a highway trip only from Utah to California, no family involved just a good buddy as a co driver.

How much of the expendable fluids oil, atf, antifreeze...... enough to change all if required?

I can go pick up the upper hose and a belt pretty easy.     I had the tires rotated and balanced, the suspension components look good other then the lower ball joints need replaced


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Online Flyin6

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2016, 09:22:27 AM »
Idler pulley in good condition?
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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #4 on: September 20, 2016, 09:37:03 AM »
I haven't had a problem with it yet but I will go check the spring retention on the belt and idler


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Offline stlaser

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #5 on: September 20, 2016, 09:53:20 AM »
Check your u-joints too
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Offline Wilbur

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #6 on: September 20, 2016, 09:57:46 AM »
If the trip involved off road I would have enough oil to replace it all if a rock smashed the pan and you lost it all. For all highway I don't know that I would bring that much (especially as the diesEl needs oil measured in barrels instead of quarts ha)...but if you have the room and you have the oil for the next change I would prob end up bringing it. Just far less likely to lose it all on an all highway trip so a few quarts would prob be fine.

Offline Bob Smith

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #7 on: September 20, 2016, 11:53:14 AM »
At some point even on cross country trips enough "stuff" is enough. You can buy the fluids/oils, parts from the same supply house you use at home for the most part. Bring along a few tools and some extra cash or a card to replace items. If you have to use a couple quarts of oil to top off some morning, use the spares you carry and replace them for next time. 
I would be looking at the things that might need to be changed/replaced before you head out and call it a day. Batteries and connections in good shape, engine coolant level correct, tires, belt and hoses, leaks, and any known "I need to take care of that one of these days" things. Throw in an extra fuel filter, enjoy the trip.

Offline EL TATE

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #8 on: September 20, 2016, 12:20:26 PM »
Physical road map for when GPS and other electronics are out of svc range, or just flat out fail. I remember navigating for my Dad on our road trip from Everett, WA to Lake Powell, Bryce and Arches and it was folding maps only back in '97. Although Utah is pretty tough to get lost in the cities there's a lot of ground between you and Cali.
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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #9 on: September 20, 2016, 01:49:33 PM »
Thanks fellas.  I haven't had that many miles under my belt in a long long time.  Not usually one to drive more then four or five straight but work has requirements and I have needs to fill in the space. 


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Offline TexasRedNeck

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #10 on: September 20, 2016, 04:22:49 PM »
AAA card and a cell phone.    GO!
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Offline Bob Smith

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #11 on: September 20, 2016, 07:09:44 PM »
AAA card and a cell phone.    GO!

Short sweet and to the point, I like it.

Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #12 on: September 20, 2016, 09:14:39 PM »
lol Tex is on the recovery team if the truck dies on me in between the two destinations.   Bring the red sled will ya


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Offline TexasRedNeck

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #13 on: September 20, 2016, 10:01:13 PM »
Roger that.


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Offline Sammconn

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #14 on: September 20, 2016, 11:07:19 PM »
Kinda took this for granted, I guess my 'normal' trip to the real world is more than some do regularly.
My list of what's always with me.
A gallon of antifreeze
Spare air and fuel filters
Two quarts ATF, and motor oil (I run amsoil so this is why I carry)
Tools socket set and some wrenches
Bug juice if needed
Tow rope and chains
Air compressor and plugs for tires
And then a lot of other crap one needs to cover 200 miles of nothing

Much of what I carry could likely be left behind since you'll have service stations fairly regularly.

I'll check fluids every 10-15k or so unless I have reason to believe there is an issue.
I guess I take it for granted more than most would.
I just don't want to wind up missing a digit or limb.  I can sometimes get in a hurry to get results.
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Offline KensAuto

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #15 on: September 21, 2016, 10:32:50 AM »
I was hoping Sam would fill in the gap. If anyone could (has?) been stranded, it would be him.

The one most overlooked item on a truck is the transfer case. I would definately make sure that it's full. it doesn't take long to lose one if the fluid is low, or out, since they don't hold much to start with, and Chebbys are known to leak anyways. ...assuming you have a 4wd...I thought it was.


Check what you can check, take what you can take, and the rest is in God's hands. If you really knew what all was capable of failing without notice, on a modern truck , you would never leave the house.

Like I tell my daughters, tires and fluids, tires and fluids.

« Last Edit: September 21, 2016, 10:33:38 AM by KensAuto »
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Offline Wilbur

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #16 on: September 21, 2016, 12:03:53 PM »
Reading this I had a thought....I grew up when a "road trip" could be anywhere that was two hours away. And in the summer during heavy traffic that always meant seeing a dozen cars or more on the side of the road overheated. So my Dad treated every trip that was over an hour like he was preparing for a trip on the Alcan. No we didn't bring all sorts of stuff with us as my Dad was not so mechanically inclined but we had water, oil, belts and hoses. So that became the norm for me (just as filling the bathtub before every storm did in case the power went out).

But today vehicles are so much better and you don't see cars broke down left right and center kids often don't do that prep work. I see kids a lot of time that don't even check the oil before they go anywhere. And I know my son some times falls into that. I press him and he does it to some degree (and better than his friends) but I do get push back a bit at times ("Dad do I really need all that stuff?"). In some ways he's fortunate as he's never had a bad breakdown where he got stranded (again, a testament to the quality of today's vehicles) but I worry it makes him apathetic to the prep necessary. Not saying I want him to have a bad breakdown/stranding but.....he wouldn't treat it lightly again either....

