Preparing for a long Trip, What do I need?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 230
Likes: 16
From: Oregon
Preparing for a long Trip, What do I need?
If there is a thread on this already please post the link. But if not lets get into it. 1977 Ford F250 2wd with a C6 and I am getting ready to drive it 500 plus miles. What do I need in terms of parts or tools for the truck on a long haul trip like this?
I am getting a second Durapark II Module and a new aluminum radiator because mine is breaking at the seams. I have new plugs, wires, coil, pickup coil, rebuilt carb, oil, trans fluid, dif fluid, grease for zerks, tach, 3 gauge kit and a number of other items. What tools or parts do yall recommend I bring?
God Bless
I am getting a second Durapark II Module and a new aluminum radiator because mine is breaking at the seams. I have new plugs, wires, coil, pickup coil, rebuilt carb, oil, trans fluid, dif fluid, grease for zerks, tach, 3 gauge kit and a number of other items. What tools or parts do yall recommend I bring?
God Bless
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 506
From: Pa.
if you don't have A/C.
1) Check hub bearings "touch test" frequently if you haven't regreased them.
2) Buy everything you think you may need prior to taking off so your not left paying exorbitant prices at some truck stop.
3) Check all lights and carry extra bulbs and fuses.
4) Make sure all your paperwork is in order. Don't give the Poe Poe any reason to pull you over.
5) Leave your itinerary in the hands of someone who would send out a search party for you if you don't show up where and when you say you've planned .
1) Check hub bearings "touch test" frequently if you haven't regreased them.
2) Buy everything you think you may need prior to taking off so your not left paying exorbitant prices at some truck stop.
3) Check all lights and carry extra bulbs and fuses.
4) Make sure all your paperwork is in order. Don't give the Poe Poe any reason to pull you over.
5) Leave your itinerary in the hands of someone who would send out a search party for you if you don't show up where and when you say you've planned .
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 4,143
From: Angier, NC
I think a lot has to do with how the truck has been kept up, how much driving you do with it day to day and do the normal service before setting off.
If the front wheel bearing have not been repacked in a while I would do that. Rear gear oil level been checked?
You are replacing the radiator how are the heater hoses & fan belts?
Extra oil (motor & trans), water, take the old belts with you or just the water pump & ALT belts.
Duct tape as it can be used patch a water hose, cap removed, and hold parts in place till you can get to help.
Some wire in case you need it and hand tools. Dont forget the spare tire & needed tools to change it.
My 81 F100 has been on the road may be 2 years now after a 4 year cab off frame rebuild.
I have a few 1000 miles on it and take it to / from work when I can and it is 40 miles each way.
Just yesterday I did 2 runs to / from work (work & then dinner with forum members) so close to 100 miles in 1 day.
For me and my truck I would do a 500 mile run but I also trust the truck.
Let us know how you make out and good luck.
Dave ----
If the front wheel bearing have not been repacked in a while I would do that. Rear gear oil level been checked?
You are replacing the radiator how are the heater hoses & fan belts?
Extra oil (motor & trans), water, take the old belts with you or just the water pump & ALT belts.
Duct tape as it can be used patch a water hose, cap removed, and hold parts in place till you can get to help.
Some wire in case you need it and hand tools. Dont forget the spare tire & needed tools to change it.
My 81 F100 has been on the road may be 2 years now after a 4 year cab off frame rebuild.
I have a few 1000 miles on it and take it to / from work when I can and it is 40 miles each way.
Just yesterday I did 2 runs to / from work (work & then dinner with forum members) so close to 100 miles in 1 day.
For me and my truck I would do a 500 mile run but I also trust the truck.
Let us know how you make out and good luck.
Dave ----
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,036
Likes: 894
From: East Central Ia
If it's your daily driver you know your truck. I've done 2500 round trip but used it every day before and know the maintenance. Also have done 3600 round trip in my 67 Galaxie, packed everything I could think of including new throttle cable and water pump. Alternator crapped out 30 miles from home on way. I had wrenches and bought one from a house along the road with a junked Ford. I was lucky. Things that come to mind for a trip is a flashlight, tape, phone and an unlimited expense credit card. I travel with a spare
Dura spark, but have never needed.
