2200 mile trip in a 1999 limited with 220k miles

[californium90]

Hello Guys, so my wife and myself have taken upon us to relocate to Phoenix AZ from Buffalo NY, about a 2200 mile drive. We have a 5th gen 2016 limited with 7k miles on it and my 1999 limited with 220k miles on it. I first gave a thought to getting a car trailer from Uhaul but they want $900 for it and I don't think its worth it. Because for that much, I could pretty much ship the truck down to phoenix. So we are planning on driving both down. I would like to know from you guys the things I need to do to get the 1999 prepared for the daunting trip. I am going to have the wife drive the 16 and I will take the 1999. Any suggestions on things that need to be done to prepare for the trip will be appreciated. would be appreciated. Excited yet nervous for the trip.

 

[185Runner]

Hello Guys, so my wife and myself have taken upon us to relocate to Phoenix AZ from Buffalo NY, about a 2200 mile drive. We have a 5th gen 2016 limited with 7k miles on it and my 1999 limited with 220k miles on it. I first gave a thought to getting a car trailer from Uhaul but they want $900 for it and I don't think its worth it. Because for that much, I could pretty much ship the truck down to phoenix. So we are planning on driving both down. I would like to know from you guys the things I need to do to get the 1999 prepared for the daunting trip. I am going to have the wife drive the 16 and I will take the 1999. Any suggestions on things that need to be done to prepare for the trip will be appreciated. would be appreciated. Excited yet nervous for the trip.

I just did this to off road mine down in Moab with my brother. Roughly the same mileage. I suggest oil, belts, lube the driveline, and make sure the diffs and transfer case are full.

 

[GHARP57]

what 185 said in addition to getting some new trans fluid and do a drain and fill manually not on a pressurized machine. I moved my brother out to portland from central va with stopping at the grand canyon and we did over 3700 miles pulling a 8x10 uhaul the whole way. We did all those services and the trans flush to get fresh t4 fluid in. My brothers truck has 260k miles on it. def do the trans fluid too

 

[Gelthos]

I've driven my 96 back and forth from Buffalo to Atlanta a few times. I did a good check over and made sure I had fresh fluids. Tire pressure makes a diff in MPG's so watch that as well. Funny thing is I'm from Phoenix and now live in Buffalo.

 

[californium90]

I've driven my 96 back and forth from Buffalo to Atlanta a few times. I did a good check over and made sure I had fresh fluids. Tire pressure makes a diff in MPG's so watch that as well. Funny thing is I'm from Phoenix and now live in Buffalo.

Chris, that's funny. I will keep in mind all the things you guys are saying.

 

[Mark_BC]

New lbj's and radiator

 

[JayRolla]

I did a 1000 mile trip when I first got mine around 190k miles. Everything was good.

Just did a 1400 mile trip this summer and my fuel pump failed. So just be ready to do some on road repair if you have to. I would have all my auto tools in the 99 ready just in case.

Good luck on the move!

 

[4Runner4TW]

Welcome to Arizona!!

Everyone here pretty much nailed it. Belts, fluids. I like to get under mine and make sure all is tight and good. Also bring some extra distilled water, oil, and belts. A superstition of mine is to do a full detail before any big trip as well (interior, exterior, engine, undercarriage). Biggest thing this does is gives you a full visual of the truck and an easier way to inspect in while on the journey.

If you can I would pick up a Scangauge II right away. Then way you can monitor your internals and compare them while on the highway. Great little tool!

Couple years ago I pulled a 6x12 from Phx to Seattle. Then 11 months later moved to Sedona, AZ pulling a 5x8. Both times had no issues.

Next week I am going on a 4200 mile road trip. My 1999 has 225,000.

Good luck on the move! Check out Sedona sometime! If you're on facebook check out Arizona 4Runners. We have a great and very large community here state wide.

 

[trailbikerider]

I just did the drive from Kalamazoo, MI to Phoenix myself last week as I just moved out here. Drove my '02 and towed a 5x8 uhaul. Pretty much just the normal stuff, fluid changes, make sure your belts are in good shape etc.

