What to do for post trail maintenance?

I just finished a trip to flagpole this weekend and noticed some squeaking at what sounds like my back left leaf springs. I had the same squeaking when I initially put my lift on and it ended up being a lose bolt. What else should i look for if it doesn't end up being a lose bolt that's causing the squeaking?

Also what kind of post trail maintenance should i do? i'm doing an alignment this weekend, checking tire pressure, nothing seemed to be damaged underneath

 

Some lubrication on the leaf springs between them . Also give a good power wash might be some dirt trapped between .

 

Great question! I too would like to hear if anyone has a standard set of steps they follow after off-roading.

 

I usually just take a shower and stop at my favorite burrito shop. What bolt was loose let time?

 

Don't take your truck to the dealer after a trail ride. If they see dirt, they deny warranties. Not so fun fact.

 

Too many possibilities depending on what happened off road.
Common:
Close visual inspection of all things that hold or transport liquid or air. (tanks and hoses)
Visual inspection of mechanical fasteners nuts and bolts)
Check all sheet metal, including core support.
Wash

 

I always do an underbody and underhood inspection and pressure washing of all the hard to get areas after a good camping trip. Check my diffs for water in them too if I did any deep fording even though I have extended breathers. Other than that I just take care of whatever I find from inspection.

 

im not too mechanically incline, but it was this bolt at the end of the leaf spring

 

Gawt damn! That's an important one haha.

 

yeahhhhh, the guy that found it said i was living the final destination life LOL. but i now know the importance of retorquing lol

 

That's not supposed to be like that.

 

i doubt it would come all the way out

 

him: *takes a TRD Off-Road off-roading*
dealer: "there goes the warranty, shouldn't of misused the truck"

 

first issue is they took a ridgeline offroad.

 

exactly

 

vehicle wash.. underhood, and all of the body, underneath as much as possible.. let dry a day or so.. and then inspect all areas, body, frame scrapes, dings in skidplates, scrapes on axles, check for stuck leaves/dirt/grass any leaks need to be verified/double checked where it is coming from, and what needs to be fixed/repaired, and whats the weak spot for that trip that needs alerations/modification to prevent in the future.

 

If you’ve been in dry areas with tall grass between the tracks, take the accumulated grasses out of your catalytic converter shields so don’t burn your truck down. I came very close once.

 

-A good power wash to get rid of the dirt
-Clean out the air filter
-Inspect tires for damage
-Give underneath a good look for dings and scrapes
-lube upper control arms
-lube prop shaft

lastly, recommend going over all suspension bolts with a torque wrench and paint pen. Mark them up with a good, visible line so that way post next trip you can check to see if anything became loose.

 

That bolt looks a bit rusty ... now I’m going to check all my bolts lol