Baselining a vehicle?

[SGV]

I have read this term twice on this forum. What entails baselining a vehicle? I take it is more than a general tune-up and fluid replacement. So, my question is: What does it take to baseline a vehicle?"

 

[James86004]

I thought baselining was measuring something's characteristics before you modify it. Like putting you engine on the dyno before you change the cam.

 

[shawkins]

Baselining is when you change all the fluids in the vehicle, along with doing other preventative maintenance after purchasing.

 

[DaveInDenver]

James' definition is basic what I've thought it to be. Measuring performance to establish a baseline starting point and comparing current condition against manufacturer spec. The truck had a starting point at zero miles and a baseline would be to go down the list and compare the current condition against that, then determine what needs to be replaced, rebuilt or modified to meet your needs.

For example, when I bought my truck I checked the engine compression, valve lash, brake rotor/drum run-out, pad/shoe thickness, that sort of thing. Being of sufficient age I did a timing component replacement, replaced wheel bearings, had the driveshafts rebuilt (new u-joints and rebalance), did a complete lube and fluid change, rebuilt the front end (new ball joints and tie rod ends). This was just the stuff to make it reliable and ease my mind.

 

[AndrewP]

All Fluids
Complete tune up including new cap, rotor, wires and plugs
Valve adjust
New belts
New coolant/heater hoses
New brakes
Repack wheelbearings
If Toy solid axle-knuckle rebuild.

Basically to me, it means changing out the stuff most likely to fail and cause a break down. I just went through this with the FJ62, and spent close to $1000. But all the major systems are GTG for a long time.

 

[I Leak Oil]

Sounds like a catch phrase for basic routine maintenance.:Mechanic:
Jason T.

 

[SGV]

Thanks for the insight. This is kind of what I thought too. I would not have thought about wheel bearings though, so thanks for that tip.

 

[haven]

In the context of overland vehicles, baselining refers to performing all preventive maintenance on a newly-purchased used vehicle. You can't be sure the previous owner did all the recommended maintenance. On an older vehicle, this means replacing all the hoses and belts as well as changing all fluids and tune-up items.

The baseline becomes the new starting point for the factory recommended service intervals. It also helps you catch any problems before they can leave you stranded on the trail.

 

[UK4X4]

I just bought a 93 toyo lancruiser RJ 77 in Oman from a goat herder...

not exactly known for their sticking to factory maintenance schedules...

so here's a list of what I've done as an example...

Wheel bearings dissasembled checked and replaced
Axles fluid change and check for metal filings
transfer front and rear bearings and seals
Replaced steering linkage worn
Replaced oil pump worn
Replaced rotor cap plugs leads and points
double oil change and new filters
replaced all UJ's in the driveshafts and balanced
gearbox oil
transfercase oil
new temperature sender
adjusted tappets
replaced battery with new larger capacity
checked and soldered all bodged twisted and tapped wiring repairs
checked and repaired/replaced earthing wires
new fuel pump / filter
checked and replaced worn idler pullies




All parts removed are now in my trail spare kit.

Thats the basic maintenance issues finished with, now onto upgrading....