Hey guys. Just wanted your opinion on options. A buddy of mine keeps asking me what is the most reliable parts and truck he can set up for longevity on zero break downs. (which is about impossible). The reason for this is he started a job that has him driving his 06 Cummins Auto from Wyoming to Deadhorse Alaska once a month. I have personally drove this road and it is not fun in the winter. He want realiablity with some extra power. Maybe another 150hp. So, I recommended block heater, oil pan heater, winter front, battery blankets, 2 spare tires, extra fuel tank, fuel additives, chains, jacks, some tools, rope, blankets, survival kit.. ect. for the safety side. For the safe and realiable power side, I said Airdog pump with fuel filter, DDP 50hp injectors or F1, Smarty, (already has a built tranny) intake, exhaust (which I don't think is need nor the intake but he insist) and gauges. What am I missing? What else could go wrong? What other parts on that truck could be upgraded to better serve his needs for driving through lots of snow, cold cold days, rough dirt roads and so on. There will come a time on that road where he will have to use every bit of power of that extra 150hp gain and up there, you can't afford to have things break. So with that being said, please give any imput. Thanks so much guys.

 

Deadhorse Alaska is one heck of a commute from the lower 48. He is going to chew up ball joints and universals. I suppose he will be using 4x4 a lot, but free spin hubs might be worth it. I’d put the new upgraded steering found on the ‘08’s on as well.

 

I second the free spin hubs, I would much rather deal with a bad roller bearing that is a easy replacement worse case scenero .

 

Carli Suspension upgrade. Call them up for a recommendation. Do there Extreme BJ's at the same time.

 

I did mention the new steering, but not the hubs. Good idea. It is a heck of a commute. I use to drive truck from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay to deliver bulk cement and it was a horrible road.

 

That is going be one rough drive. I'd also say he needs to run synthetics, especially for the oil in those temps. Get the high idle enabled it he doesn't have it. A handheld GPS/Nav system would be a good thing as well. And I think they require passports now as well to enter Canada. Probably some sort of animal guard on the front of the truck as the wildlife will be in the road, and it will be night all the time up there. Extra lighting as well, maybe added on the animal guard on the front or a brightbox to run the highbeams and foglights at the same time. -40 to -60 degrees F on those roads is going be rough on a truck, I would expect things to break that we can't even imagine. Plastics becomes so brittle I've heard of people shattering the steering wheels in their hands when grabbing ahold of the steering wheel to get in their vehicles. The frost heaves can make you sea sick up in the northern Yukon. And I think that'll be about 7,000 miles up and back a month he would expect to drive, and will take him about a 5-6 days of driving each way. Record I set was about 71 hours from southern Utah to Anchorage, and that was good weather and 2 drivers. And when I arrived it took me a full day before I was able to function. Is he going to be working with the oil company up there, 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off? If so, he may need to reconsider the mode of transportation....

 

Well, I worked in Prudhoe Bay for Halliburton for 3 years doing 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. I flew though. I informed him on what to expect up there though. Its cold up there, but not too cold since its so dry. When it is -60 in Prudhoe, that is equivelent to about -20 in Montana. That is about how it feels. There are stops along the way so if he did need minor items and supplies from Fairbanks to Deadhorse, he could get them. Cattle pusher and lights would be an excellent idea. Also, he is working as an independent contractor for some welding company. Not sure on the details, but they will not pay for his flight from Wyoming to Anchorage. Only from Anchorage to Deadhorse. Or, he can pocket the money from the flight ( whatever is cost from Anchorage to Deadhorse) and claim mileage. That is why he is going to do it. He told me that it was not a permanent job. He just wants to get the truck paid for and anything he throws at it. He will do this for about 6-8 months.

 

With that extra 150hp, which I know is not too terrible much, what else could fail, or could be uprgraded?

 

I'd recommend getting a set of winter tires with studs. It would make the drive a whole lot less stressful.

 

Personally, I would want some selectable lockers for a trip like that...

Also, a winch with a high quality winch kit, ****** block, etc...

To go along with the above mentioned items.

 

See, this is why I asked. A winch would be great. He has always said he wanted a winch but couldn't justify it. Now he can, since he is throwing parts at the truck and has the money to pay for it. I don't know if he will do the lockers, but hey, its an idea. Thanks. Keep em comen.

 

Yep, the temps I was taking about definately more along the interior near Fairbanks.. And last year Tok was in the -35 to -40 F range... I know its not you, and you probably understand, but wouldn't he be better renting a place in the Mat-Su Valley or up in Fairbanks and commuting? The risk on those roads in the winter time, the time consumed driving, and the possibility of seriously damaging the truck vs. renting a place for $750-1000 a month and then just driving 400-700 miles each way instead of 3500 miles each way? I've been the first vehicle at an accident scene North of Eureka and Petersville and those people had been standing on the side of the road for over 30 minutes waiting for the next vehicle to arrive. It was all I could do to shove everyone in the cab to keep them warm, and wait another 30 minutes for an ambulance to arrive. And that is not as remote as he'll be going in the Northern Yukon, where I've driven for long periods without seeing another vehicle..... Seems like a big risk, doesn't it? I know a little off subject, and if you can't change his mind he'll go and try it on his own..... Just kinda my .02, Merry Christmas by the way!!

 

I would make sure I had a set of tire chains in the toolbox, just in case. Mine saved me one night long ago, when I had to enter the ditch, then couldn't get out.

Just my opinion, but I would be reluctant to add as much as 150 hp on a truck I needed reliability out of. To me, the less power, the longer things will last.

 

LOL. I absouluty agree. He is crazy. No offence to the older gentleman on here, but I think he is going through a mid life crises. He wants adventure in his life. He doesnt want things easy. He is into trying new things. I know I can't change his mind. He has talked about what type of heater he will carry with him incase he breaks down and can't get help for a day or so. He also bought one of those SPOT GPS deals for an emergency. He really wants the braggen rights to say that he drove such and such road for such and such distance in such and such temps in his Cummins Diesel. I can't blame him, but that is getting carried away. I also think that the 750-1000 is way under what he would pay, but it would be well worth the warmth if you ask me. I know I would never drive those roads in the winter again. Heck, from Wyoming to Anchorage is far enough in the winter, or summer!

 

LOL!! Agreed, I honestly think he can do fairly good renting right now, especially in the Mat-Su where the prices have fallen significantly. Maybe just a little North of Wasilla, in Houston, I know a few guys that got some good deals up there. But, oh well, what can you do. I'm glad to hear he's taking the survival portion serious, just in case he needs it. Kinda like the guy that drove his Harley around the world... I remember pictures of this guy using a blowtorch to heat his carb in Siberia... I do wish him luck!!