Hi guys, Great site and lots of helpful info! I hope you can give me some advice for my new adventure.
I bought a 1996 4cyl 4x4 HB last year, and I'm planning to drive it from Minnesota all the way to Argentina. It has 110K miles on it and it seems to be in very good shape. I'm planning on changing all the hoses and filters, plus transmission and differential oil. Already bought MT90 (which is GL-4) for the tranny, and valvoline 80-90 for the diffs(I'm in Oregon right now, and waititng for a non rainy day to do the fluids change). Engine oil is Mobil 5w-30 and K&N oil filter.
I'll be buying all OEM hoses from ABC. Still not sure about the belts or filters. Are nissan belts or filters any better, or should I try to get other brands?
On the Haynes manual says that I should change the charcoal canister filter, but I haven't seen that filter listed in any auto parts store. Should I replace the whole canister or leave it as it is? I didn't see any comment about it in the forum. Same thing for the pulsated secondary air filter.

I would like to hear any recommendation of other parts or tools that I should take with me (apart from filters, belts and hoses) just in case to not be trouble in the middle of nowhere. Hints about places to visit on our way south will also be welcome.

Thanks all,

Julian

When was the last time the timing belt and water pump was done on the truck? Being that it has 110k, I would add that to your list. Make sure your brakes and tires (and spare) are in good shape as well.

For the trip, I would bring all the fluids the truck needs (oil, transmission, gear oil, brake fluid, etc.) just in case. Also bring a good set of metric tools, bailing wire, duct tape, and anything else you would need to repair the truck in the middle of nowhere. You might also want to consider bringing items you would need in a survival situation. You'll be crossing a lot of open land. Water, blankets, canned food, first-aid, etc.

That's all I can think of right now. Don't forget your camera!

to N4W!

It's a 4-banger. He has a timing chain, not a belt.
Probably coming due for a clutch, though.
I was able to clean the canister filter, but I cannot recommend it, because I had to cut the canister open to get at it. I welded it back together with a 40-watt soldering iron. Yours is 10years newer than mine, so yours may be removable.

Survival stuff and camera are already on the list of things to carry around.For the clutch I'll wait until it gives some warning signals and most probably let a local mechanic do it while I go sightseeing, or drink some beer. You got to remember that mechanics there are usually much cheaper than here, but parts not, and manual transmissions are way more common than AT.

I bought some metric tools already and an old fashion torque wrench. The metric set goes up to 19mm only, I'm not sure if it'll be enough. I don't want to ruin any thread or bolt using an adjustable wrench.
I was also considering the idea of getting a code reader, would it be worth?

get a 22mm wrench too.

I would have the clutch done, as well as the fan clutch. Those parts might be hard to come by in the middle of nowhere.

I'd carry multiple spare tires, an air source, tire plugs, and capacity for additional fuel.

As for belts, I'd stick with OEM, and carry your old ones as spares. For an air filter, the standard parts store stuff will be fine.

Pull the front hubs and repack the wheel bearings and install new grease seals. Also, you're covering a lot of distance, so it would be good to have new front brake pads, and with over 100k, the rear shoes are probably shot too.

You've got a good reliable truck there Be sure to overfill the transmission with the GL4 by about a quart. You can do this by lifting the left side of the truck higher when filling it.

quote:

I'm planning to drive it from Minnesota all the way to Argentina

Just to do it? All the way to Tierra Del Fuego?

for belts and hoses i definitely recommend nissan stuff.

id bring a PILE of new spare parts. new clutch kit especially if your not going to do it before you go.

id stash me a few good guns and ammo too. legal or not, you will be going thru some seriously unfriendly territory and need to be able to not end up dead, even if it means taking out a few baddies.

I think that there is a brand of belt called gatorback, its supposed to be top notch. Other than that A+ on all the fluids you mentioned they are all what I would use. If I was you I would use mobil clean 5,000 or mobil clean high mileage. I don't think that mobil 1 would be a good choice since its synthetic you may burn some of it. Also be prepared to pay an arm and a leg for gas down there. You may also want to check the tread and properly inflate all the tires. Replace air filter, spark plugs, fuel filter. Good luck on the trip!! and get some pics of you hb in cool places!!!

quote:

Originally posted by TJL:
for belts and hoses i definitely recommend nissan stuff.

id bring a PILE of new spare parts. new clutch kit especially if your not going to do it before you go.

id stash me a few good guns and ammo too. legal or not, you will be going thru some seriously unfriendly territory and need to be able to not end up dead, even if it means taking out a few baddies.

What??? I thought that cocaine dealers were friendly