What to check for Long trip

[bigdukk2]

K guys.... i'm gettin ready to leave for Alaska, just got a job offer... and i'm goanna take my GSX instead of my jeep.. that way my wife has the jeep at home.. so here's my questions... i gotta few problems keep recurring...

i replaced my rear drivers side wheel bearing like 4 times now.. and i put like 5 miles on them.. and then they just break... and wabble again.. and i need all new ball joints all the way around... and what else should i do to get the car ready.. i'm goann put my front mount on before.. right now my IC pipes keep poppin off cause they're all cheep home made ones...

so any advice for why my wheel bearing keeps doin that.. and any other replace this.. check this.. or tune up this .. pls and thanks guys,... i'm tryin to get my baby to alaska..

 

[Calan]

The first thing I would check for is to see if there is a trailer close by to haul it up there on. j/king.

Sounds like you have the right idea. Change the fluids if needed, especially the antifreeze (I hear it gets cold up there). Also check your belts, tires, etc. Basically just go over everything really well.

As for the bearings, could be something broken in the rear suspension that is putting them under stress. Make sure you don't have bushings that have deteriorated and been worn away. It also wouldn't hurt to get an alignment done.

And pack the usual DSM tools...10/12mm sockets, zip ties, spare fuses, etc.

 

[Indian]

And pack the usual DSM tools...10/12mm sockets, zip ties, spare fuses, etc.

I second that

 

[airmail96]

I drive around with my full tool box, probably stupid in case i wreck but oh so helpful if I break down .

 

[bigdukk2]

anyone have any experience with block heaters for our cars?... i've been drivin my car these last few days.. and i can't keep the summabitch warm.. i let it warm up for 20 minutes.. it gets normal operating temp.. and as soon as i get a few miles.. it nosedives to just above the minimum on the temp gauge... what would cause this.. i've never had a problem overheating... only over cooling.. i'm puttin on a front mount.. i know that will help alot.. but .. could a STUCK open thermo make a difference?..

 

[Niteninja01]

Yes a stuck thermo will do that. It will just keep the coolant flowing and not staying in the block to get warm.

 

[bigdukk2]

so i'm gettin a set of 4 blizzak's .. anyone have any other preference.. let me know... and a block heater... also want to know if people prefer the inline coolant heater.. or the block heater more...

 

[DSM1G90]

Get that T-stat replaced for starters. Your ECU is having fits with that stuck open T-stat in wanting to shove more fuel in the motor due to it's getting messages from the coolant sensor telling the ECU that "we need more fuel to get this SOB warmed up!"

Inlines are easier to do since you cut the lower hose in half and put it in between, whereas the block heater - you gotta knock out a block freeze plug and HOPE the thing don't leak afterwards...

-DSM

 

[Beemer92]

I have read up on the 6 bolt block heater install. It's some really nice reading material. I haven't seen anything written up on the 7 bolt though. DSM1G90 is right on the freeze plug. But on the 6 bolts the plugs are in front, and the 7 bolts are in back. So I really don't see an easy way to do an install other than the inline. I completely agree with airmail and calan on the tool box. The Blizzaks are a nice choice. Just make sure you get the optional spike inserts. Not exactlly legal with the spikes, but the winter traction is in my opinion unmatched. Good Luck.

 

[bigdukk2]

come on guys... whats extra parts should i bring with me.. incase of break downs.... come on.. i'm driving 4000 miles in a dsm... most can't make it an oil change without failure... mine however has never had problems.. SERIOUS problems anyways... so i trust mine.. but some help would be appreciated...

 

[DSM1G90]

I'd call it then as just do an oil change (wouldn't hurt keeping an extra bottle of 50/50 mix antifreeze with you along with a quart or two of oil), check fluids, tires (including spare), battery connections, all bolts are tight, keep a tool box in the hatch...and you're good to go.

I've been on the freeways for almost 18k miles now with mine and no problems.

If you haven't had any major problems (and yours is newer than mine and prob with lower miles), why worry about it now.

..and drive sensibly -not like a ricer and you'll get there. The Alaskan Highway is a might long stretch of two lane highway where you're not going to go crazy with the gas pedal anyways-which will be a good plus for you.

Good luck on the new job...some will envy you down the road. - DSM