Road Trip
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Highlands Ranch, CO
Road Trip
So sometime next week I'm planning on embarking on a roadtrip from Denver to D.C. with a few stops along the way. This last week I've been furiously working on the truck trying to get it ready for the trip. Radius arm bushings replaced, new kingpins and bushings, checked the brakes, fluids, etc. New wheels/tires to replace the very worn current set. If I have time I might try and install a radio, but that's at the end of my list. One concern is how far I can go on a single tank. I should be fine for most of the trip, but the segment through Kansas worries me for gas stations and whatnot. Planning on bringing a couple 5 gallon jugs as backups and a full tool kit. Any other suggestions for things to check or things to add to the list to bring before I hit the road and see where she takes me? Really looking forward to this trip and the chance to enjoy the truck. I'll post pictures along the way.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
From: Eden Prairie, MN
Being from Kansas originally and making that drive across the state many times, you’ll be fine. Regardless of what the world thinks, people live there, they don’t just ride horses, and there are plenty of gas stations 
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 14
From: Tucson, Arizona
If you have room, I'd take a set of hoses and fan belts, a gallon of coolant, maybe a gallon of distilled water, duct tape, and a cell phone. Does your engine use any oil? Maybe take some of that. Good luck and have fun.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 224
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From: Highlands Ranch, CO
Thanks guys. Definitely looking forward to it. Planning on bringing a full tool kit, floor jack, fluids.. The usual. I'm taking this trip slow to enjoy the truck and the scenery
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 373
Likes: 18
From: N.W. Indiana
Wow, this sounds like it will be a fun trip. I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures. Wish you a safe and trouble free trip!
Pat
Pat
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 542
Likes: 72
From: Point Washington
Sounds like you have a good trip planned out.
The nice thing about these old trucks, roadside patching is easy.
Make sure your cooling system and hoses are good, take a spare fan belt. A jump box will get you to the next town if your alternator dies.
Check the rubber fuel lines at the back corner of the cab, the fuel pump, and at the filter at the carb. Those are always worth looking at. The one under the cab rear often gets missed.
The nice thing about these old trucks, roadside patching is easy.
Make sure your cooling system and hoses are good, take a spare fan belt. A jump box will get you to the next town if your alternator dies.
Check the rubber fuel lines at the back corner of the cab, the fuel pump, and at the filter at the carb. Those are always worth looking at. The one under the cab rear often gets missed.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,459
Likes: 70
From: Southern Maryland
You'll be fine with gas stops. I drove my truck from San Jose to Yuma Arizona, then from Yuma to southern Maryland. I drove I-40 through the desert of Arizona, New Mexico and the Texas pan handle. I always began looking for a gas station as soon as I was down to a quarter tank and never came close to running out of gas. Having sad that, I kept a 5 gallon gas can in the bed just in case.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 224
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From: Highlands Ranch, CO
Trip was going moderately well until about an hour ago. Let me back up. For some reason my top speed is roughly 60 mph. Any faster than that and it starts to shake like the tires are out of balance or something (I know they aren't. had them done this morning before I left). That made for a slow day since the speed limit is 75. Turned what should've been a 9 hour day into a 12 hour day. Alternator decided to crap out on me (rdixiemiller you called it, or jinxed me, not sure which) a little while ago and naturally my jump box isn't charged so I'm waiting for a tow. I'm about 20 miles outside the nearest town. Trying to figure out what alternator will swap in easiest in the morning. I've read up on the 3G ford alternators, but that also requires a wiring swap and I'm not sure how I'd accomplish that out here. Another fun bit, the oil pan gasket is leaking pretty badly, so I'll have to find something stop that from leaking, or just take the time to drain the oil and replace it. My whole schedule is shot now, so all options are on the table. Any thoughts on the alternator?
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 542
Likes: 72
From: Point Washington
Sorry I jinxed you! Alternator or regulator could be the issue. Just fix what broke, easiest for roadside repairs.
Buy a couple of jugs of heavy duty diesel engine oil, plenty of zinc for your old cam. Oil is cheap, just check the level every fuel stop.
Vibration, check U-joints, and driveshaft phasing (if you have a 3 piece shaft). You may have slung a tire weight, or have a belt separating. Also, check for a loose front wheel bearing.
look at the positivpositive in the road in a classic truck. This is just part of the adventure!
Roadkill style!
Buy a couple of jugs of heavy duty diesel engine oil, plenty of zinc for your old cam. Oil is cheap, just check the level every fuel stop.
Vibration, check U-joints, and driveshaft phasing (if you have a 3 piece shaft). You may have slung a tire weight, or have a belt separating. Also, check for a loose front wheel bearing.
look at the positivpositive in the road in a classic truck. This is just part of the adventure!
Roadkill style!
5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 3
From: NE
Well, that stinks. Hopefully this will knock all the bad juju out for the rest of the trip? Here's hoping you get it all fixed and back on the road and schedule soon!
My parents delivered my old 67 Mustang from Denver to Leavenworth by driving along US36, many many moons ago. My dad chuckles about the trip while my mom still complains about it (convertible top stopped working in the up position and no a/c in KS in August). Most of us have become accustomed to our amenities in our 'newer' cars.
-Peter
My parents delivered my old 67 Mustang from Denver to Leavenworth by driving along US36, many many moons ago. My dad chuckles about the trip while my mom still complains about it (convertible top stopped working in the up position and no a/c in KS in August). Most of us have become accustomed to our amenities in our 'newer' cars.
-Peter