Hey guys, I couldn't find a lot of info on my truck's reliability (88 Ranger), so I thought I'd post here for some help.

I'm planning on moving across the country and I'd like to know what to watch out for and have checked out before I leave. Of course I'd change all the fluids and whatnot, but is there anything I should ask the mechanic about specifically when I get a pre-trip tune-up?

 

Water pump and belts/hoses checked, and timing belt (if 4 cyl) checked/replaced if not done in the last 50-60K miles.
The cooling system and 2.3L timing belt are often not given enough thought, until they fail. Repairs to these items aren't too costly until you add a towing bill and motel room into the equation......

 

Don't forget the wheel bearings and brakes, and U-Joints. Cross country is a long trip, These items are overlooked by most shops out there. It also would be a great time to add some fuel injector cleaner during the fill-ups because you can run the tank from full to almost empty several times. Also a new Air filter but you can do that yourself and save some money there. Windshield wipers you never know what you will incounter on the trip weather wise. Check the air in the spare tire and condition.

 

I like all of the above suggestions. Always a good idea to bring our rides up to date on All past & present due scheduled maintenance items, like plugs, wires, filters, fluids & most forget to flush the brake & clutch fluid if they have a manual tranny, service the wheel bearings, air up the tires, especially the spare!!!!

Motorcraft plugs, wires, filters & fluids are of good quality & a sound choice, or products that say on the container that they are licensed to meet or exceed Fords specifications. Don't use cheap goods.

Will be interesting to hear if you can lower your spare tire to get to it, as many folks with vintage rides in a thread I started some years back on the subject, found they couldn't lower their spare, as it's frame was rusted in place!!!!!

I'll add, if you choose to use synthetic fluids of the specified viscosity in the running gear & engine, you may pick up 2-5 highway mpg & they'll withstand the long hours & high speed shear & heat better, so they'll likely suffer less deterioration during your cross country trip.

IF you're going to be crossing the "Great Divide", or running in snow country, a spare set of mounted snow tires with studs & or a set of chains & cold weather gear in the cab probably wouldn't be a bad idea either!!!! You could come by a rim/s at a salvage yard & the price would likely be right. If you wanted to make the spare a snow tire you could cut cost some & if your westward destination or route is in snow country, you'll be glad you have them mounted & ready to use this time of year.
If you know your about to run into snow, stop & pick up a couple bags of sand for weight in the bed over the wheels & a shovel to spread the sand, or move snow if you get stuck.

Carry a GPS, maps & a charged up cell phone in the cab, they could save your life if you get off course in cold weather!!!!

More thoughts for consideration, Let us know how it goes.