Long haul vehicle maintenance

[rscamaro73]

Besides the usual basic maintenance (checking fluids, plugs, and wires, tires) for a long trip (as in from Cali to PA towing a car, never to return to Cali again) , what should I do to the truck ?? 99 XLT 5.0 2wd

I JUST got it 2 weeks ago from the dealer (used, of course), but its VERY clean, and looks great so far. I changed the brake fluid in the m/c last weekend, and I guess tomorrow I'll check all the other fluids. I'll prolly get the creeper out & get aquainted with the underside as well.

PLEASE be thorough on your lists and pointers.

Thanks again,
Wayne

 

[Alec]

definately tranny fluid along with others. you didn't mention the mileage on the truck, and that's a useful piece of info!

Also, people sometimes overlook the rearend. Depending on the miles, might want to go ahead and do that to. Plugs and wires wouldn't hurt, either. Maybe thermostat also since it's cheap and easy, and you never know.

 

[aldive]

I would have the tranny flushed and replace the ATF with synthetic. Use synthetic in the motor as well. If you change the rear end ( and its a good idea ), replace the lube with synthetic.

Be sure the brakes are good. Check the tires and be sure to check the pressure.

Checj and probably replace the wipers.

Good luck.....

 

[rscamaro73]

Truck has almost 60K on the clock.

Wipers definatly need changing.....of course I'd be going synthetic on the changes. They've proven themselves to me more times than I can remember.

The ONLY thing that bothers me is the whistling at idle when I start it up sometimes. Is that the IAS thing that I noticed on a previous post on a search ? If it is, I can knock that out in 3 minutes. Matter of fact, I think I'll go out there & check it out. I have a hour long drive to a party today, and I guess I can assess a few other things.

Any takes on oil coolers and tranny coolers ?? Any recommended kits ? I wanna keep it on the COOL side....

 

[Alec]

If you don't have a tranny cooler, definately get one. Look around for IAC, that could be your whistling problem. Also check the intake out and make sure all the hoses, etc are snug. With 60k, I'd also go ahead and change your plugs and wires. You probably don't need to worry about the differential, but tranny, coolant, etc should be changed.

 

[aldive]

A tranny cooler is essential' either factory or aftermarket.

I would also recommend the addition of an external tranny filter. Take a look at Dead Link Removed

 

[rscamaro73]

WELL.......

I have BOTH an external oil AND tranny cooler

I think I'll change the coolant, oil, and tranny fluid, just as a safe measure. The rear - has a tag that says to use synthetic fluid, but nothing about an additive or saying posi....and there's another tag with numbers & the sorts, no words.

I'll also change the shocks, since they look old, and what about that 5th shock connected to the pumpkin ?

I was out there with the hood up & the motor running and I'm getting this whistling from between the water pump and the PS pump. Can't figure out which one, but it has gone away once the motor has warmed up.

Exhaust looks like an EXPENSIVE PITA to replace with all those cats, the huge muffler and that lil aftermuffler/resonator thing at the end. I want smoe throaty exhaust noise.....

Thanks for the help so far....hte tranny fluid filter looks like a good deal.

 

[rscamaro73]

Well, just researched the tags on my rear end (of the X)...lol...and it SAYS that I have a 3L73 , meaning 3.73 limited slip rear. Thanks whomever for posting that rear end ID page

BUT...it doesn't peel out like my Camaro used to do. Is it because its got 60K on it, or because its worn out ?

I HAD to test it the other day, going up a 45 degree hill (about a 6 ft rise total), packed dirt w/ a light cover of sand. It kicked out sand from both sides, yet my right rear tire is the worn one.


Any suggestions ????

Thanks again.....y'all are making me feel quite welcome here....even if I have some Chevy's...lol....