Joecam18

I plan to come up through Tucson from Albuquerque after making a stop in Gila national forest

93_xjcherokee

OK. I'm in Tucson. If you stay here, send me a pm.

Joecam18

Sick! will do

Jakers

I'm not in Tucson, but gilbert, AZ. Would be willing to make a trip to Tucson tho. Keep us in the loop.

93_xjcherokee

Maybe we can plan a cf meet

Jakers

That'd be pretty cool!

blueseasons

Back in 1972 , I drove a 1956 Chevy Sedan Delivery that I bought for $800. from N.J. to California by myself. It had 4 drum brakes, and no power anything, and a 3 on the tree. I had removed the stock V8 and I put in a used 1969 305 that I got from a junk yard and a new clutch.
I left in February and took the middle path across the U.S. from Virginia, through Colorado Springs to Needles and eventually to L.A.to avoid the weather. The only problem I had was at some point a clip on the wire to the generator broke . I had few tools with me, (I didn't need any) no cell phone(obviously) and very little money. I drove that vehicle across the country a total of 3 times before I sold it.
Part of any trip is the unknown. And while you don't want to take any unnecessary risk, sometimes you can be over prepared which can take the adventure out of it. I read a book by John Steinbeck once and he said "you don't take trips, trips take you". That being said, enjoy yourselves.

Joecam18

Ain't a bad idea!

That is a great quote!

Sorry for the delay guys. Finals are a grind.

Trip is one week away and I just got my AC fixed and am going to rotate my tires, change my oil, diff fluid and tcase fluid this weekend. Spare tire is in the works and will be mounted, balanced and ready by Tuesday. Getting really anxious about it but I'm sure all will be fine. Got the AAA set up and road side assistance updated with my insurance company. Think this is gonna be one heck of a trip. Ill post pics of my maintenance over the weekend!

F1Addict

In my experience (and I have some) it's best to avoid over-preparing. Change the engine oil and check your other fluids. If they appear normal then let them continue to do their job. Cross-country road trips are a breeze for a well-maintained XJ, much easier than 5500 miles of daily stop-and-go driving. Overzealous preparation, while understandable, can lead to unanticipated failures. Like others have said, bring along tools and spare hoses and belts but don't replace them before you leave unless they appear to need replacement. Fresh wipers are a good idea and I agree that keeping your spare in the back rather than on the roof is a good idea. If you happen to be running with your sway bar disconnected, I recommend reconnecting it for your trip, you'll appreciate the added stability if you have to make any sudden avoidance maneuvers which are largely reflex but can result in a loss of control. Remember, you're packing six months of driving into just a couple weeks, everything you would experience on the road in six months is going to be condensed into 14 days, add to that unfamiliar roads, winter conditions and drowsiness... it's a great adventure but take care and be careful.

aflemke

I pretty much grew up in the Gila! It is an amazing place. What stops/sights will you be seeing there? Check out Silver City, NM, it is my old home town just outside the Gila.

BlvdKreeper

Did a cross country road trip myself last year in my 2001 XJ. From Chicago to LA and drove back a week later. Best experience ever. I want to do it again but since I lifted the jeep since then I'm scared to do it again hahah are you passing by any national parks??? Here are some pics from last May. Definitely worth the experience.

BlvdKreeper

BlvdKreeper

BlvdKreeper

Joecam18

Got the tires rotated this morning



New brakes, drums and pieces still looking good. installed a few months ago.



Got the oil changed out too. 6.5 quarts of T6 and a big old Wix