Dura spark, but have never needed.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,291
Likes: 5,827
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Just go ahead and change the radiator now. Better to do it at the house than along the side of the road, in the dark, in the rain, and after your truck overheated.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 805
Likes: 145
From: 59701 West Valley Phoenix
By the time you embark on this trip, this thread will have enough recommendations to fill up the bed of your truck with tools and parts. So to that I agree with 77&79 and change the radiator before you go and bring extra drinking water and an umbrella in the event you are driving to/through hotter climates. Stay out of the rev's and enjoy. The below link is the perfect example when I say you'll fill the bed full of tools and parts...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ikes-peak.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ikes-peak.html
More Turbo
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 665
Likes: 139
From: Lakeside, Arizona
Just tow a trailer with a spare truck on it.... you know, just in case.
Kidding aside, a tool box with an assortment f sockets/ wrenches, screwdrivers/ bailing wire and duct tape.
The limited spare parts you KNOW may go bad.
A cell phone, flash light and some jumper cables.
Kidding aside, a tool box with an assortment f sockets/ wrenches, screwdrivers/ bailing wire and duct tape.
The limited spare parts you KNOW may go bad.
A cell phone, flash light and some jumper cables.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 644
Likes: 28
From: Hobart, WA
Just tow a trailer with a spare truck on it.... you know, just in case.
Kidding aside, a tool box with an assortment f sockets/ wrenches, screwdrivers/ bailing wire and duct tape.
The limited spare parts you KNOW may go bad.
A cell phone, flash light and some jumper cables.
Kidding aside, a tool box with an assortment f sockets/ wrenches, screwdrivers/ bailing wire and duct tape.
The limited spare parts you KNOW may go bad.
A cell phone, flash light and some jumper cables.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 230
Likes: 16
From: Oregon
Well Thank You all for the information and recommendations. I am moving so this is a one way trip with camping mixed in. The radiator will for sure be installed at the house, eBay 3 row aluminum. I am going to bring extra oil and water. No AC in my truck sadly so I will be boiling but that's what wing windows are for haha. Going to buy an eBay alternator and a socket set off eBay as well, If ya cant tell I really like eBay, a lot of people bash on them but hey they don't push political junk and almost everything I buy works. The spare fuses are a very good Idea just have to find them. I don't have a bed box but I do have the bed side storage on the passenger which is actually pretty decent size, I thought it was way smaller. Other than that everything else everyone has mentioned I will most likely have including power tools. The camera will be recording for sure, I'm sure excited and I actually trust the truck for the first time, It's been a lot to get it functioning but It runs and drives pretty decent.
Edit: For the alternator is the whole thing junk when it goes bad or are the brushes replaceable or the rectifier?
Edit: For the alternator is the whole thing junk when it goes bad or are the brushes replaceable or the rectifier?
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,291
Likes: 5,827
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Get one set yo for a hot swap and go, with the pulley and everything. Otherwise you might need a special pulley puller to do a road side swap. meaning a special one like the one used on the p/s pump pulley. It is not a deal you use a 2 or 3 jaw puller on.
And at least have a back up plan, like a Oh chit I am broke hard and I have to phone a friend back up plan.
And at least have a back up plan, like a Oh chit I am broke hard and I have to phone a friend back up plan.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,873
Likes: 2,627
From: The Shenandoah Valley
If there ... etc ... a second Durapark II Module and a new aluminum radiator because mine is breaking at the seams. I have new plugs, wires, coil, pickup coil, rebuilt carb, oil, trans fluid, dif fluid, grease for zerks, tach, 3 gauge kit and a number of other items. What tools or parts do yall recommend I bring?
God Bless
God Bless
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 855
Likes: 56
From: Des Moines, Washington
I used to just carry 200 mile AAA towing and a Visa card. In the last year or so, the cooling system has exploded 3 or 4 times with less than 400 total miles traveled. I now also carry the phone number of someone that is home and can give me a ride.
I think the exploding, and by exploding I mean a freeze/core plug laying on a crossmember along with the lower hose being blown most of the way off and a cracked thermostat housing in the most resent event, was caused by Bars Leak sealing the radiator cap shut when hot. Bars Leak not recommended.
Michael
I think the exploding, and by exploding I mean a freeze/core plug laying on a crossmember along with the lower hose being blown most of the way off and a cracked thermostat housing in the most resent event, was caused by Bars Leak sealing the radiator cap shut when hot. Bars Leak not recommended.
Michael
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