2000 mi drive in 10 days -- what to check

Hi Folks

I am driving from New Hampshire to Halifax NS Canada in about 10 days. My truck has 94,000 miles on it. In advance of my trip, I want to know:

1. What you strongly encourage I check out or service?
2. What you think I should bring with me?

I am having the rear u-joint serviced under warranty enhancement right now, and I will also change the oil and filter this weekend. I also just received an ARB bumper that I plan to install. I will not install Bilstein 5100s or the OME 884 springs before driving. The truck has a 3" spacer lift at the moment. Please let me know if you think I should hold off on the bumper until after I return.

I have also already installed cruise control and the intermittent wiper. Tires are in like-new shape, and the v belt was also replaced last week. I load tested the battery and it reads normal. I also have an ultragauge installed, and I have not seen any unusual voltages, engine temperatures, or check engine lights. I am sure it will all go swimmingly well, but I don't want to get stranded, especially on my way back. I have three days to get home to catch a flight to Greenland, which not only costs several thousand dollars, but only occurs once a week.

Thanks in advance,

Reinhardtius

 

2000 miles isn't that far. Assuming you have done everything on schedule, and nothing is due to be done within those 2000 miles just hop in and drive.

 

2000 miles isn't all that far honestly. I've done that in a weekend trip. If you're all highway, just make sure you have good music, snacks, and comfortable driving shoes.

In prep for the trip mechanically: tire pressure check, alignment and tire balance to help tracking ease. Nothing will wear you out faster than having to focus on keeping the vehicle tracking straight. If it does it on its own, you'll be able to relax and enjoy the drive.

A mod that has been amazing for me recently was replacing the rad support bushings. They're $30 off Amazon and they quite down a lot of rattles and pops over non smooth driving surfaces. They even removed a lot of vibration through the steering wheel.

 

I disagree.

2000 miles in a truck with a 3" body lift?

Your ass is going to be kicked after driving that long. I'm glad you have 10 days.

The truck will make the trip fine. 200 miles a day is not much, but I bet you will want to get it over sooner.

u joints, tires and alignment and you will be just fine.

The extra weight of the bumper will make it ride better, But you will have a bit of droop in the front. Not a big deal to me.

 

Sounds like you're good to go, honestly. I've driven across the country in way shittier vehicles without issues.

 

I’d top off coolant with some distilled (then change or flush it when your back), change out the steering fluid using a turkey baster, make sure the transmission is topped. Make sure the oil is topped off (assuming it’s already synthetic), then change it when you return. When you get back do a drain refill on the transmission since your coming up on 100k. Don’t worry about the engine or auto otherwise.

Non stop driving without a full cooling cycle is what kills the shock oil (causing leaks) and bushings...maybe check and change out the joints and bushings when the trip is over, and refresh the shocks since you’re come up to 100k.

 

Is “rad” you’re referring to the radiator?

 

Rad= Radiator, yes

 

I did sf to Portland then sf to moab in a single month. 5k miles. Just change the oil and you're good. Make sure to have some podcasts lined up too. My favorite murder is a good one.

 

v belt??? what?? just drive it

 

OP - I drive 1500 miles weekly, no issues. Just drive and enjoy your trip...

 

Thanks, everyone, for your input and suggestions. I like the comment to "hop in and go."

I purchased OME 884 springs and Bilstein 5100's today and they'll arrive Wednesday. I am trying to decide whether it would be foolish to try to squeeze them in and an alignment before departure. Last-minute modifications before a big drive generally sound unwise. I also wonder if I need that 1/4 spacer for the taco lean. Or is that just a thing that perfectionists notice...

 

I'm aware of the lean, I don't worry about it. I got more important things to deal with.

 

Fluids, belt and hoses.

 

NH to Halifax is easy drive. All highway and mostly flat. I did it last summer with further trip out to Cape Bretton. The only thing you have to check is your gas gauge as gas in Canada is over $ 4 (US) per gallon.

 

Check your oil and coolant level. Maybe look at the air filter to see how dirty it is. You're in a tacoma. It can run forever.

 

Bro it's a Toyota, it's barely broken in. 2,000 miles isnt that much.You'll be fine and I'd wait till I got back to add parts.Sounds like you covered all your bases ,make sure you have good wipers. Good luck and send pics.

 

I just started listening to the MFM podcast. Absolutely hilarious. Thank you!

 

Made the trip with no drama. I shot some lithium grease into the clutch fork before leaving and the clutch pedal was squeak-free for nearly the entire drive.

I still have a clutch pedal engaging high from the floor. Not sure if that is an indication of the clutch going or what. No slipping, no smells, no noises. I adjusted the pedal months ago, and while it's a little better, it's still annoyingly high.

 

You’re gas level