I'm moving to tampa in about 3 weeks, what kidna prep for my car should I do before I take it on the long 1500mile trip from Rochester, NY to Tampa, Fl? I figure fluids and filters but what else? I got the new rear going in tommarrow too so hopefully that will help me out with the gas mileage.

 

Alignment, check brakes, belts & hoses. Do you have air conditioning? Is it working? U-joints, trans mount, rubber bushings in good shape? And just in case--- get a membership for AAA! It costs less for a membership than one tow from the highway.

 

That's not that long of a trip, less than 2 days. I wouldn't get too spooked.

Check your tires, make sure they're up to pressure, when cold, and do not "bleed" air out of them when they're hot, just check them each morning when you start and fill up with gas, before you have gone more than a mile or so; make sure your wheel bearings and other running gear are lubed and in good shape; rear end fluid and other such things topped off; and rubber things, belts & hoses, are all in good shape.

In other words, concentrate your efforts on things that will leave you sitting by the side of the road with a car that won't work.

 

for example, wait till you get to florida to change out rears if you're using new gears

 

Tranny mount is brand new, the car is getting the new rear in right now actualy and I'll have it back by friday. What should I look for with rubber bushings? All the fluids are new, radiator is new, tires are good.

 

front and rear control arms, sway bars, torque arm, tie rods, but none of that is going to leave you stranded. stick with the things rb83l69 said, and by all means take the time to read the instructions that came with your gears (unless we're talking an entire rear end swap) and bother to take the time to break them in before you leave, or else theyre' going to get real hot real fast and something might end up going boom.

 

the only thing you need to worry about is if your driving a dodge or a import.

lol, also not mentioned but probably already known is take some antifreeze/oil with you. You never know i guess : >

And perhaps a prepaid cell phone if you do not have a cell, they come in handy

 

UUmmmmm, i would advise you bring some sunscreen........... .....and making sure the A/C works, I can't live without mine

The AAA membership is a must, it's worth it even if you don't use it once.....Even if you go over it's only like $30 for a tow, or service call.....

Make sure the starter and starting system is good, check for vaccum leaks and an alignment wouldn't hurt.