Sorry for the DOT  ::).....just some thoughts I had reading this... 

Offline TexasRedNeck

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #17 on: September 21, 2016, 01:14:19 PM »
Buy him a 1980 gm product and cut him loose, he'll learn quickly


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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #18 on: September 21, 2016, 01:28:58 PM »
I have never had a vehicle fail on me far from home.  But on the flip side I don't stray to far to often.   Being towed home is definitely a humbling experience


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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #19 on: September 22, 2016, 05:50:04 PM »
Not bad for 200 miles




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Offline Wilbur

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #20 on: September 22, 2016, 06:17:26 PM »
That's a good start! Have a safe trip! And take some pics. ;)

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #21 on: September 22, 2016, 08:10:54 PM »



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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #22 on: September 22, 2016, 09:57:09 PM »



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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #23 on: September 23, 2016, 05:37:40 AM »
Still truckin @ 20.2 mpg


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Offline cudakidd53

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #24 on: September 23, 2016, 06:56:14 AM »
Where's all the bugs on the windshield?  You'll never get there if you drive slow enough for them to fly around the truck!  ;D. Safe travels Dave
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Offline TexasRedNeck

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #25 on: September 23, 2016, 07:48:21 AM »
No more limp mode!


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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #26 on: September 23, 2016, 08:11:51 AM »
No limp yet Tex,  jelling the r's low and steady.  I am shocked about the lack of bugs too.


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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #27 on: September 23, 2016, 09:34:55 AM »
No limp yet Tex,  jelling the r's low and steady.  I am shocked about the lack of bugs too.


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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #28 on: September 23, 2016, 10:05:08 AM »
Maybe there was some type of nuclear explosion and the cloud killed the bugs.  But I am thankful for it.   Drives me nutz when I can't see


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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #29 on: September 23, 2016, 11:40:11 AM »



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Offline KensAuto

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #30 on: September 23, 2016, 12:33:28 PM »
Mike L's shop? I'll try not to be Jealous.
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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #31 on: September 23, 2016, 12:49:24 PM »
Clutches are burned up pretty good. Not totally wasted. 


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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #32 on: September 23, 2016, 12:50:12 PM »
That bearing was in parts.  He said it's a good thing I am doing the build or I would be looking for a housing also


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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #33 on: September 23, 2016, 01:41:17 PM »
Mike L's shop? I'll try not to be Jealous.
MikeL himself.    Dude is seriously a good guy who has stories for days. 


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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #34 on: September 23, 2016, 02:47:10 PM »
Parts washed and organized




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Offline KensAuto

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #35 on: September 23, 2016, 03:42:08 PM »
MikeL himself.    Dude is seriously a good guy who has stories for days. 


Have to agree with you on that one. We've talked a few times on the phone....he definately knows his Allys!

Would ya please tell him kensauto says hi.
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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #36 on: September 23, 2016, 03:56:46 PM »
Sure


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Offline TexasRedNeck

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #37 on: September 23, 2016, 08:08:51 PM »
I would totally freak if I were faced with that pile of parts and told to reassemble.  If I were to commission another build I'd request all new solenoids and a new internal harness and switch manifold just to be on the safe side. I had a C solenoid go bad a year after I had mine built which could have been disastrous had I not been 1/2 mile from home


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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #38 on: September 23, 2016, 08:30:41 PM »
I got all those Tex.   Plus some custom touches.   


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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #39 on: September 23, 2016, 08:41:31 PM »
I was sworn to secrecy but as I asked a million questions he sat and happily explained reasons and whys.  It was really a good experience and now my trans is solid for 700hp and I know a mountain more knowledge then 800 miles, $5000 bucks ago


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Offline TexasRedNeck

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #40 on: September 23, 2016, 10:21:24 PM »
What did you get for a converter?


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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #41 on: September 23, 2016, 11:25:37 PM »
The Gmax kit, a goerend torq converter


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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #42 on: September 23, 2016, 11:27:04 PM »
It's giving me a bit of a trouble on the way home.   Speed from 80 to 90 6th gear locked up.  The whole truck shudders.   If I gradually roll into throttle at 80 and stay consistent the thing feel like it's gonna jump out of its skin


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Offline TexasRedNeck

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #43 on: September 23, 2016, 11:55:25 PM »
May be a learning issue with the tcm. Take it easy for a few days while it learns
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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #44 on: September 24, 2016, 12:27:10 AM »
This was just on the hills out of Death Valley, mikeL. did all the Tcm learning and gave me the go green light


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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #45 on: September 24, 2016, 12:39:59 AM »
This is the best I could do as far as video and driving. Steady hand and then the pretty valiant shake. 


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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #46 on: September 24, 2016, 01:12:32 PM »
Continued home this morning


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Offline JR

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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #47 on: September 24, 2016, 03:58:44 PM »
To bad I just saw this. Did you have em check the Tcase for the rub. Would have been a great time for it laying on the bench.

Was that PSI pulling a hill? I cruise at around 4-5 and only see that when really on it.

Ouch, 5k for the rebuild, glad I haven't hurt the tranny yet. However having issues with EFI but got a 100/235 tune in there now.
« Last Edit: September 24, 2016, 07:34:06 PM by JR »
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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #48 on: September 24, 2016, 04:14:00 PM »
The tcase was done awhile ago.
Psi?  Boosts? 3 or 4 psi

Small tune about a 90 horse tune


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Re: Road trip preparations
« Reply #49 on: September 24, 2016, 04:14:22 PM »
Open to phone calls


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