Prepping for a long range trip (4000 miles or so)

jross20

New member
Finally have enough PTO saved up to go in the road trip the gf and I have been wanting to do. I've been wanting to move to Wyoming for a while now and want to drive out there to check out th state and try to get an idea of where we may want to look at moving to.

Anyway! Round trip is just over 4000 miles I believe.

I wanted to see what, if any, preventative maintenance I should look into before making the trip. One of the main things on my mind is the fuel pump, I imagine it wouldn't hurt to swap a 19 year old fuel pump. Plus I want to get that "newer" fuel sender that supposably fixes the fuel gauge's accuracy. I figure I might as well change everything down there if they have to drop the tank.

Do you all think the fuel pump would be a good thing to swap before the trip?

I was thinking about the radiator as well since I have new hoses to install and wanted to flush it and switch back to Toyota coolant.

Anything else I should look at?
 
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Oil, battery, belts, rotate tires, air filter, spark plugs, brakes and fluid, rear diff oil.

I try to avoid doing un-necessary large replacement immediately prior to long trips. I prefer to have some test miles on new stuff.

Wyoming will be cold.
Need good washer fluid and good battery.

Keep your old hoses and belts for spares. And add a coil pack to your spares.
 
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Finally have enough PTO saved up to go in the road trip the gf and I have been wanting to do. I've been wanting to move to Wyoming for a while now and want to drive out there to check out th state and try to get an idea of where we may want to look at moving to.

Anyway! Round trip is just over 4000 miles I believe.

I wanted to see what, if any, preventative maintenance I should look into before making the trip. One of the main things on my mind is the fuel pump, I imagine it wouldn't hurt to swap a 19 year old fuel pump. Plus I want to get that "newer" fuel sender that supposably fixes the fuel gauge's accuracy. I figure I might as well change everything down there if they have to drop the tank.

Do you all think the fuel pump would be a good thing to swap before the trip?

I was thinking about the radiator as well since I have new hoses to install and wanted to flush it and switch back to Toyota coolant.

Anything else I should look at?

You can fall down the rabbit hole pretty quickly if you have this mindset.

New alternator, starter, fuel pump, and etc.

At some point you just need to wing it. If you don't have any neglected maintenance and the 4R runs fine I think you'll be fine.
 
I would not hesitate, at a moments notice, to take my 1968 pickup or my 1978 motorcycle coast to coast.
Ongoing preventative maintenance is key.
Might put a new tire on the front of the bike before the trip, lol.
Now a newer vehicle, like my recently purchased '17 SR5 might have me concerned with all the electrical gizmos necessary to keep it running.

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You can fall down the rabbit hole pretty quickly if you have this mindset.

New alternator, starter, fuel pump, and etc.

At some point you just need to wing it. If you don't have any neglected maintenance and the 4R runs fine I think you'll be fine.

Well yeah I know that you have to draw the line somewhere. But the way I look at it, an alternator isn't a cheap but I feel like it's a lot cheaper and easier to do than a fuel pump if I am in another state.

I guess basically things that would be a supreme pain to deal with out-of-state.
 
I recommend changing the radiator before you go if you have the original radiator. Don't want to risk the pink milkshake. If you think about doing this, don't do it right before you go, get some test miles on it so you know the new radiator is working good.
 
Oil, battery, belts, rotate tires, air filter, spark plugs, brakes and fluid, rear diff oil.

I try to avoid doing un-necessary large replacement immediately prior to long trips. I prefer to have some test miles on new stuff.

Wyoming will be cold.
Need good washer fluid and good battery.

Keep your old hoses and belts for spares. And add a coil pack to your spares.

Shit I didn't see this post haha. I see what you're saying about large fixes, I just worry about that pump... Are they pretty reliable at this age?

Good idea on the fluid and coil pack. I'll add that to the list!
 
I recommend changing the radiator before you go if you have the original radiator. Don't want to risk the pink milkshake. If you think about doing this, don't do it right before you go, get some test miles on it so you know the new radiator is working good.

I have a stand alone transmission rad so the pink milkshake can't happen.
:hatsoff:
 
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Seems like most of the important preventative have been mentioned. In inclement weather - battery, drive belts, fluids, and make sure tires are in good shape. As far as extra gear goes, a pair of snow chains might suit you well this time of year in WY. Be safe and don’t take any unnecessary risks in remote areas since you may be the only vehicle for miles and miles.
 
Seems like most of the important preventative have been mentioned. In inclement weather - battery, drive belts, fluids, and make sure tires are in good shape. As far as extra gear goes, a pair of snow chains might suit you well this time of year in WY. Be safe and don’t take any unnecessary risks in remote areas since you may be the only vehicle for miles and miles.

Just got a new mega battery. But extra drove belts wouldn't hurt. I was thinking about making an "shiiit box". Basically a box of extra fluid and some spare parts in case things go wrong and I go "shiiiiit".

