While I haven't contracted a full blown case of PMS yet as my wife has a fairly strong case of HOS (Horse Owners Syndrome), I do believe there are some things I would like to do to my rig. Normally people are after more power, more this, more that.....my main goal is really reliability, longevity and efficiency.

The truck has more than enough power to pull my horse trailer and horse and do the occasional payload hauling I need it for, so while a DP would be fun, I really don't have a "need", which is such a gray area anyways...

While I know there aren't any magic pills to increase mpg in a 6500-8000lb rig, I don't want to do anything more to negatively impact the fuel efficiency of the truck.

As I have mentioned in a couple other threads, I'm planning a September trip from MA to SD and back, given the driving I'll be doing in SD I figure the total trip will be about 4500-5000 miles in about 10 days. I don't want to be broken down 1000 miles from home due to something I could have prevented. We'll be hauling 2 guys and 5 bird dogs and gear (should be fun) so sitting on the side of the road with that crew would be unwelcome to say the least.

My sig has my existing "mods" listed which are very mild to say the least.....

I was thinking HPX, maybe a larger transmission cooler, bringing along a spare CPS, etc.

What would you guys recommend I look into doing to eliminate some common "failure points" and increase the efficiency of the truck or to make the PSD's life easier.

What should I bring along with me just in case?

Thanks

Steve

 

Your engine will be running for long periods (I left mine running even when I fuel up on the last trip I took). I would suggest putting a serpentine belt behing the back seat and have the tools to put it on. And a gallon of oil.

 

Les - Thanks for the suggestion, a serpentine belt.......obviously a relatively inexpensive part but could leave me dead on the side of the road for sure. I'll have to look into the process of replacement so I know what is involved.

Any links to helpful threads/sites on it?

Thanks

Steve

 

What Les had mentioned is a wise move. Got my old one, in the driver door. Make sure though, if the top rad. hose, goes in between the belt, you either switch the design with the new hose, or carry atleast a gal. of distilled/coolant with you, IF you do, nedd to change the belt. Other than that, a 1/2in rachet with cheater bart, is all you need, to change it out.

HPx, FRx, in-tank mod, 6637 filter, 50 cent..., just a few. I'm with you on the "reliability" factor. Not needing the "power" (yet), but more of, making sure my rig is right.

 

Reading on another thread gave some good suggestions on some thing to check that will 'shut you down'.

1) Check the fuel line on the passenger side at the bracket for wear. Wrap the fuel line at that point in a rubber sleeve/hose to prevent wearing a hole in the line.

2) Crawl under your truck and make sure that the Starter bolts are tight. One time one of mine 'vibrated' out and was lost... after a while the other backed out enough where I had lost the 'Ground' to start the truck, took a while to find out what was wrong.

NOTE: the starter wire is always 'HOT' at the connection so it will spark when you get to close to it and the
starter/block with your ratchet.

3) disconnect the Fuel Bowl heater so you will not blow fuse #30. Note to self.... get another fuse to put in # 30, because I did not disconnect the fuel heater...

This will not take to long to check out.

 

Welcome to guzzle's Ford PSD Web Pages

 

I've had the Guzzles page bookmarked since I got the truck.......used it for my first oil change and even installed the Fumoto valve which is friggin' awesome btw.

I figured I'll scrounge through "preventative maint" type threads beginning now and then by September I should have a few of the more common things updated etc.

When I got the truck a year ago I had the ball joints and front hubs replaced along with the steering stabilizer (probably called something else) as they were worn.

I already carry around my volt meter and fuses and plan on taking my MiFi hot spot and laptop (the only geeky luxury I allow myself) in case I need some quick FTE love from the "middle of no where which is somewhere for someone".

Thanks again and keep the suggestions coming.....

 

it sounds like you are on the right track, the only thing i can add is check your spare tire, make sure everything needed to change a tire is in place and working.

 

I have kept a small 12volt air pump and tire plug kit in my trucks for the last 35 years. I never think about suggesting that people have one, as I just consider it as part of the 'stuff'.... ie. tire iron, jack(s), 'tools', chiltons manuel, and Ms. Claire (the name of my GPS unit)

 

I carry one of the 12V air compressors and a can of tire goo as well. I check my tires fanatically (why not if all I have to do is plug in the pump and let her rip). They are in my "kit" as well.

I need to find a good tutorial/procedure on replacing the serpentine belt just in case.....plus I wanna learn.....that is the fun part. I like knowing how stuff works and then hope conversely I know why it isn't working.....

 

There is a picture on the front under the hood of how the belt goes around the pulleys (ect). The '01 does not have the upper hose going 'through' the belt, just see what you need to release the tension pulley.

 

Thanks Les, I'll take a look.........I don't believe mine picture is still living under there however......I believe the only thing under there is the previous owners scribble that says "14 quarts + Filter"......which makes me laugh.....

I'll figure out how to get that diagram though, thanks for the tip (and that is good news on the 2001 hose thing)....

 

Be sure to check out this thread when you get a moment
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...on-thread.html

I like to check the temps of my wheel bearings before taking a long trip. Truck and trailer. I once discovered a trailer wheel bearing going bad by taking a temp reading with my IR gun. Just another idea to add to the other things the guys have been saying....

 

for 15.00 I bought a volt gauge from wally world. The one that you can plug into cig/power slot.
It will show the voltage to show your batt strenght . (12.5)

when you turn to 'on' it will show the volt 'loss' as the GPR comes on. (11.5)

When started the voltage will come up (12.5)

when the GPR goes 'off' (a minute later) the voltage will slowly climb to what the output of the Alternator is (14.5)

neat little thing to have.

Look over Gregs forum post also. I know the last two time that I 'rotated' my tires I had to use extra shop tools that i would not have had on the road, Scissor (jack) and beat (20pound sledge) the back wheels off. I would have been in a world of hurt if that happened on the road somewhere.

 

If you don't already do so I suggest pulling your wheels off and putting never-seize on the studs and backing plates. The rims can stick on if you don't. I was on the side of 84W with a flat when I realized mine were stuck on.

I suggest a good collection of spare fuses and a spare CPS. That is about all that will bring one of these trucks down if kept in good repair in stock form.