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Will It Make It?

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Old Jan 24, 2013 | 04:29 PM
  #1  
El Camino Man's Avatar
El Camino Man
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Will It Make It?

Hey guys. I recently talked to a guy over the phone about my VW Beetle I have for sale. He gave me a good offer and an even better one if I would deliver it!

The Truck:
1989 F-250
7.3L IDI Non-Turbo Diesel
ZF5 Tranny
4.10, 4x4, 191,000 miles

The Trip:
Southern IL to Southern AR
560 Miles
8 Hours
One Way

The Haul:
Custom Built Trailer by my Grandpa
1973 VW Beetle strapped in for dear life
2800 lbs there
800 lbs back

I have ZERO worry about the engine and tranny. Theyre built to last a million miles. I am however, a little worried about the rest of the truck. Things such as seals, bearings, and bushings. If I were to have a ball joint go out 500 miles from home, I wouldn't be a happy camper! Whats some things to check for before a long trip like this? Any info helps!
 
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Old Jan 24, 2013 | 06:10 PM
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Phy
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I'd check fluids, belts, and hoses, then go!
 
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Old Jan 24, 2013 | 06:31 PM
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broncoderek
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Originally Posted by Phy
I'd check fluids, belts, and hoses, then go!

Agreed! Unless you know you've got a wheel bearing or a tie rod or a ball joint thats on its way out.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2013 | 08:33 PM
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Jack up front end and check ball joints/tie rods. If they're not loose now they're not going to snap in the next 1000miles on the highway. I like to grease everything before my long drives (1000+miles). But as others said, if there are no known major problems, you'll be good.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2013 | 08:39 PM
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Fluid levels, tires, oil change (if applicable), steering/u-joints, grease available parts, check hoses, load it and go.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2013 | 08:52 PM
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Very supportive answers lol. This makes me a whole lot better about it! Ill make sure The trucks up to par before it even leaves town! Thanks guys!
 
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Old Jan 24, 2013 | 10:31 PM
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jaagen
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Don't know if you already have either a tool box or small tool kit in the truck for any unforseen reason,plus couple quarts of oil,gallon of water and set of jumper cables. Oh and a good flashlight. Cause I don't know about you but the way my luck usually goes if I don't have those I have problems!!
 
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Old Jan 25, 2013 | 06:30 AM
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I live by Murphys Law lol
 
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Old Jan 25, 2013 | 07:54 AM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by El Camino Man
I live by Murphys Law lol
Aint that the truth!
Mine was the trans pump, but otherwise give it a full lube job and you should be fine.
And a visa for the Murphy's law.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2013 | 08:40 PM
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One more question for ya guys. My trucks got some weird ranch hand lookin extending hitch that's attached to the bumper itself. I modified it a bit to make it less ugly if that's possible lol. My question is, can a bumper mounted hitch be trusted? Its obviously good enough for farm work but I dunno if Id trust it past pulling a lawnmower on a small trailer. What do you guys think?
 
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 12:57 AM
  #11  
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Make him pay in advance or at least half.

If you break down near my part of Arkansas lemme know Ill do what I can.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 09:34 AM
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The guy who bought it is the most awesome guy Iv ever talked to lol. He is more than paying me for the gas and offered to let me stay the night if I needed. I asked for a bit of a deposit to help pay for gas, so he sends me $850 through paypal! AND pays the paypal fees! I can tell hes a pretty trustworthy guy although Im always sketchy...
 
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 10:28 AM
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Got any pics of the bumper/hitch mounting?
 
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 10:59 AM
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Personally, I would rent a U-haul tow dolly or small trailer.

The fuel saved on the way back is well worth it.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 11:14 AM
  #15  
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He has a small trailer he's putting the bug on.
 
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