Okay, so I've got:

- Set of extra belts
- Extra coil pack
- Some oil
- Some tranny fluid
- Some diff/tcase oil
- Some wiper fluid, winter kind?
- Jumper cables
- Chucks and a bottle jack
- Tire chains
- Some mega blankets


And yeah, no risk taking... Haha!
 
Just got a new mega battery. But extra drove belts wouldn't hurt. I was thinking about making an "shiiit box". Basically a box of extra fluid and some spare parts in case things go wrong and I go "shiiiiit".

Okay, so I've got:

- Set of extra belts
- Extra coil pack
- Some oil
- Some tranny fluid
- Some diff/tcase oil
- Some wiper fluid, winter kind?
- Jumper cables
- Chucks and a bottle jack
- Tire chains
- Some mega blankets


And yeah, no risk taking... Haha!

It’s winter; today it’s 30 degrees F in Cheyenne. Working on a disabled vehicle in that weather is awful unless you’re in a heated garage. You’re not going to be changing fluids and oils; I wouldn’t take them. You’d be better off replacing all your questionable items before you go, and take a short shake-down trip to test it all out.

BTW, if it’s all original equipment, replace the radiator, water pump, belts, hoses, thermostat. I did preventative maintenance and replaced parts before they failed on my 2000, never had a breakdown, never hesitated to drive it on a 2000+ mile trip.
You’re “Oh Shiit” box is a good idea. But also stock it with items for survival if you’re stuck somewhere overnight, due to breakdown or stuck in a snowstorm (sleeping bag, food, first aid, etc). It’s sound like a great adventure.
 
Fuel pump is a rare failure, these aren't Hondas. Coming from someone who has replaced their fuel pump (there was nothing wrong with mine though) I would not change it out. DENSO units almost always outlast the vehicle. However, if you do have a fuel sender issue where the gauge is off and you'll be in there anyway, then sure. Only replace it with another DENSO unit though.

Now fuel filter? Sure, that'd be fine to do. But not the pump.
 
How about some advice from a Wyoming native (who's stuck in Georgia)?

Can't help with "what spares" as I'm also of the preventative maintenance guy and haven't taken spares with me, ever. In the 3 times I've been stranded, it's always been electrical (loose ground to coils, dead regulator/rectifier on a motorcycle and an unknown/unfound fault when the dew point and temp cause every surface to collect moisture). Either your 4runner is ready or it isn't, only you know for sure.

But in Wyoming, be prepared for roads that can range from packed snow (no clue where "center" line is, you follow the side markers) to glare ice to bone dry. Chains are fine, though some of the newer options (snow socks) might be easier to use.. regardless, put those on Now, before you need to, just so you know how they fit when it's light, and you don't need them. If your tires aren't in the first 1/4 of their life, you're going to have Extra fun on any slick roads... 4wd doesn't help you turn or stop, just gets you going well enough to get you into trouble if you need to turn or stop. Best advice I can offer to a GA citizen... slow the heck down and only do 1 (one) input at a time. If you need to slow down for a corner, get the speed down before you even think about turning. Similarly, you want to speed up after that corner, finish the turn before touching the throttle (this is where 4wd can get you into trouble). If your tires are in the Last 1/4 of life, you are going to be miserable anytime the road conditions go bad. Seems like most folks here in GA start thinking about new tires once they have the cords showing across the full width...

Take a snatch-strap and know your anchor points. You might need them for someone else to help you, or to help someone else.

A good winter survival kit, enough for 3~4 days. I've seen a few storms over the years that just blow in, obliterate all vision and close the road down for a day or Maybe two. Might be 3 or 4 days till a plow comes by for the first time depending on where you are and how bad the storm is.

Mind your fuel, it's easy to find places where you can go ~120 miles without fuel stops. Further than that if you explore and get off the main highways/make the wrong turns at the wrong places. And don't expect to have cell service (Verizon has the best coverage, but AT&T has coverage where VZW doesn't in some cases).


No idea where you're headed, but I'll gladly put in a good word for Lander, WY. It's probably the best place I've lived, and my wife was military so I've lived a lot of places (plus, I was a nomad for a decade before meeting her). It's a Government town (local, state and fed) so a good many white collar jobs. Riverton (sister town, 24 miles away) is the blue-collar town with majority being in the oil industry, but there is some ag/farming/ranching in the area as well. Personally, I'm not a fan of the south half of the state, too flat, dry, windy.

When I head that direction, first day gets us to Kansas City and 2nd day into WY. Either the southern route into Cheyenne or the northern route into Buffalo/Cody. These are 'long' driving days though, hope you're young (or can trade off with your GF to catch naps).

