Highway ready checklist

[Jamesvinar]

This summer I'm gonna have a lot of highway driving to do going to Wisconsin, Peoria, and Missouri. What are the things I should go over before doing This?

Tires are new, trannys good but I'm wondering if I should check the temps regularly, never heard of these motors hating the highway so I doubt that'll be a problem

 

[tixer]

These cars are the best highway cruiser you'll ever own. That Green one Lvnmarks just bought from me has seen both coasts, a few times.

The "basics" are key.

- check the pressure in your temporary spare.
- Change the oil regularly
- check for leaks. (all fluids)
- pack a toolkit, just in case.
- how's the suspension? clunks/rattles/etc
- gather up your favorite music collection
- kick back, cruise.

 

[Jamesvinar]

Figured, it's basically a 2dr crown vic.
I've replaced most of the gaskets on the car so no leaks, fresh oil, coolant and all other fluids. Was gonna bring the toolkit, few spare coils, spare and a quart/jug of the major fluids.
Suspension in the rear clunks a little but that's because I didn't put the rubber cup on the springs, front UCAs are on their way out and I'm not really sure about the tie rod ends.

 

[ONLYTONY]

I'd pack a serpentine belt also

 

[Jamesvinar]

Will do. This car hasn't been eating belts like my crown vic did, that thing went through one a month

 

[Slowmkviii]

^^^that's a problem
Pack a spare alternator

 

[Jamesvinar]

Very agressive jmod and max shift pressure on the tuner, will do that.
Should I get a spare transmission?... just in case

 

[tixer]

heh. I did carry a spare alternator for years, now that it's been mentioned.

It'll fit in the "rearward" left corner of the spare tire compartment, under the cover. I did end up using it once, and haven't yet rebuilt the old one..

 

[Jamesvinar]

Should probably mention that I replaced mine less than a year ago

 

[germansheperd]

Cooling system? WP, Rad, hoses, and Stat?

 

[driller]

I don't worry so much about the cooling system. The cooling fan will be your biggest risk of failure with the cooling system on a road trip.

I'll add a vote for a spare alternator!

And... I highly recommend a lithium jump starter...



Just so you know, you can run your battery completely dead and clip that lithium battery on, shut the hood and drive to the nearest Walmart to buy a battery. Yep, true story!

 

[billcu]

I've been putting a full size spare wheel and tire in place of the donut tire, for the long drives, like Carlisle.

The cover sits higher in the trunk, but if you take the cover out, you get some more storage back.:thumbsup:

 

[Jamesvinar]

As far as I know the cooling system is good, brand new coolant after a good flush, water pumps on these cars are solid to begin with but I'll give it a look, hoses are less than ideal with one of the uppers having a very small leak, stat is probably good.

Not sold on the battery thing yet, mines brand new and where I'm going I'll be around a friend that could always jump me if needed

 

[ONLYTONY]

I don't think (a very small leak) in the coolant system is a good thing, for summer time trips. Make sure your AAA is paid up

 

[Slowmkviii]

Very agressive jmod and max shift pressure on the tuner, will do that.
Should I get a spare transmission?... just in case

Trying to be a jerk ?
And no a very aggressive shift will not eat a belt in one month but our cars are known for eating alternators.
There is no reason to have a shift that aggressive unless you are just trying to spin the tires on the 1-2 shift.

 

[Jamesvinar]

I'm just playing around

I'll replace the hoses this weekend, probably replace the clamps on the other hoses too.

True there isn't really a good reason for having it that firm but it was fun while I had it that way.

 

[Jamesvinar]

Rad hose that was leaking blew, new one was a little too long but it's working

 

[Jamesvinar]

Since ive created this thread ive done the radiator, hoses and the crank sensor with the associated wiring harness.

The trips this friday and im packing a floorjack, spare tire, coils, spare tire. Dont know what else could go wrong on the car at this point but id rather be safe. The trips about 4hrs and im thinking of a 15min rest every hour

I should add that the only current funny thing is that the dash brake light comes on every now and then seemingly for no reason.

 

[driller]

Good luck on your trip!

 

[Jamesvinar]

Thank you!