I'm heading down to baja for the winter. already nervous about bringing such a nice truck. but I am happy that I feel (knock on wood) there's less of a chance for a breakdown with a newer rig.

I'm looking for ideas on maintenance. within the last 3,000miles I've:

rotated and balanced tires
oil/filter change
front and rear diff
transfer case fluid change
tranny filter/ fluid change
new fuel filter
cleaned air filter
in tank lift pump retrofit kit

I'm thinking of flushing the coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. but that's also because I'm just shy of 50,000miles.

can anyone give any suggestions as to recommended services. links to DIY would be sweet too!

oh yeah, one more thing. I think this plate looks pretty sweet on my truck. It's a long story as to how it got there. but I'm pictured here taking it off, however, I'm curious as to whether or not you think it would be a good idea to have it on while I'm down there.

A small part of me thinks some local scum would possibly pass it over when looking for a truck to steal, thinking it's a mexican's......

 

Haha! I'd defintely keep that plate on while youre down there! Not really maintenance, but I'd bring a couple of big jugs of diesel with you, and mabye an extra fuel filter too because of some of the poor quality of fuel available down there. Oh yeah, some jugs of fresh water too, for drinking and emergancy coolant. Have fun, I wish I could go down there!

 

I would take a couple of fuel filters, even here in the states with the finer filtering fuel filters I have to change them more often... Take some fuel additive of some sort it always would help...

Be safe

 

Heck, I say leave that plate on there...ain't nothin wrong with some pride for your country! Besides, no offense, but if they want to steal it, it won't matter if it's owned by a Mexican, American, or an Asian...it's a badarse truck regarless of the license plate...that's all any petty theif would see!

 

Will it be an offroading trip?

Tools
Fuel Filter
Distilled water
5 gals clean diesel
A couple of quarts of oil
Fix a flat or Slime
Compressed air
Tow strap
Camping Shovel
Jumper cables
Starting fluid (to reseat a bead)
lighter
etc??

 

Tools - I have lots of tools I always keep in the truck...over a year's worth of continuously adding what i've needed
Fuel Filter - ordering it in a minute
Distilled water 3 six gallon jugs
5 gals clean diesel - need to buy another jug
A couple of quarts of oil - I have 2 quarts of rotella in the back
Fix a flat or Slime - usually not good on 37" tires...but will try. mine are run flat too. but I also have a full size spare
Compressed air - any recommendations for a good 12v model????
Tow strap - check
Camping Shovel - good idea
Jumper cables - check
Starting fluid (to reseat a bead) - interesting...I didn't know that
lighter - always!
etc??

good ideas.

I will be offroading mainly because so much of the baja penninsula is unpaved. I'm not going to get crazy because I don't want to break anything down there...and I have my bed filled with stuff!

and last...I always put on the club and have my alarm system...plus, I know it's crazy, I think that the sun shield provides a tiny bit of protection....when those three things combine it makes my truck look like it's asleep, cozy, and would prefer not to be disturbed......but that's just in my eyes

 

If you have a spare and run-flats, then don't bother with the fix-a-flat. Maybe just some tire plugs. I carry a CO2 tank for air. If you know anyone who works for a restaurant or convenience store, you may be able to get them to borrow a CO2 tank for you. Coca Cola provides them to run the soda dispensers. Then you'll only need to get a regulator. Powertank and many others sell the regulators.

 

hmmm...

that's an interesting idea. How much are regulators. Is that what goes between the tank and the tire...and transfers the air into the tire.

I'd also like possibly just stick with a 12v air compressor.

 

It's against the law in Mexico to display the Mexican flag on your vehicle. I use a Viair 12v compressor down there to deflate and re-inflate tires. An off-road quality tire plug kit is a must. Changing my fuel filter at regular intervals has brought me no surprises(on my '99) after Mex. trips. Lots of sulfur. Change your money into pesos and use that at fuel stops so you won't be at the mercy of the attendant. Any usage of Spanish,primal or not will be appreciated. Fuel up frequently and try and go where the big trucks go. Mounted extra spare is great. Have fun! Bring some American nicotine for mordida.

 

Danderson

great advice. so your sure it IS ILLEGAL to display the flag. I was guessing that may be. I've read that it is definately illegal to display any other nationality's flag...but never the mexican flag.

I'll look into the Viair air compressor.

I have no knowledge of tire plug kits, so if someone would chime in on that.

the mordida, what is that.

I should know that word as I've studied spanish on and off for a lot of my life, so the language barrier won't be much of an issue. I still can't believe people travel to another country without knowing the native tongue...ridiculous!

 

Plug kits are easy, just read the package. I have been all over the world, cant even count the number of languages I have encontered, so ridiculous would be for me to learn them all.

 

My truck came with an owner's manual about an inch and a half thick and also came with a "maintence log" that was only about a quarter inch thick. Do you still have those? That's what'll tell you factory recommendations on when to check, change, or flush anything up to 130,000 miles. It has two different schedules. One is for "severe duty" (which is most likely your case towing, offroading etc) or daily driver light duty which are extended a little more. It's the "by the book method" that the dealer is supposed to follow when they service warranty vehicles. If you dont have one go pick one up at a dealer. It's probably not too expensive. It's only a little 4x6 inch handbook. I keep mine in the glove box.

 

A "Mordita" is a bribe. It works most of the time. If you really get into trouble, don't be afraid to run. Their law enforcement is pretty crude and it is much easier to get away. Especially if the police are on horseback.

 

Sorry. Ignore that last post. Just try not to get into trouble.

 

I bought a electrolisis kit for my 1991 diesel when it was new. If your not familiar with it it is a 3 bottle set of checmicals you can test for the amount of electric charge build up in your cooling system then adjust accordingly. Over electrolisis build up is the worst thing for eating holes in the piston walls of a diesel engine. Best $ I ever spent on it.Sorry if that's spelt wrong but the best I can do.

2006 Dodge Laramie Diesel 3500 4x4 QC, SWB, 6 speed,Leer 100QL canopy