Just the other day I took my truck in the shop to have them look at the rear brakes. Well turns out the drums were packed full of dried mud, and because of the mud something within the passenger side drum cracked and needed to be replaced. Well $200 later the problem had been solved
So to the question...
I was just wondering what all should be done after a day offroad? What kind of maintaince is needed to make sure things are not constantly braking because of mud, water, ect...? I understand thats part of offroading (things braking) but I would like to do everything in my power to help make things last as long as possible.
Thanks

 

it's always a good idea to hit a pressure washer right after mudding- no mud in the driveway and no annoying rocks and stuff in your brakes! I usually load it with about 10 quarters and go to town..

if you're cheap you can just put the sprinkler under your truck and come back in a hour..

 

Clean the underbody! The longer mud sits, the harder it gets to remove. Leaving mud on the frame can also lead to rust issues. Also, check the truck for damage after every trip. Make sure nothing got too beat up.

 

Yeah I always powerwash the underbody. I was looking more for like changing fluids, greasing certain parts, taking apart bits a pieces making sure theres no mud, rocks, ect in them...

 

yea if your getting mud packed in your brakes, youd probably want ot take them off and give it a good wash after you go

 

The idea of using a sprinkler under the vehicle would cost a lot more here in Colorado than the car wash. We are still on drought restrictions. I could only imagine the water bill.

 

Are there even any greasable parts on our trucks?

 

lol I dont know thats why I was asking...

 

just do what every one else is saying...with the car wash

i work too hard tryin to keep my truck lookin/running good for me to go thru 4 feet of mud...maybe one day...

 

Keep it on the streets...

Mud sucks anyway...

I use to go muddin...

It a waste...

Got to pay to play...

 

true....

and its such a PITA to clean off the dried mud...for 2 hours of playing, u get a whole weekend of degreasing and washing...

 

In that case, check your radiator and transmission fluid frequently.. also its a good idea to check your rear diff fluid, you can check with a 3/8" ratchet. I usually get sand and mud inbetween the leaves, and I got tired of taking the wheels off to clean the leafsprings.. so I put ramps on opposite corners to flex out the truck and wash the leaves real good.. then put a decent coat of white lithium grease at the bushings to keep the squeaks to a minimum.. not much to it at all..

 

what DOESNT need to be checked should be the question. pending which off-road enviroment u will be tackleing will require difference strategies for inspection/cleaning/servicing.

for general light to moderate mud and shallow water check and service the following:
Axle differental fluid
Transmisson fluid
Transfer case fluid
Wheel bearings, repack if nesseccary
Rack and pinon, tie rods and tie rod ends
radiator, condensor and fluid coolers for blockage
check all fluids and fill if needed
if u have any xerk fittings, hit them up with some grease
give the suspension a once over
give the brakes a once over and remove the drums
pressure wash the entire truck from top to bottem

good tip, if ur gunna play submarine or tractor extend ur vent breather lines on the drivetrain. also know where ur critical items are and dont try to ford water over a foot deep.

i think thats it for now...

 

Heh, true that, even the damn car washes cost more than they used to

 

bascially, don't leave it muddy for long periods of time, as you have figured out. Wash it at your first convinince after a day of playing around...

 

good idea with the ramps to clean the springs

 

The u-joints, ball joints, etc... are all sealed for life. Some aftermarket replacements have grease fittings though.

 

i just went today and got my new 4x4 muddy.
I went to a TOUGH trail but my truck made it through.

Now i have a squeaky belt, a noise from my front driver side wheel, and i squeaky brake.
I just spent the last 2 hours cleaning it, and im going to clean it again tomorrow.

 

thus why i dont hit mud anymore!!!!!! and dont care for mud!

 

trails are more fun and challangeing