So heres the skinny, come August I'll be heading to Oklahoma state for school. I currently live in Massachusetts and while I considered trying to get a new vehicle my finances are dictating that for the time being I will be driving my ranger.

98 Ranger supercab 4x4
84k miles
3'' BL
33'' All-terrains

Thats really all I've got, I am planning on downsizing to 32'' A/T's as my 33s are worn as hell and possibly reinstalling the sway bar. Maybe a brake job aswell. I haven't really done anything in terms of maintenance other than oil changes, plugs and wires 2 months ago, air filter, and a tranny filter and fluid change back in October.

So does anyone have some suggestions for what I should check out/ get checked out before I attempt the maiden voyage in August? This ranger has treated me very well but I am just a bit worried about getting stranded in minnesota or something.

 

if you get stranded in minnesota you should have bought a satnav rather then getting repairs...

 

I'd suggest a quick tune up. Like plugs, oil change, check all fluids ect ect.

 

lmao, exactly. That's completely out of the way to the north by about 3 states LOL.

 

Pretty much general service on the thing... but as long as you watch for overheating or running out of gas there shouldn't be any issues!

 

If you get stranded in MN we'll take care of ya. Have you never heard of Minnesota nice? lol

 

Maybe replace the simple thermostat before going that far if it hasn't been serviced latley.

 

seriously, i think youll be fine. if your miles are that low i'ld be amazed if you have any real problems

 

brakes won't really be an issue, you won't be stopping that much. make sure your tires are inflated to the proper psi and have them rotated. Over heating will be your biggest concern. Also make sure the cruise and stereo works.

 

if your maint is good youll be fine

last summer i bought my truck at the end of april and a month later drove it to wisconsin from california ... no problems ... drove it all around wisconsin and the michigan up during the summer ... then drove back via ND, MT, ID, WA and OR and still was good ... not having cruise was the biggest bummer

 

i think i would make sure all fluids are good. then drive it!

 

You'll be fine. All you need to do is make appointments to meet up with all of us on the way down.

 

Since people keep suggesting that you watch your coolant I will suggest that you change it. Make sure its half and half. I think having brand new coolant will solve this potential issue.

 

with 100K i went to NC and back then up to foxboro MA with a truck cab in the back for half the trip no problems

 

I'm puttin 2100 miles on my rig from Toronto to Calgary soon.

I've been doing maintenance on it as I can afford to. Tomorrow my front brakes are being replaced as my rotors are warped to hell, and a rear wheel bearing needs to be replaced as well. I was just in for an oil change last week and made sure everything was topped up. I do alot of driving as it is, so my truck sees pretty regular servicing for preventative maintenance and I always fix things as soon as they need replacing...my windshield being an exception to that rule at the moment lol.

Since November I've done:
Clutch
Slave
U-joints
Rear Brakes
Tires
Oil changes
Air filter
Clean MAF & dielectric grease all connections in the engine bay.

 

Got a problem with minnesota?

pshhh screw that.....We will leave your truck on blocks, and steal your woman.

 

Yeah if your brakes are shot get those fixed, get a 50/50 mix anti-freeze, check tire pressure (dont forget spare!!!).

 

Take plenty of cds. I think everything else has been covered. I usually take a small tool kit and a better jack with 2 stands. Guess I go over prepared, but better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it.

 

I think that if you have the Hanes manual and a laptop, you can manage the following yourself:

-All ball joints.
-Inner and Outer Tie Rods.
-Coil Springs.
-Leaf Springs.
-All Bearings.
-Brake pads and shoes.
-Brake Rotors (for the front disc brakes...I don't know how to do Drum Brakes...uh...do any Rangers have 4-wheel disc-brakes?
-Possibly, Brake Calipers if needed.
-All shocks.
-Plugs.
-Wires.
-Tensioner & Belt
-New battery.
etc etc etc

That is like $2500 in parts. If you can do it yourself (which you can) then do it.

 

I have a '97 STX 4x4 with around 180,000 miles on it and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to drive it cross country.

 

I meant missouri , I burn some coolant so I figure I'd bring some of that along as well.

 

Missourasota yeah?

 

Holy expensive batman, I said I was a poor student right?

 

Hahahaha, I said the same thing about my Ranger. Only I got about 187K on it.

But, it was my own fault that it broke down.