Long trip prep

[96-Runner]

I have to make a 1600 mile round trip this weekend pulling and towing with a car dolly. Im changing oil and intake air filter as I have some heavy driving thru mountain terrain.

Anyone have any suggestions for things I should also take in mind while I do my prep work?

 

[raty4R]

I just drove around 1800 miles, San Diego To Dallas. I had all my fluids checked including radiator and p/s fluid(they were all good), oil change, brakes adjusted, I was pretty close to a 30,000 mile service so I had that done including plugs and wires. Lubed the u-joints, and did a general check to make sure nothing was going to fall off or come loose.
Made it no problem. It's 99 4x4 with 230,000 miles

 

[slides]

kick the tires to make sure there is air in them....sounds like you have dont the necessary precautions.

 

[Unner]

Yeah, remember too that highway driving is a lot less strenuous on the car than city driving too. You should be good to go.

 

[kball]

Like others have said, check your fluids and tire pressure. And keep overdrive off while towing up hills or anytime the trans keeps shifting.

I just got back from a cross country trip and back. No issues and didn't even have to add oil. Just had to add a few psi to the tires half way through. 6300 miles...

 

[96-Runner]

psi is good and have radi fluid full and changing oil 2morrow. I know bout the basic "maintenance" of a vehicle. I was more asking about problem points that might be associated with the runners as i have 220k miles on it

 

[jgue467]

... I was more asking about problem points that might be associated with the runners as i have 220k miles on it

Well then you know about the 2 major issues with them, lbjs and in the case of 4x4s the weakness of the trans cooler being built into the engine radiator.

If you haven't already, I'd do at least the rear diff and trans fluid (just a drain/fill). And make sure your brakes are up to snuff for those Cali downhill routes. Luck! :cowboy:

 

[96-Runner]

How does oil flow from a manual trans to an oil cooler built into the radiator? I know its possible with an automatic, but cant see how as the only time something in the manual is spinning is when the vehicle is moving in gear with clutch disengaged for it to be constant

 

[Unner]

The 5 Speed doesn't have a transmission cooler, so no need to worry about the pink milkshake for you then. It only applies to those with automatics. REGARDLESS of 2WD or 4WD.

 

[jgue467]

Ooops

How does oil flow from a manual trans to an oil cooler built into the radiator? I know its possible with an automatic, but cant see how as the only time something in the manual is spinning is when the vehicle is moving in gear with clutch disengaged for it to be constant

It doesn't - my bad - read too fast. Hey you have one less worry!

 

[4Runner4TW]

psi is good and have radi fluid full and changing oil 2morrow. I know bout the basic "maintenance" of a vehicle. I was more asking about problem points that might be associated with the runners as i have 220k miles on it

My procedure was the following:
Oil Change
Tire pressure
Wipers
Check lights
Full detail (I detailed the engine as well so I could detect any leaks)
Changed my Transmission fluid (I have an auto with an external cooler)
I also travel with a tool kit with tools that I have frequently used on the truck.
Check your spare tire as well!

 

[Paperjam]

Manual transmissions lack fluid pumps period. You would be hard pressed to find any car/truck with manual transmission coolers.

Maybe in some crazy high performance applications or heavy truck applications. MAYBE.

 

[Brilliant]

i put gas in mine before a long road trip.