4.6 ltr. needs for the 1000??

[la2baja]

This is the first time I will be using my new truck (new to me) to chase the 1000 this year. I like to come prepared and would like to know if there are any quirks specific to this engine I should bring parts for. I will have: Spare

*Oil and coolant
*Altenator
*Starter
* Plugs and wires
* Fuel filter

Anything else that in your experience that has failed, that isn't going to cut to deep into the taco budget? I will be chasing our car from Ensenada to La Paz on race day .

Thanks in advance.

[partybarge_pilot]

Air filter or 2.......

[Eric Tadeja]

brake cleaner
JB kwik
alumi seal for radiators
blue paper towels

[Desert_Roller]

Do your maintenance now so you have no last minute surprises. Start a dedicated chase box for your truck and as you replace parts keep the good stuff as spares.

Change the spark plugs, do not go the 100K route, if your truck has 50K or more miles change them. Use anti-seize on the plug threads. Check plug wires or coil on plug connections and condition, replace if in doubt. All spare parts go in the chase box – it was running great before you changed them right?

Change your fuel filter now and keep the old one, seal off the ends and keep it as a spare, you know it fits and it works.

Change the serpentine belt, you know it fits and you have a good spare.

Change your transmission filter and fluids and carry a couple extra quarts.

Check tire air pressures, including the spare, coolant, brake fluid and power steering levels. On most Ford trucks, ATF is used for power steering fluid.

Now is a good time to make sure your lug wrench actually fits your lug nuts. - I've see it happen!

Check your brakes, it they need changing, do them now and replace the caliper slides and anti-rattle clips - again good spares to have. If your ride has 70K or more miles replace the wheel bearings, seals and brake calipers.

Don't forget to check ball joints / uniballs.

Carry a few feet of wire, connectors and spare fuses.

Buy OEM replacement or better parts! Motorcraft for Fords, AC Delco for Chevy’s etc…

Prep your chase truck as if you are racing it; Loctite, zip tie and safety wire everything. Carry a tool box with the basics; screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, wire cutters etc… Keep a logbook or spreadsheet in the glove compartment with mileage, part numbers, fluid types and capacities it helps in a jam and with future maintenance.

The only thing worse then chase guys showing up without a race radio, is a chase truck that will not go the distance.

[la2baja]

Thanks for all the input. I have all the prep done and plenty of tools and electrical supplies. Good reminder on the belt! Almost forgot. I have been chasing this race for a long time and my previous ride ran a 351. I knew the ins and outs of that motor and its needs. Any small (factory) electronics on the 4.6 that I need to worry about? Something i won't find in baja that I should buy here. A relay that is a typical failure? A sendor that will kill the truck if it fails?

[Desert_Roller]

Bryan, I just edited my last post to make it generic for any chase truck.

If your truck has coil on plug modules (COP), I would buy 1 now as a spare. They go out easily if they get wet or for no reason at all. Lube the COP boot with dielectric grease, it helps with water resistance.

[steveG]

Now is a good time to make sure your lug wrench actually fits your lug nuts. - I've see it happen!

This may be a non-issue, but if the only jack you carry is the OE supplied unit, make sure it will lift your truck high enough to change your own tire.

[texans at baja]

engine should be fine but carry extra air filters, jumper box and cables, food and water, a extra belt for the motor, fuses, flashlight, and most important a first aid kit. chase is a lot of fun and a lot of work. bring a camera and something to do while you are waiting around during some of your pre running. our chase usually brings a couple of cheap irons and golf balls and a grill for some food. good luck and have fun.

texas hank

[firedog]

Don't forget a way to start a campfire (lighter, matches ect.) just incase you happen to get stuck somewhere you can keep warm and cook.