I am retiring next April after too many years of working for the DoD, both on active duty and asa DoD civilian. On my bucket list for next summer is to drive the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks and then the Dalton Haul Road to Deadhorse and back. Any suggestions from you guys as to what to do to prepare my truck? ('01 F250, 7.3 w 4R100). I currently have a few things done, Hutch mod, FRx, prepump filter, coolant filter, HPx, New Alliant injector and cups. New seals in the turbo and pedestal. Mainly, what are your ideas for tires? I currently have Cooper Discoverer ATR's with about half the tread remaining. Been great tires so far. Planning on new axle seals this winter.

 

A guy in my the Arkansas Chapter recently did this trip in his '53 F100 with a Mercedez diesel engine. Jeff, his username is Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Profile: mechmagcn you should ask him for some ideas as well.

I am very envious of this trip, one for my bucket list as well.

 

Along with all fluid changes I'd recommend supplies, supplies, suplies. Extra oil, fluids in general and even a step further, spare sensors just in case, you never know what your going to encounter out that far, theres no parts or Ford dealers anywhere close out there. Here's a link and a great guy to boot thats made long trips many times, his name is Clay and his business is second to none in helping people here and abroad. Riffraff Diesel: "Mechanics Parts Cabinet" Combo kit By the way, this kit here I have in my truck at all times just in case, never had to use them but are there if I do.

 

Spare filters, belt, at least 2 spare tires, chains, wench, chains, straps, TOOLS! , sensors - like a spare everything, AE and a laptop, make sure you have fresh batteries, a spare ujoint or two maybe... that far out there, you just cant over prepare.

Xtof

 

Whle we are on the subject of prepping the truck, does anyone have the Timkin part numbrs for the front hub bearings? I am planning on replacing all the seals, and I have a 20 ton press in my shop, so I thought I would replace the bearings as well. I do specifically want Timkin bearings as I have used them in everything from hay balers to airplanes and have never had any issues wih them.

 

You know your capabilities more than any of us. Pack what you feel is the most important. I could make a list of 100 things and with my luck the one item I would end up needing in the middle of nowhere is the one item I failed to pack. That road is over 400 miles of gravel so you may want to add some side protection or fender flares and bring a good set of ear muffs as you listen to rocks bouncing off your truck all day long. Oh yeah, don’t forget to leave some money in the budget for replacing your windshield when you get home. My bet is that you will have a few good cracks in it. Lastly, a little preventive maintenance goes a long way. Replace anything you may feel is getting a little long in the tooth before you leave may give you a little more peace of mind on the trip. Good luck

Oh, I almost forgot, don’t bring a “wench” because your significant other may not approve but do bring a winch if you have one…and lots of extra fuel

 

The main wheel bearings are not replaceable. At least not on 4 x 4. They are part of the entire hub assembly, and must be replaced as such. Not sure on 2 wheel drive. There is a needle bearing that is replaceable in there.

Attached is a link to servicing the needle bearings. Also, many guys have taken to removing the ABS sensor and pumping grease into the wheel bearing cavity, and believe it adds to bearing longevity. Good luck.

Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page

 

Join Good Sam, my BIL just took that same trip with his 6.0 and 5th wheel. They broke down and had to get a 3 hour tow $2,100 all covered by Good Sam.

 

If your truck is 4WD and coarse thread studs, the Timken part number is 515020.

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