Storing my Expy
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Storing my Expy
Any suggestions on storing my beloved 98 Expy long-term?
Uncle Sam has decided that I need to spend four years away from the US, and the best option I have for storing the truck is my in-laws yard. I wanted to ship it, but fuel prices overseas are outrageous and parking a full size SUV in a garage built for Mini Coopers doesn't appeal to me.
I'm hearing opinions ranging from "full tank of gas with sta-bil and that's it" to "put it on blocks, drain the tank, tape up the intake, etc."
Any consensus on prepping it for a loooong nap? Also, should I drive it when I get home on leave once or twice a year, or just let it be until I'm back for good? Thanks...
Skeet
98 Expy XLT 4x4 4.6L
Uncle Sam has decided that I need to spend four years away from the US, and the best option I have for storing the truck is my in-laws yard. I wanted to ship it, but fuel prices overseas are outrageous and parking a full size SUV in a garage built for Mini Coopers doesn't appeal to me.
I'm hearing opinions ranging from "full tank of gas with sta-bil and that's it" to "put it on blocks, drain the tank, tape up the intake, etc."
Any consensus on prepping it for a loooong nap? Also, should I drive it when I get home on leave once or twice a year, or just let it be until I'm back for good? Thanks...
Skeet
98 Expy XLT 4x4 4.6L
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Store it in a garage if possible. Pour a little oil in the intake, use up most of the gas--then add a preservative. Make sure tires are out of the sunlight. If you can't find a garage sell it, it'll be junk in 4 years otherwise.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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Having been in your position (bought my car right out of basic then got stationed in Japan) I put the car in storage like you plan. I put the stab-il in the tank (1/2 full) and put it on jack stands in a small garage. My parents started it about once a week. Hindsight.... I wish I would have just sold it! Even at a loss would have been better since it was worth alot less when I got back and could drive it. And I also could have bought something much nicer when I came back instead of what I could afford right out of basic. If you are really going to be gone 4 years... definitely sell! In 4 years it'll be 3/4 of the way to consideration of "classic" status! haha
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Johnstown, PA
I've owned a few classics over the years and stored many of them.
Will you be back 2x a year to start it and drive it? If yes, Fill the tank and put in some sta-bil. Get some moth ***** and put them in pantyhose and hang from under the truck at various points and also under the hood.
If you aren't going to be able to make it back at least once a year and are looking at serious long term storage, look into selling it. If you insist on keeping her put it up on jack stands. Take the above precautions also. Even then, when you get back you will be looking into replacing the brakes, calipers, hoses and battery.
I used to have a '66 Chrysler Newport with about 20,000 miles. I used to drive it once or twice a year. I kept the battery in my garage on a tender and put some sta-bil in the tank. She started great and ran great the 2x a year that I drove her.
Another suggestion, store it in a garage.
Will you be back 2x a year to start it and drive it? If yes, Fill the tank and put in some sta-bil. Get some moth ***** and put them in pantyhose and hang from under the truck at various points and also under the hood.
If you aren't going to be able to make it back at least once a year and are looking at serious long term storage, look into selling it. If you insist on keeping her put it up on jack stands. Take the above precautions also. Even then, when you get back you will be looking into replacing the brakes, calipers, hoses and battery.
I used to have a '66 Chrysler Newport with about 20,000 miles. I used to drive it once or twice a year. I kept the battery in my garage on a tender and put some sta-bil in the tank. She started great and ran great the 2x a year that I drove her.
Another suggestion, store it in a garage.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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I would have to agree on just selling it. If you are upside down I guess it depends on how much, but think about what you can buy for the same price 4 years from now. Somthing that is 4 years newer with more options and a newer vehicle. As far as storing I have heard pretty much all the above. I did read somewhere to put pantyhose over the exhaust to keep bugs and mice out. Mothballs should help hold back mice in the interior.
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