Fluid changes before storage

So I am about due to start swapping out all my drivetrain fluids. Currently at 55k miles on a 2019 Sport, MT. In 5 months I'm getting sent overseas for 2 years and have to put my truck in storage.

Questions is, do you think it'd be better to swap the fluids before storage for 2 years, after or doesn't matter?

I read oil is recommended before storage but haven't considered the longer lifespan fluids. My initial gut leans towards before so that everything is sitting still in clean fluid

 

Here are some thoughts on storage.

https://www.edmunds.com/car-maintenance/how-to-prep-your-car-for-long-term-storage.html

 

I am no expert I would like change the fluids a few weeks before you leave then change them when you get back.

 

2 years? It’s the gasoline I would worry about, not sure how to drain the system. Maybe a gas extender can last/work for 2 years.

 

Engine oil is the only one I would change, leave the other fluids, change them when you come back. Even then, it will likely be fine.

Some people say leave the tank empty so you can put new fresh fuel in when you return. I agree with them. Get it as low as you can before storage.

One thing that I would do, https://tiremeetsroad.com/2020/01/07/does-irish-spring-soap-keep-away-rodents-for-car-storage/ it's a "myth" by definition, but I haven't personally heard of it NOT working. Just had a co-worker come back after 3 years, no mice.

I would charge the battery, and disconnect it. No trickle charges. I'd rather have a dead battery than a charger hooked up for 2 years.

All opinion of course.

 

I am worried about that too. Trying to figure that piece out. Hoping they send me home before 2 years lol.

 

Fuel stabilizers claim to keep your gas fresh for 2 years.

https://www.goldeagle.com/tips-tools/fuel-stabilizer-cars-need-use/

 

Exactly. Much better to find someone who you could trust to drive the truck every few weeks to keep it maintained. I don't allow any of my vehicles to sit any longer than two weeks...and that includes my two motorcycles.

Storage is a recipe for disaster, including rodent damage, tire rot, moisture issues, etc. The idea of also having minimal gas in the tank might also be a bad idea. The fuel could evaporate and allow the fuel pump to go bad. I sometimes go for more than two years not using my generator, but it doesn't have a battery, doesn't have a fuel pump, doesn't have a wire harness, etc...and I can run the engine till all the fuel is gone.

If I had to put a vehicle in storage, I would at least fill the tank with non-ethanol fuel, make sure to run the vehicle to purge out any of the ethanol, and disconnect the battery.

 

If you have someone who periodically check on your vehicle then it's all fine but if left alone in storage too long without checking on it, then fluid will be not good that time frame.. you will need to flush them as soon as you get back to your vehicle. It would be better if leave it at your parents, siblings, etc instead of leaving it at rental storage facility.

 

Man I'd recommend having someone you trust drive it once a month rather than shelf it for 2 years. That can't be good for any part of your truck

 

Take advantage of the market. Sale it, then buy a new one when you get back when cars are back to normal prices. That’s what I did before my last deployment. Just my two cents.

 

What about flat spots on tires.

also (if i recall correctly) for aircraft reciprocating engines they open up the spark plugs and spray a preservative for the cylinder bores that helps prevent corrosive action on the steel cylinder bores.

sorry my comment has nothing to do with fluids i had also considered long term storage in the past but for a different vheicle.

 

Engine oil for sure, it's designed to keep particulates in suspension but in storage they still settle to the pan. Oddly it's difficult for the oil to pick them off the oil pan again.

I've had good really good results with Chevron marine fuel stabilizer. It has corrosion inhibitors as well. Need to sell them, have a motorcycle with nearly 3 year old fuel in it.

The other option, I have left vehicles with friends. Just ask them to drive it once in awhile. Burn off the fuel and refill with a few gallons of ethanol free and fuel stabilizer.

 

You can put your vehicle on 4 jacks in corners and take those tires off and place them aside or on floor.. so you wouldn't worry about vehicle weighting the tires down over time.

 

I'd sell it and take advantage of the market. I left a vehicle in storage on the mainland for a few years in the early 90s. It was climate controlled... which meant the mice were warm when they chewed my wiring harness and built nests inside my new truck.

 

He said his was a manual. Manual may not be available in the future and i dont know how he feels picking up a used one.

 

Yea, personally, I'd sell it then store the money instead. Buy another when you're ready

 

First run a tank full of non-ethanol gasoline through the truck and then get 5+ gallons of aviation gas in it! Enough that when you are running it you can smell the change in the exhaust.


Update!
Do Not use Aviation gas in this trucks!

 

100LL? I thought you’re not supposed to have lead in modern gas cars.

what about boat gas (not sure what its called) thats ethanol free

 

That is fine but after COVID pandemic, all markets are crazy with prices which gone up. OP may have hard time finding a truck when he gets back.. It would be better if he keeps it as long as he finds someone who he trust to maintain it for him.