Driving 99 GT across country 150k mi - Preventative maint?

**BmoreDrew** · 04-04-2010

I'm moving to California for a year sometime within the next couple months, and I will be driving my 99 GT with whatever I can stuff in it there. It's about 2900 miles, probably 34-3500 with side trips to see things.

1999 GT - 153k Miles
Original owner
Mobil 1 High Mileage Synthetic every 5k (Blackstone says I can go well past that)

Within the last 5-6 months I've done:

Brake pads all around
Suspension all around
New tires

Plan to:

Oil change before leave (obvious)
Clean K&N Filter
Coolant flush (I noticed last week temp was a little hot and it was a reasonably cool few days- its never had a flush before, that's original coolant.)
New bulbs / headlight adjustment (i feel like they are kinda dim and its probably about time for them to go)

Anything else anyone suggests?

After some reading I noticed a lot of people having trans issues at 180k? Something for me to worry about?

I think that's everything....

Thanks,
Drew

**gahris** · 04-04-2010

I got on trips that are about 2k every 2 months or so, and before every trip I bring the car into the local speedy for an oil change, while its up on the lift they check the suspension and brake wear. So i just check balljoints/suspension, all fluids and belts.

Keep in mind I am 100% ontop of any issues on my grand prix so everything else is in perfect condition

**TorqueAutoMotiv** · 04-05-2010

maybe new plugs , trans flush, but as long as its running well now you shouldnt have much of a problem
what part of cali you moving to...

Id make sure you lim gaskets are good proabably are if you havent noticed any coolant loss

**BwolfGT** · 04-05-2010

If it's running hot check the tstat, they're like 10 bucks if you've never replaced it before it's a good idea. Sparks wouldn't hurt if it's been awhile. I disagree on the trans flush though if it's never been done before I would test the waters after for awhile before taking it on a road trip. I've seen trans flushes shock the tranny on high mile cars.

**TheOtherNick** · 04-05-2010

Originally Posted by BwolfGT

If it's running hot check the tstat, they're like 10 bucks if you've never replaced it before it's a good idea. Sparks wouldn't hurt if it's been awhile. I disagree on the trans flush though if it's never been done before I would test the waters after for awhile before taking it on a road trip. I've seen trans flushes shock the tranny on high mile cars.

A transmission flush will not hurt the transmission.

**BwolfGT** · 04-05-2010

Originally Posted by 01GTP

A transmission flush will not hurt the transmission.

Meh

**TorqueAutoMotiv** · 04-05-2010

ive never seen a trans flush hurt a trans unless it was already severly damaged

**TCO** · 04-05-2010

Check your spare tire. Make sure it is in good shape and holds air. Also, check the jack that comes with it, and if you have room, get a small floor jack. The jacks that come with the car suck and if you get a flat, the floor jacks are a million times easier to use.

**BmoreDrew** · 04-06-2010

Originally Posted by BwolfGT

If it's running hot check the tstat, they're like 10 bucks if you've never replaced it before it's a good idea. Sparks wouldn't hurt if it's been awhile. I disagree on the trans flush though if it's never been done before I would test the waters after for awhile before taking it on a road trip. I've seen trans flushes shock the tranny on high mile cars.

I believe I have 180 deg tstat, though its pretty old as far as I remember. Can't hurt to replace I suppose.

I wont do a trans flush, too many issues can come from that IMO.

Originally Posted by TCO

Check your spare tire. Make sure it is in good shape and holds air. Also, check the jack that comes with it, and if you have room, get a small floor jack. The jacks that come with the car suck and if you get a flat, the floor jacks are a million times easier to use.

Good call! I would assume the widow maker is fine, but I'll check it anyway.. never had to use it. I do have a torque wrench I keep in the trunk, maybe I'll throw a small floor jack in there and dump the widow maker.

Thanks for all the replies.

BTW, I'll be living in the bay area. My fiance has a year left of school and I decided since I can finish most of my degree via online classes I would transfer my work position out there until she is done then we may move back. I need to get away after this last snow. I'm ready for tacos and bonfires on the beach.

**rynoman03** · 04-06-2010

Sounds like you got it all covered. Have a safe trip across country post up any cool pictures!

**dagger** · 04-06-2010

Honestly I'd just do the trans flush. All your doing is letting the fluid drain and then filling with new stuff and a new filter. I wouldn't worry about it hurting anything as I myself have done this to 2 different vehicles without any problem. Your going to be driving in a rather hot climate, you should get the trans taken care of with that many miles.

**kjohnson** · 04-06-2010

when i drove from sw iowa to branson i had a little trouble with my trans when i got back i dropped the pan and changed filter. that gets rid of debris that have built up and you get some new fluid in it but not all of it so its not a radical change but other then that it sounds like your well on your way. good luck and have fun in cali

**TorqueAutoMotiv** · 04-06-2010

If a trans flush hurts your trans it was dead anyway
And with a cross country trip you will be going from sealevel into higher elevation and back down and im guessing you will have a bunch of stuff in your car so added weight
A trans flush is a smart move

WHat part of the bay will you be moving to I lived out there most of my life

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