Need some advice
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 2
From: Sterling, Virginia
Need some advice
I'm planning a trip to visit family in the 52. It's about 300 miles each way. The truck is running great, but I need advice as to what tools, parts, etc to take with me just in case of a problem. I'm running a 289 with a C4. Any suggestions besides the obvious ? Thanks in advance. , Dean
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
Dean, if your truck is in good condition you shouldn't need much. When I took off to Alaska earlier this year, I took a set of belts, radiator hoses and basic hand tools with me. I trust my truck, it is a daily driver, but this was all I took for a 15K mile trip 
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 2
From: Sterling, Virginia
Yeah, I hear ya. Just never know what might happen. Did you take a spare tire with you and did you need it? My problem is the front and rear tires and wheels are not the same size. I don't know what to use for a spare. The rear wheels are reversed and the fronts are a standard back spacing. Maybe I should start anothe thread on just this problem. I trust mine too but ***** happens! Thanks for the reply. Dean
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,900
Likes: 3,141
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
ZOOT,
300 miles, is that all? I just made a roughly 1600 round trip in my stock '49 F-2. Like you I was concerned with break downs along the way and packed what I thought I might need:
Two spare tires-just in case but one probably would have been fine.
Tool box with some basic tools-a couple of screwdrivers, 1/4"-7/8" combination wrenches, adjustable wrench, couple of 3-4' long pieces of wire and assorted tape.
Floor jack and stands-These came in very handy when I had to pull the back wheels about a 1/3 of the way into the trip to have the new back tires rebalanced.
Flashlight
The most important tool- a cell phone and map-still got lost once but with the aid of the cell phone aid was sent to my rescue.
I also carried an extra carburetor and generator. My truck is all stock and it would have been next to impossible to find this parts in the local McParts store, your truck would be a lot easier. Ross ended up helping fix the carb I had in the truck with parts from the spare carb I brought along.
I took along what I could think of and if the truck would have suffered a major problem I planned to find a storage place and store it there until I could come back with my trailer and pick it up. The trip went great, and with the exception of the tire problem, I didn't have any other problems.
300 miles, is that all? I just made a roughly 1600 round trip in my stock '49 F-2. Like you I was concerned with break downs along the way and packed what I thought I might need:
Two spare tires-just in case but one probably would have been fine.
Tool box with some basic tools-a couple of screwdrivers, 1/4"-7/8" combination wrenches, adjustable wrench, couple of 3-4' long pieces of wire and assorted tape.
Floor jack and stands-These came in very handy when I had to pull the back wheels about a 1/3 of the way into the trip to have the new back tires rebalanced.
Flashlight
The most important tool- a cell phone and map-still got lost once but with the aid of the cell phone aid was sent to my rescue.
I also carried an extra carburetor and generator. My truck is all stock and it would have been next to impossible to find this parts in the local McParts store, your truck would be a lot easier. Ross ended up helping fix the carb I had in the truck with parts from the spare carb I brought along.
I took along what I could think of and if the truck would have suffered a major problem I planned to find a storage place and store it there until I could come back with my trailer and pick it up. The trip went great, and with the exception of the tire problem, I didn't have any other problems.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
Yeah, I hear ya. Just never know what might happen. Did you take a spare tire with you and did you need it? My problem is the front and rear tires and wheels are not the same size. I don't know what to use for a spare. The rear wheels are reversed and the fronts are a standard back spacing. Maybe I should start anothe thread on just this problem. I trust mine too but ***** happens! Thanks for the reply. Dean
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 7
From: Moyie, BC Canada
I would advise carrying a spare that matches the rear wheels rather than the front. Sure it will steer funny if you need to put it on the front but that is only for emergencies. If you don't match the other side on the rear and you go any distance you will ruin your rear end.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,038
Likes: 10,031
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I recently ran mine on a 400 mile trip. I threw in my tool box, a gallon of water, a quart of oil, spare tire, a set of lug nuts (truck has mags, spare is a steel wheel), a tow strap, and an ice chest full of frosty beverages.
Not a problem one on my trip
Bobby
Not a problem one on my trip
Bobby
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9,373
Likes: 1,733
From: AKRON ohio
Dont forget Zip ties and some mechanics wire.
I did a 1,100 mile trip in my panel this year, I had my road call tool box from work with me, Some electrical wire, tape, misc size srews bolts nuts etc. I had a test light and a flash light. wrenches, screw drivers, small hammer
Gallon of water and a full cooler (so I'd have more water if needed) by the way on the way home the thermostat stuck closed so I pulled the top hose and pounded a screw driver thru the stat to open it up, refilled with water and away I went. AND it ran cooler than before!
Fire ext I only bring one. Spare tire, wrench and jack.
I also brough some reflector flares to put out if I was broke down (people drive like crazys)
I had some small hose a couple clamps to repair a fuel leak I also had an extra cheap in line fuel filter , Vise grips to pinch off a blown brake line.
The only parts was a set of points and a condensor. I usually bring an extra generator only because if the bearings lock up your done. I dont care if it charges as you can go a long way without running any accessories. I forgot it on this trip.
Cell phone and if its cold weather I carry a lighter, candle and a blanket
I did a 1,100 mile trip in my panel this year, I had my road call tool box from work with me, Some electrical wire, tape, misc size srews bolts nuts etc. I had a test light and a flash light. wrenches, screw drivers, small hammer
Gallon of water and a full cooler (so I'd have more water if needed) by the way on the way home the thermostat stuck closed so I pulled the top hose and pounded a screw driver thru the stat to open it up, refilled with water and away I went. AND it ran cooler than before!
Fire ext I only bring one. Spare tire, wrench and jack.
I also brough some reflector flares to put out if I was broke down (people drive like crazys)
I had some small hose a couple clamps to repair a fuel leak I also had an extra cheap in line fuel filter , Vise grips to pinch off a blown brake line.
The only parts was a set of points and a condensor. I usually bring an extra generator only because if the bearings lock up your done. I dont care if it charges as you can go a long way without running any accessories. I forgot it on this trip.
Cell phone and if its cold weather I carry a lighter, candle and a blanket
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Dean,
If you are coming up this way - I'd come give you a hand.
I put my gas tank out back so no spare - I would carry a tire repair kit with you. Mine is a little air pump that works off the battery & the old fashioned plug kit & some pliers - I can repair a tire faster than change one. We also carry antifreeze - overheating & flats are the main problems we see.
Good luck over there in Houston!
Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)
If you are coming up this way - I'd come give you a hand.
I put my gas tank out back so no spare - I would carry a tire repair kit with you. Mine is a little air pump that works off the battery & the old fashioned plug kit & some pliers - I can repair a tire faster than change one. We also carry antifreeze - overheating & flats are the main problems we see.
Good luck over there in Houston!
Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)
Last edited by ben73058; Oct 14, 2012 at 06:58 PM. Reason: Spelling
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LittleRadio
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
21
May 12, 2016 08:10 AM
Pridnjoy
Excursion - King of SUVs
3
Sep 29, 2013 08:03 PM
Packard V8
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Oct 26, 2009 07:14 PM
peakay
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
5
Mar 26, 2006 10:11 PM