Driving cost-coast....have 144k miles on the clock

[blackmax]

Driving coast-coast....have 144k miles on the clock

Will be driving coast to coast (Pacific to Atlantic) and then driving back. That'll be around 6,000 miles. It's an '03 V6. NEVER had a problem. Oil is changed regularly and always synthetic. Differential was drained and topped off (synthetic) recently. Zerks have been greased. Radiator has been flushed and re-filled with factory antifreeze. I drained the transmission pan and refilled several times (so it should be fairly high quality by now).
But....just wonder about stuff like the alternator, water pump, serpentine belt (the one on there has about 50-60k miles on it....but it's a goodyear "gatorback"....not sure how long they last? it's quiet).

I don't want to get stuck in who-knows where New Mexico or Texas........any thoughts on how long alternators and water pumps typically last on these trucks? Any other things to consider before taking off?? Almost wondering if I shouldn't buy some parts for "just in case".

thanks!

 

[MikeInNH]

any thoughts on how long alternators and water pumps typically last on these trucks?

I haven't replaced a waterpump or alternator on a vehicle in over 20 years. And most of those vehicles had well over 300k miles on them.

As long as your vehicle is well maintained...then I'd say go for it. I have over 230k miles on my 05 4runner...and I wouldn't hesitate. It's in EXCELLENT shape.

 

[CXS]

Same as above, go and enjoy a worry-free drive.

 

[gaterose]

I think you'll be fine, I've driven mine 22 hours to CO 3 or 4 times now. Straight through twice. It had 136K the first time I did it, now it's at 197K and I'm hoping I get to drive it out there again this Fall.

It's not coast-to-coast, but once I've gotten there I've done nothing but drive around more. So unless you're talking about 72 hour (or however long) straight drive I would say it's comparable.

 

[lehiguy]

Serpentine belts themselves last a very long time. If you're in doubt, remove the belt and spin the accessories and any idler pulleys by hand. Anything that has any roughness should go. Chances are high that nothing will need any attention.

 

[awdjunkies]

I know this wasn't part of the question but common sense dictates(As I know you have), bringing tools, flares, blankets, water/food/drinking supplies for a few days.

:tea: For your "Just In Case" worries, but... you're in a TOYOTA :thumb3:

 

[NJshadow93]

It's a Toyota! You'll be fine!

 

[Craigers]

I'm sure you will be fine. I've got 160K on my '05 V6 with no problems. With that said, I did just order a new water pump, idler pulleys, tensioner, serp belt, and thermostat. I plan on replacing them before a 2K round trip we will be taking in August.

The last thing I would want is heating/cooling issues with the aluminum block of the V6.

 

[anotherrunner83]

*knocking on wood* you're fine, take off worry free and enjoy your trip. i often volunteer to drive on extended trips because i trust my truck more than other people's newer vehicles. i'm sitting at 137k on an 08 and don't hesitate to take it anywhere. have a great trip

 

[coreyray7]

Will be driving coast to coast (Pacific to Atlantic) and then driving back. That'll be around 6,000 miles. It's an '03 V6. NEVER had a problem. Oil is changed regularly and always synthetic. Differential was drained and topped off (synthetic) recently. Zerks have been greased. Radiator has been flushed and re-filled with factory antifreeze. I drained the transmission pan and refilled several times (so it should be fairly high quality by now).
But....just wonder about stuff like the alternator, water pump, serpentine belt (the one on there has about 50-60k miles on it....but it's a goodyear "gatorback"....not sure how long they last? it's quiet).

I don't want to get stuck in who-knows where New Mexico or Texas........any thoughts on how long alternators and water pumps typically last on these trucks? Any other things to consider before taking off?? Almost wondering if I shouldn't buy some parts for "just in case".

thanks!

For the record, Texas in General might be one of the best places for you to break down. Just as long as it's the eastern 2/3's lol....