Cross-Country Suburban

[Zimnij Volk]

Well, now that it's completely official, it looks as though I will be moving down to Florida. I've never driven this distance before, but I don't really have a choice now. For those who haven't looked, I have a 1991, 3/4 ton, GMC Suburban. I'm wanting to cover all my bases so I have less chance of a breakdown on the trek. The truck is old, yes, but I can't leave it behind. Although it's still new to me, it just feels right. Can't let it go now.

I'm in the process of getting the auto-hubs replaced with manual ones so that I can get better fuel economy. I'm also still in the process of placing a ladder and tire rack on the rear doors (Haven't had time lately) so I can hopefully squeeze as much in the back as I can for the move. Overall goal, travel about 2,800 miles in an old truck with as few breakdowns as possible. Recommendations? Any common failures on long trips?

Everything helps!

Thanks guys.

~Volk

 

[xpndbl3]

Drove my 88 suburban when I bought it off ebay from Los angelos back to chicago with no real issues. Check all fluids at every fill up, look under truck for leaks and watch gauges while on the expressway. Paid a shop out in cali to do a "road trip" checkup, best $90 you can spend if you're not too good with cars. Fresh oil change and lube the chassis and have fun and post pics!

 

[poriggity]

Yes, Before you leave, spend the money on a check up for the vehicle, and a fresh oil change and chassis lube, and roll with it!
Scott

 

[Stoney126]

since your doing the hubs I would repack the bearings. Check your coolant. Check the thermostat housing, hoses and bent fins on the radiator. Maybe even check the radiator cap to make sure its holding correct pressure. Check your heads to make sure there are no signs of gaskets leaking. Depending on when the coolant was checked last I would pull the bottom hose to see if there is any debree hanging around. Make sure the fan clutch is in working order. Long trip I tend to worry about the breakdown of fluids and cooling system failing.

 

[lstzephyr]

Check all fluids, oil, coolant, transmission fluid, etc. Check the tire pressure. Other than the simple things you can check, don't worry about it. There is nothing that will break that you can or will be prepared for. Anything that will break will be something you will figure out a way to handle. Just run what you have, try not to worry about it and just roll with the punches. It will be just fine. Don't get in too much of a hurry to stop and hang out when you get the chance.

You will get to where you are going and when you look back you will realize there were things you could have done better. You will notice things you can change to make the vehicle work better for you. You will not be able to figure those things out until you try it out. No one else can tell you what will work for you, you have to figure it out for yourself. That is part of the fun anyway.

There is no common things that fail on long distance trips. There are only things that fail at times. You will get where you are going, one way or the other, so don't worry about it. Just enjoy the trip, and stop to check out the things you are interested in along the way.

Trust me.

 

[Zimnij Volk]

since your doing the hubs I would repack the bearings. Check your coolant. Check the thermostat housing, hoses and bent fins on the radiator. Maybe even check the radiator cap to make sure its holding correct pressure. Check your heads to make sure there are no signs of gaskets leaking. Depending on when the coolant was checked last I would pull the bottom hose to see if there is any debree hanging around. Make sure the fan clutch is in working order. Long trip I tend to worry about the breakdown of fluids and cooling system failing.

I agree full-heartedly. I got my new upper and lower radiator hoses today and plan on replacing them tomorrow after I flush the whole system and put in some new antifreeze.

Thanks again guys, I'm making a list of things to do now. We'll be pretty strapped for cash, so I'm trying to save us some money in repairs by making sure we're all ready to go beforehand.

 

[Stoney126]

which way are you taking to get there?

 

[Zimnij Volk]

I'm thinking about taking the US 20E and I-80E route. Going through parts of Southern Idaho, Northern Utah, along the southern like of Wyoming, Nebraska, through St. Luis Missouri, the western tip of Kentucky, through Nashville, Tennessee, through Atlanta, Georgia, then along Florida's eastern cost until we reach Sebastian. This is just a Google route, so if you guys know of a better way, or some site to see, let me know! I'm avoiding the southern routes because I was thinking since it's August and probably very hot down there it could cause more cooling system failures...

Edit: It seems so wrong to drive all this way in the Suburban, but not go through Colorado. I think I'll be changing the route right now. Skipping Nebraska and Wyoming altogether.

 

[lstzephyr]

Dude, go through south utah, hit Zion, Moab(canyonlands/arches) and go through colorado. Take backroads when you can in the mountain states, you won't regret it.

Nebraska was actually pretty cool though. I found some nice places at least.

In the east, I would pop down to the coast and drive along the gulf. Its beautiful and a nice drive.

If you want more specific highways, or pictures of some of the places I am suggesting, just ask and I will post up more details.

 

[Metcalf]

My advise....

Check stuff before you go. All fluids, belts, hoses. A visual inspection will tell you a lot. Don't pay for it Learn to do it yourself.

Look for drips and leaks at the first fuel stop. You will notice if something is leaking after you just filled it.

Check the oil at every fuel stop. I am surprised how many people don't do this. I know we are spoiled these days, but its not only checking the oil. It is also a visual inspection underhood that will give you some indications of future problems perhaps. If you have an auto, check the transmission fluid too.

Watch the gauges! hopefully they work. Gauges can be a good indicator if something is off or if your running the vehicle too hard.

Take you time. Running flat out on the interstate is not the best idea for the most part. These days I stick to 65-70mph. With my big old beater its just not worth trying to go 80+. Some people are just in a hurry I guess.....

Take some tools. Buy a basic tool kit. You can get very decent tools VERY cheap these days. Get some and put them in the vehicle. They stay in the vehicle. Don't underestimate the power duct tape, tie wire, and zip ties.

Take a tow strap and have some tow points. If something REALLY bad was to happen getting a tow into town might be your only bet. AAA might not be a bad idea if your not into bumming favors from strangers.

Have a good trip! Take pictures! Post the story on this board....

 

[lstzephyr]

My advise....

Watch the gauges! hopefully they work. Gauges can be a good indicator if something is off or if your running the vehicle too hard.

Take you time. Running flat out on the interstate is not the best idea for the most part. These days I stick to 65-70mph. With my big old beater its just not worth trying to go 80+. Some people are just in a hurry I guess.....

Don't underestimate the power duct tape, tie wire, and zip ties.

Have a good trip! Take pictures! Post the story on this board....

+1 on that. Zip ties, duct tape, tie wires, bungie cords, and other ghetto fixes have saved my butt numerous times. My super bungie cord web, duct tape combo back window actually worked pretty well.

If you go through north alabama/south tennessee I can offer you tools and help if you need it. I am in huntsville, al right now.

 

[Metcalf]

nice duct tape

 

[Stoney126]

LOL if for some reason you make your way through napa CA, bring it by the shop and ill Throw it up on the rack and give it a once over.

 

[1leg]

Make sure you don't throw out the old auto-locks. You could need them some day. It can't be stressed enough, JUST TAKE YOUR TIME AND ENJOY YOUR RIDE! If your driving faster then 60 your just wasting gas. :wings:

 

[clandr1]

Probably been covered here, but this is my off the top of my head list:

New radiator hoses
New heater core hoses
Check for coolant/oil/trans fluid leaks (and top off/change as needed)
Top off front/rear diff gear oil
Change fuel filter
I’d go with mobil 1 oil/filter for the trip down
Check voltage to make sure battery is getting 13.5 volts (or more) at idle