stewwalker
Full Access Member
I’ve compiled a check list for my truck before I go on a long offroad trip. I’m curious to see what others do. My truck is essentially “stock”, so I’m not burning up heim joints and needing 3.0 rebuilds every 10k.
Check list for any trip over 1,000 miles
Oil change and filter
Check PS fluid, flush if needed
Check brake fluid, flush if needed
Trans fluid check, flush if needed
Radiator fluid check, flush if needed
Read diff fluid check, add/ change if needed
Change air filter
Check all CV boots and tie rod bellows
Check all ball joints
Check for excessive play in steering rack, adjust if needed
Torque all suspention components to spec, mark with paint pen
Check shocks for leaks, rebuild if I have time and money
Check lower shock bushings, replace if I have time and money
Torque U joints and grease slip yoke
Pull all wheels off and check brake components
Torque lug nuts to spec, torque again after the first tank of gas
Check for excessive axle bearing play
Check all aftermarket wiring and hoses for wear on factory components
Rotate and balance all tires, including spare
Fill washer fluid and change wipers if needed
Power wash and degrease undercarage and wheel wells (easier to find leaks if the truck is cleanish)
Detail interior, exterior and engine bay
Take every tool you just touched and put them in an offroad toolbox
This list has kept me out of trouble, or I’d like to think it has, while traversing West Texas, Baja, Arizona and Southern California. I've had some major mechanical issues before, but I would have needed a crystal ball prepair for them.
So what do YOU do to prep your truck for off road?
Check list for any trip over 1,000 miles
Oil change and filter
Check PS fluid, flush if needed
Check brake fluid, flush if needed
Trans fluid check, flush if needed
Radiator fluid check, flush if needed
Read diff fluid check, add/ change if needed
Change air filter
Check all CV boots and tie rod bellows
Check all ball joints
Check for excessive play in steering rack, adjust if needed
Torque all suspention components to spec, mark with paint pen
Check shocks for leaks, rebuild if I have time and money
Check lower shock bushings, replace if I have time and money
Torque U joints and grease slip yoke
Pull all wheels off and check brake components
Torque lug nuts to spec, torque again after the first tank of gas
Check for excessive axle bearing play
Check all aftermarket wiring and hoses for wear on factory components
Rotate and balance all tires, including spare
Fill washer fluid and change wipers if needed
Power wash and degrease undercarage and wheel wells (easier to find leaks if the truck is cleanish)
Detail interior, exterior and engine bay
Take every tool you just touched and put them in an offroad toolbox
This list has kept me out of trouble, or I’d like to think it has, while traversing West Texas, Baja, Arizona and Southern California. I've had some major mechanical issues before, but I would have needed a crystal ball prepair for them.
So what do YOU do to prep your truck for off road?