Prepping for winter Alcan drive

Hey guys and gals. I'm prepping to drive my Tacoma from Kodiak Ak back down to Salt Lake City. I bought this truck at the beginning of this year with about 120k on it, drove it up here in March with no problems, and am hoping to do the same on the way back. All I have done maintenance-wise since buying the truck is oil changes, spark plugs, brake pads, and replaced the throwout bearing and clutch. Right now the truck seems to be running good and I can't sense any problems, but I just wanted some input on things to check before doing this cold, long drive. I'm a professional pilot in small airplanes and know them inside and out, but not too much about cars. I'm good at doing DIY stuff with a little input here and on youtube. I have a block heater and battery heater on order, and I just want to know what to look for engine, drivetrain, wheels, etc. Thanks in advance!

 

Tire chains might be a good idea. Just a bit of a joke and would think you already have living up there but are you leaving soon? Want to make that drive myself one day.

 

I have driven it afew times but it was a long time ago. One time I did that I have never seen mentioned anywhere was to pad the gas tank with a rubber sheet. When I drove it the gravel could wear a hole in exposed sheet metal. I also ran rubber tubing over exposed lines.

I would hope that by this time that it all has been paved!

 

you need a good camera! please take pics of the journey. The Alcan is on my bucket list.

 

didn't he do it twice, first solo and second with his dad?

 

Didn't see drive belt mentioned, might consider carrying a spare.

 

Thanks guys. Yes I have chains : ). I did the drive up here solo from SLC in early March. I love driving my taco solo for long distances. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for wanting to drive it in December, but I've spoken to many trustworthy people that say it's no biggy so long as you're prepared. I have a lot of survival gear (im a bush pilot in modish Alaska, so most of it is just coming out of the plane and into the truck). The truck seems to be in great shape. I just put a stage 2 URD clutch in when I had the throwout bearing replaced with URD's beefed up kit. I plan on changing all of the gear and engine oils to synthetic this week. I am installing a cartridge block heater and battery blanket tomorrow. I guess I'm just looking for any advice on stuff that can come up and really strand you. I had no service history on the truck when I bought it, but it seemed well taken care of. I have no idea if/when things have been done though ie water pump, belts, rear brakes, etc. I hate to just cross my fingers and launch onto the alcan in Dec. any help will be appreciated and I'll check out that guys writeup. Good day everyone!

 

Thank the good lord someone is doing something cool instead of just putting eyelids and a spacer lift on a prerunner. But seriously, if you haven't checked the charging system output voltage and load tested the battery, you should do that before you leave. Hope you have a safe trip.

 

Thank you. I will do those things tomorrow. Gotta love having 3 full time aircraft mechanics and a maintenance facility at my fingertips : )

 

P.S: Post lots of photos!

 

I'll be taking lots more than I did on the way up. I had a strict time limit and was driving balls out, solo, and had to be to work here on a certain date. The drive back will be a bit more lax, and I"ll take plenty of pics.

 

You also may hit the ditch a few times, so bring a good shovel, sand, carpet/tarp, tow strap, the basics. and way more stuff like a jerry can of reserve gas, air pump, jumper cables/power pack, winch/come along,etc. if chances of seeing traffic is remote.
I also like to carry my xc-skis or snowshoes for a possible walk out, or something to do while waiting for help.
Being stranded out in cold weather is serious, I see way too many people unprepared even for the slightest issue, ie. No gloves to change a tire with, or even to fuel up, at -20 C.
Cheers,

 

Although it you have some people working with you that should know how to fix any issue with your truck it might not be a bad idea to have Toyota just give it a once over. I wouldn't plan on having to spend any money considering everything you have already done but wouldn't hurt to ask them to check it over.

 

I have a shovel and will bring some sort of traction device for sure, even thinking about some of that metal mesh stuff. I'll definitely have a tow strap. I'm actually going to bring 4 five gallon jerry cans so I don't have to fill up at the ridiculously priced small stations along the way. I have an air pump, jumper box, etc. The back of my shell is set up for sleeping in case I need to, and I'll have a propane heater with plenty of extra cans. I'm having a local mechanic look over the big stuff some time in the next week to make sure all steering, brakes, suspension, etc. all looks legit.

 

I just swung by the parts store and picked up: 40' tow strap, 2 ton comealong, battery heater, cartridge block heater, synthetic engine and front/rear diff oil, and some other stuff I can't remember : ) I'll be changing all the engine/gear oils tonight and installing the heaters.

 

If you have the rear LSD you will also need the LSD additive. I think it's an option in the states but in Canada it only comes with Sport.

Bring a couple spare wiper blades. I have broken wipers blades by doing giving them the ol' reach around (I says pardon) while driving to get ice off of them.

12v coffee maker.

a few road flares are always a good idea in the event you get stuck (or more likely) are helping to recover someone around a corner. That is after all, where most people go into the rhubarb.

 

Big bag of kitty litter, adds traction for getting unstuck.

Last year I heard about a common aerosol product that added traction to tires but can't remember what it was now but I'm sure the assembled multitude here will know.

Sandy

 

I just got done changing the rear diff oil (used 75-90 synthetic and put in 6oz of LSD additive) I just stripped the hell out of the rusted front diff drain plug, so that will have to wait until monday when I can get a new plug and destroy the old one getting it out. Now on to the transfer case oil and then engine oil. I'll definitely have extra wiper blades, and I already have a coffee maker that I just plug into the outlet in the bed : ) Road flares are on my list and will get those next payday. Thanks for all the advice guys!