Drive to Arctic Circle in “high miles” 4th Gen 4Runner

[Fishenough]

Long time backroad Yukon and BC traveler, great advice here, my additional recommendation for a 4 Runner would be ball joint replacement, if they haven't been changed recently. Plan to change mine at 200,000 km's just preventivily.

All about Haines vs Skagway is true, but both drives are awesome. Pics of each road. At times the White Pine pass has been stunning.

 

[PaintRock]

At 160000+ miles I would highly recommend doing the upper and lower ball joints before such a trip. If you're mechanically inclined you can do it yourself and it won't break the bank. I would figure out what tools are required and also take the tools with you. Taking spare lowers might be overkill but a spare upper would be a good addition and would work for either side. Don't do what I did and ignore them until one breaks and leaves you stranded and you're at the mercy of a stealership to get it rolling again.

 

[Toyo]

The guys here have provided some good advice regarding your rig. The 4th Gen V8 is probably the most underrated vehicle. Mine is an 08 LTD V8, 4WD with 305K on the clock. I just completed a 6K trip from Ga to MT, WY, CO and Idaho. I have been doing that trip for many years.
Being a Toyota Master Tech going on 35 years I would like to add a few misc. things:
Age of your ignition coils? If they need replaced I would install a set of Denso coils, part # 673-1303. In the least I would take a spare. Super easy to swap one out on the road.
Sway Bar links. Cheap to replace and make a difference.
Power Steering Rack Bushings. If they are worn you will feel a huge difference if replaced. Especially on the type of roads you will be on.
Check your radiator hose's and other coolant hose's. Especially the clamps if they are original. be sure to inspect the ones going to and from the oil cooler. They can become rusty and WILL fail you if so.
These are just a few of the things that popped into my head. Knock on wood I have only had one issue in my travels. My MAF sensor took a dump on me in Montana.
Good luck, be safe and enjoy your travels. Your trip is on my bucket list for sure.

 

[tlrols]

I depart in two weeks. A few more things to sort out but it’s base lined fairly well. Note to self… I swapped out the fossilized spare for a new K02. Holy crap tire prices have gone up!

 

[tlrols]

I am in Dawson City, YT. About 2200 miles so far. Hitting the Dempster tomorrow. Zero issues. The Alaska highway is great, the Klondike has maybe 50 miles in gravel being fixed.

 

[tlrols]

Something to consider…wildfires are crazy in BC and the NWT. We chilled in Dawson City to let the rain stop and, apparently, put out the fires near the Dempster.

 

[tlrols]

Did the mummified toe aka the “Sourtoe Cocktail.” Fun town and times in Dawson City. Lots of fun rigs here…

 

[AggieOE]

I am in Dawson City, YT. About 2200 miles so far. Hitting the Dempster tomorrow. Zero issues. The Alaska highway is great, the Klondike has maybe 50 miles in gravel being fixed.

I love the explanations, (after midnight) and (before midnight) hahaha

 

[charlieaarons]

The Dalton doesn’t have washboard. The gravel parts (>75% from junction to Galbraith Lake) are perfectly smooth during prime time (6/20 and later). The asphalt has innumerable frost heaves.
Advice on both roads: when a heavy truck either begins to pass you or comes at you, pull over to the right and slow down to 5mph or so. Or else you may need a new windshield.
Also, on the Dalton, it gets pretty boring north of Galbraith. Flatter and flatter, not interesting. I just drove the road for the 5th time last week.
If you want an interesting North Slope hike, park and start walking east up the canyon just south of the Galbraith campground, beginning by walking under the pipeline. You might see some wildlife.
I think it’s very close to a bridge marked “Atigun Creek”.
On the Dalton one can get by with a fuel range of 240 miles. Although obviously expensive north of Livengood area. Your mpg will drop by ~15-20% due to the hills. Overall on this last trip from Anchorage and return I did ~8% lower than flat road average.
We saw very few RVs.
The scenery, all the way up to Galbraith Lake, is incredible.

 

[plainjaneFJC]

This is a 2UZ-FE? Has the timing belt water pump been done? Heater tees? One problem when they get over 150k miles is the use of non oem parts, and if it’s like the LC some parts are getting harder to find if you insist on oem.

 

[tlrols]

Made it up. O2 sensor wants replacing…

 

[tlrols]

The Dempster Highway is in great shape. $9.27 a gallon gasoline in Tuk!

 

[tlrols]

Midnight in Inuvik. Effective window shades or a mask are important. I opted for a blanket over my face.

 

[AggieOE]

How was the drive?! Everything you thought it'd be? Similar to other places you've been? Some of us are just here living vicariously. lol

 

[tlrols]

The drive was really smooth. The Dempster is in rather good condition. I aired down for a bit and then aired back up…and drove 60 mph. A sedan can do it. I loved the Germans in their beast Benz’s.

Presently north of Tok Alaska on a sand bar by the Robertson River. Off to Fairbanks tomorrow.

The only negative of the trip is paying for it! Also, I love my 4Runner but for a couple I think a Sprinter van is the ticket. There IS a remarkable difference in the price of the two choices.

Also…Chicken Alaska is fun!! Visit all three sites.