Maintenance Recommendations

[CDACamper]

I'm planning out a trip to AK this summer and expect to drive around 6K miles over 4 to 5 weeks. I have done the following preventative maintenance and wondering what the collective has to say about additional items to consider and spare parts to bring. Below is a list of what has been completed.

2001 E350 EB50 PH
98k miles on v10 w 4r100 tranny
Quigly 4x4 up front and full float rear

Within the last 10k miles/2 years I have done the following:

New spark plugs, OEM coils and boots
PCV valve, hose/plastic fitting (plastic known to crack)
IAC
Fuel filter
Serpentine belt, idler and tensioner
Cleaned mass air flow sensor
Replaced all exhaust manifold studs
Brake rotors and pads front and back
Replaced power steering fluid
Coolant flush and replace
Dropped the transmission pan changed filter and complete fluid replacement
Synthetic diff fluid front and back
Transfer case fluid
Extended diff and transfer case breathers high in the engine bay
Quigley torque arms replaced
Agile RIP kit
Air filter
Propane/CO2 Alarm


Any thoughts on proactively replacing the fuel pump given the age and mileage? This is a painful process but willing to take it on if others have had fuel pump issues with similar miles/age.

Any thoughts on proactively replacing the radiator? The coolant I replaced was in decent shape but I am unsure about the lifespan of the radiator for these vans.

The only parts I carry are some extra lug nuts, tranny fluid and motor oil. Any recommendations on spare parts given limited storage space? I have a tool kit, assorted nuts/bolts, zip ties, duct tape, hose clamps, JB weld, baling wire, code scanner, fuses and multimeter. Am I missing any essentials?

I have not replaced the camshaft position sensor. Should I carry a spare or just replace it proactively?

[Mikerson]

The starter went out on my 2001 on Christmas Eve this winter. My van has about 135k on it. You might think about a replacement or carrying a spare. It’s not a hard job to do in the field, but you will want just the right combination of ratchet extensions otherwise it’s impossible.

Do you have a tire plug kit? They are cheap and I have seen pics of some gnarly punctures repaired long enough to get back to civilization with enough plugs. You might want one spare coil and boot, as well as an obd code reader since they are so cheap now. You might also think about an alternator. Mine went out around 120k. The only other thing I have been thinking about adding to my kit is a brake line repair coupler and some extra line.

Some guys have really extensive tool and part kits. I’ll see if I can find the thread.

[E-350]

Seeing the already comprehensive list I’m thinking about:
- U Joints (regrease/ check)
- Ball joints (regrease/ check)
- diff oil last checked/ replaced when?
- regrease door hinges and similar
- wiper/ washer fluid
- carry some grease/ anti seize
- tape
- zip ties (metal and plastic)
- recovery gear (at least basic stuff)
- spare head lamp bulps?
- replace fuel filter (or carry one)
- fuel pump is fine?

I‘m carrying spare wheel bearings, ball joints, tire repair kit, fuses (broke down once!!!), recovery gear, jumper cable, bottle and high lift jack, balancing blocks, compressor (mounted), gasket maker, spark plug, 1 coil, tire pressure gauge, tie downs…

Will post again if something else cones to my mind.

[Twoxentrix]

Credit card, and some extra adult beverages to pass the time in the event you do break down (puts you in a better mood).

[carringb]

I might think about doing both the fuel pump, and radiator, based on age. They both have plastics which are age-affected, regardless of miles. When mine went out, the upper tank ruptured across that top-tank, so there was no warning, and made a pretty good mess.

That said... I was able to limp 30 miles into town, bought some JB-stick, patched it and filled it back up, and drove another 300 miles home. Also... fuel pumps rarely fail without symptoms, but once it takes longer to start in hot weather or after a heat soak, better start thinking about replacing it.

[Mikerson]

if you are interested in augmenting your tool/spares kit: https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...rry-20892.html

[shenrie]

Water pump and timing chain. How many miles are on those items?

[doublevan2]

Years ago before owning an SMB - I drove my 1996 Econoline van up to AK - and a whining sound could be heard coming from my gas tank. i thought "oh _hit ! I stopped in Prince George at the Ford dealer for diagnosis. They couldn't "guarantee"/diagnose the problem so I bought a fuel pump - and a starter - just in case. I returned both items in JAX FL about 5 months later for full refund. I would say that carry a spare (the old one) serpentine belt if still looking like its' got some life in it ? Whitehorse has a Ford dealer I think - and of course Anchorage and Fairbanks. Just drive sensibly - especially on gravel roads - try the Denali Hwy and even up the Haul Road - but watch out for fuel trucks, log trucks, etc., even thru BC ! "They" own "their" road - so give it to them ! Good luck !

[N147JK]

Originally Posted by Mikerson

You might also think about an alternator. Mine went out around 120k.

I also lost an alternator - 350 miles from home. Lost a full day, in fact it ruined the entire journey for us.

After that disaster, I picked up a spare alternator and serpentine belt from the junk yard for $25. Tested the alternator working OK, cleaned it up a little, then found a place to store them together in the van.

People say you can't cover every possible problem, which is true, but some problems will have you limping, while others will have you dead unable to move. Want to try and cover the second type if possible.

[N147JK]

On one trip out, the vehicle suddenly would not turn over. One minute it starts instantly, the next it wont even crank. Turned out the battery cables were loose INSIDE the terminal connectors - completely invisible! So before heading out you might want to just check the cables and terminals and make sure the entire assembly is secured together, clean, and tight.