I suggest if you are planning on towing anything with your 99 not to go more than 200 miles on a tank. I ran mine out of gas in western Nebraska, and it still showed between 1/2 and 1/4 tank on the gauge. For some reason the 3rd gens have issues with showing how much fuel is in the tank when you're towing.

Other than that, good luck! You shouldn't have many issues.

 

[StreetCreeper]

Hello Guys, so my wife and myself have taken upon us to relocate to Phoenix AZ from Buffalo NY, about a 2200 mile drive. We have a 5th gen 2016 limited with 7k miles on it and my 1999 limited with 220k miles on it. I first gave a thought to getting a car trailer from Uhaul but they want $900 for it and I don't think its worth it. Because for that much, I could pretty much ship the truck down to phoenix. So we are planning on driving both down. I would like to know from you guys the things I need to do to get the 1999 prepared for the daunting trip. I am going to have the wife drive the 16 and I will take the 1999. Any suggestions on things that need to be done to prepare for the trip will be appreciated. would be appreciated. Excited yet nervous for the trip.

I don't think you need to do anything special. Do normal preventive maintence and double-check all the usual gizmos & thingies that others have already mentioned. These trucks are tough — I regularly take my 1997 limited on 1200-1500 mile trips along the west coast. My truck has 417,000 miles on it.

 

[flyfishinguy]

just made about a 2100 mile round trip in my 99 as well. check fluids balance tires good to go. 207000 on mine and wouldnt hesitate to drive from coast to coast. i say balance tires cause my trip up tires started bouncing all over the place the last 400 miles. running mud terrains so a balance on the ride home made such a hugh difference. Also if you haven't replaced your lower ball joints definitely one of the most important things to put at the top of the list. safe travels fella

 

[californium90]

A Big Thank You to all of you! I will post pics in this thread as we make out trip cross country! I am just hoping that the weather be co-operative thru the trip! I did request an add on the AZ 4runner group on FB but have not received an acceptance yet! I am guessing because my location says Buffalo, NY and not Phoenix AZ ha ha ha!

 

[tystaco]

Are you worried it needs maintenance before your next oil change? Because if so, then do it...but if you trust the rig to make it through the next few oil changes, like I do with all of my cars, just go for it. Check tire pressure and top off windshield washer fluid...but most importantly make sure you have all of your favorite tunes and snacks. Safe travels.

 

[reelamin]

I have a 96 with 256, and I would have done that trip no question....that is until I just blew up my radiator two months ago. Now I need to put a couple K on it to make sure it was not a head gasket. If I put 2-3K on it with no more issues....lI would load up and head on out in my rig with no worry.

 

[Roamed YT]

Yes, like the consensus here, if you've been up on maintenance for the past while I would pretty much give her an oil change, do a tire rotation and service and fill 'er up!

I bought my 3rd gen sight unseen and drove it 1600 miles over two days.

Then again, you might want to try and find a super-clean southwest truck? I hear they're worth the premium!

 

[octanejunkie]

I have 225 K on my 99 and I regularly Drive to Reno from Los Angeles once or twice a month averaging 1000 miles road trip. With regular maintenance you should be fine.

I would check all things already mentioned. Ironically over New Year's weekend universal joints on my drive shaft seized. I had to have those replaced which cost me a day and about 200 bucks. I have no indication it was going bad until I felt really bad vibration at highway speed. It came on very quickly.

At some point in the very near future I am going to schedule LBJs and wheel bearings to be replaced. I just recently did my differential and transmission fluids and threw on a fresh set of tires.

Hearing people get over 300 to 400 thousand miles out of these trucks is very encouraging, obviously there's a Fair amount of maintenance required to get to that mileage.

Good luck on the Move, enjoy the warmer weather in Arizona and safe travels

 

[hagnecco]

Also, check your differential breathers. Thats a long drive and dont want to blow and axle seals or bearings. Other than that, these guys are leading you right.

After the move... with 220k miles in NY, your seals and gaskets have been acclimated to NY weather. (I believe you have some humidity?) In my unprofessional assumption be prepared for seals and gaskets to get re-acclimated to the dry AZ summers. May take a little time, but inspect regularly for new leaks.

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