Good luck, hope you enjoy yourself. If you do find yourself in Lander and feel like pizza, hit up Tonys on main. Lander or Riverton and feel like the best sub/soup you'll likely find, head for The Breadboard. You'll be blown away by the steak/primr rib at Svilliars in Hudson (between the 2 above towns), just ignore the 60y/o decor.
 
one more plug for preventive maintenance: LBJs, if you haven't done them. that failure would put a very quick stop to a trip. it was the kind of thing that drilled away at my overactive brain until i did it a couple weeks ago. i'll echo the sentiment about long stretches with no gas, and virtually no towns; be prepared for an unexpected overnight stay in the vehicle in sub-freezing temps. for a long winter trek, i pack like i'm going camping and hope it doesn't have to happen. stay on top of the weather forecast and be especially careful with icy roads, just as [MENTION=315156]Brian.[/MENTION] said. and yes, make sure you get the -30°F wiper fluid and drain the cruddy summer fluid before you fill up with the good stuff. it *really* sucks if you're driving in sleet in northern KS or NE for instance, and have no way to cut through it, and the wipers just make a nice opaque coat of ice for you. oh and that reminds me: new wiper blades. bring a good sharp ice scraper, and in case you do have to perform roadside maintenance, a small tarp might be a welcome aid, or heck it could be a useless sail that blows half a mile away in 10 seconds. make sure your door locks have a little light oil. last year about this time, driving across nebraska, i discovered that my old (now replaced) hatchback lifters wouldn't operate at 3°F, so just keep that in mind so you don't hit your forehead on the door as the lifters sag. make sure your oil change uses 5W30. when i remember, i fogX the inside glass and rainX the outside glass.
 
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How about some advice from a Wyoming native (who's stuck in Georgia)?

Can't help with "what spares" as I'm also of the preventative maintenance guy and haven't taken spares with me, ever. In the 3 times I've been stranded, it's always been electrical (loose ground to coils, dead regulator/rectifier on a motorcycle and an unknown/unfound fault when the dew point and temp cause every surface to collect moisture). Either your 4runner is ready or it isn't, only you know for sure.

But in Wyoming, be prepared for roads that can range from packed snow (no clue where "center" line is, you follow the side markers) to glare ice to bone dry. Chains are fine, though some of the newer options (snow socks) might be easier to use.. regardless, put those on Now, before you need to, just so you know how they fit when it's light, and you don't need them. If your tires aren't in the first 1/4 of their life, you're going to have Extra fun on any slick roads... 4wd doesn't help you turn or stop, just gets you going well enough to get you into trouble if you need to turn or stop. Best advice I can offer to a GA citizen... slow the heck down and only do 1 (one) input at a time. If you need to slow down for a corner, get the speed down before you even think about turning. Similarly, you want to speed up after that corner, finish the turn before touching the throttle (this is where 4wd can get you into trouble). If your tires are in the Last 1/4 of life, you are going to be miserable anytime the road conditions go bad. Seems like most folks here in GA start thinking about new tires once they have the cords showing across the full width...

Take a snatch-strap and know your anchor points. You might need them for someone else to help you, or to help someone else.

A good winter survival kit, enough for 3~4 days. I've seen a few storms over the years that just blow in, obliterate all vision and close the road down for a day or Maybe two. Might be 3 or 4 days till a plow comes by for the first time depending on where you are and how bad the storm is.

Mind your fuel, it's easy to find places where you can go ~120 miles without fuel stops. Further than that if you explore and get off the main highways/make the wrong turns at the wrong places. And don't expect to have cell service (Verizon has the best coverage, but AT&T has coverage where VZW doesn't in some cases).


No idea where you're headed, but I'll gladly put in a good word for Lander, WY. It's probably the best place I've lived, and my wife was military so I've lived a lot of places (plus, I was a nomad for a decade before meeting her). It's a Government town (local, state and fed) so a good many white collar jobs. Riverton (sister town, 24 miles away) is the blue-collar town with majority being in the oil industry, but there is some ag/farming/ranching in the area as well. Personally, I'm not a fan of the south half of the state, too flat, dry, windy.

When I head that direction, first day gets us to Kansas City and 2nd day into WY. Either the southern route into Cheyenne or the northern route into Buffalo/Cody. These are 'long' driving days though, hope you're young (or can trade off with your GF to catch naps).

Good luck, hope you enjoy yourself. If you do find yourself in Lander and feel like pizza, hit up Tonys on main. Lander or Riverton and feel like the best sub/soup you'll likely find, head for The Breadboard. You'll be blown away by the steak/primr rib at Svilliars in Hudson (between the 2 above towns), just ignore the 60y/o decor.

Wow this was a joy to read, so much good information. I'll definitely add Lander to our "must see" list.

I'll be running my new tires for the trip so we will have maximum tread. Totally got you on the slow down department, I'm generally a slower more cautious driver.

Straps, got it. I'll also look into the sock things and work on making a "shiiiit" box for food, blankets and other supplies too!
 
id think a couple MRE's (meals ready to eat) from your local army surplus store or ebay would be decent food for your shiiiiit box. little bit of water and you have yourself a heat source or a hot meal. stay away from the rib shaped pork patty though
 

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