Wow Bill, I hope that you can get over the trauma caused by that evil rig of yours. Have you considered counselling? There are things that may happen that will strand you, like a blown up getrag, (ask me how I know)but if my starter goes out, I'll be down the road in less than 1/2 hour. That is much faster than AAA. My alternator went on the way to Vegas and it only delayed me about 20 minutes...Mark

 

Last time I did a longer trip I didn't even think about it just got in and drove.

 

I'd rather be lucky than good, but I gotta be prepared, like I learned in the Boy Scouts......Mark

 

Any one carry a clutch fork pivot ball???? I didn't and guess what???... Long tow.

 

you forgot spare doors,fenders and hood

 

Sorry I have to disagree about the reliabilty remark made. In all my travels the worst thing that has happened is a starter that would fail to start once or twice in a day without a swift smake with a hammer, but even then I made it back to Florida from Pigeon Forge without it going out. I broke a throttle cable about 500 feet from my house once. I think that is great for a 20 year old truck. You have to remember that these trucks are old and most of us are pushing them way past the limits they were designed for. They were de-tuned on purpose to make them run forever and the first thing we do is turn them back up and run them like there is no tomorrow. Mine has never left me stranded and has never been towed, how many Fords or Chevys 20 years old can say that? I am leaving this summer for New Mexico and have no doubts that it will get me and my trailer there without a complaint or a groan. That is realiable enough for me.

 

Yea, I keep my underbody tool box full of tools and extra oil/fluids and my rear of the cab holds my nicer tools. I always keep a roll of duck tape and a small amount of baling wire. Hey, you never know.

My truck has only quit me twice, once being fss wire loose and other was non dodge/ cummins related (knock on wood). It'll happen eventually with a high mileage 20 year old work truck.

 

An extra head light switch is a must have also. My truck has been mechanically reliable but electrical is another story.

 

True, but I have all my extra lights on a relay which helps take the load off the light switch. knock on wood so far I have had no problems with the electrical except for one blown fuse link that I shorted out myself so it doesn't count against the truck.

 

I'd like to do the relays too. Thats a good idea, I'd say you'r in good shape there. I hav'nt had no major electrical issues that wer'nt caused by the previous owner(s) but dash lights have been out for a while, I have yet to find the problem..