Question for the car gear heads

[syeater]

We are moving to Mexico in September for at least a year (probably longer). I am trying to decide whether to take a 2001 F150 or my 2010 1/2 ton Chevy pickup. The wife is really pushing the Ford hard so it will probably be that.

My question is I don't want to take any of USA tools down there as I can't replace my Craftsman USA in case they get stolen or lost. So I am putting together a travel box incase we break down (did I say I love working on generators but hate working on cars lol). The motor on the ford is still pretty strong 170,000 miles but I will do a leak down test next month to ensure. The Fuel pump/filter was just changed. Transmission seems to be fine just serviced that as well. I will replace the belt and hoses before leaving as well and flush the radiator.

So in my mind that really just leaves the Alternator, Starter and some other smaller stuff.

This is what I am thinking I need to bring and it should cover just about anything if we get stuck along side of the road.

Craftsman 56 piece MAX access socket set
Full set of wrenches up to 1 1/4 and 22 MM
Screw drivers
Craftsman 19.2V cordless drill- with normal accessories
Dewalt impact-with set of impacts
Fluke Multimeter
Set of crescent Wrenches
couple of smaller pipe wrenches
Craftsman 19.2V flashlight (I will have a couple of the smaller technician type of flashlights as well).
Full set of pliers-including channel locks


Am I missing anything? With this many miles should I bite the bullet and change the Alternator out when I change the belt? Is there a good fault reader that I can get fairly cheap?

Thanks

 

[ChevyEFI]

Just my take based on where I live but price a radiator. Here, they're cheap insurance and easier to swap in an evening rather than on the road. I'd rather spend $150 on one every 10 years than try and eke more time out of one.

Get in touch with local friends who have relatives in Mexico for a feel of how common the F series is. I would guess you will find that to be a very serviceable vehicle. And if you look up stuff online (the way you might look up on Autozone here) you might get a better feel.

A quality, light window tint wouldn't hurt. And put your location in your profile.

 

[Danglerb]

I'd pick the one with the most room in the rifle rack.

 

[rice rocket]

I'd take the newer truck every time in unknown environments.

 

[redwrench60]

I'd bring the truck that is most plentifull at the Mexican Bubba Napa (ie junkyard)

 

[indianbullet]

Good insurance on what ever it is you take. I Knew a guy that left his van at the airport and flew further south to fish and came back to a hull. When they strip a vehicle they strip it. Fords are hugely popular down there or used to be. Make sure the tires are TOP notch as the roads down there **** like nothing I've ever seen. Maybe have an extra spare or two.. If its not locked up welded down or chained up they will liberate it from you.
I always said if I ever go back I'm going to buy 20 phony garbage silver necklaces and hang them on a dowel and walk around with them out in front of me as if I'm trying to sell them just so the locals will leave me the hell alone LOL.

 

[W0rLDWaR4]

I would take some hose clamps as well sometimes you need them for the hoses. Maybe some distilled water/coolant and a quart of oil.

Honestly I would take the Ford. You will stick out like a sore thumb in a new/newer truck down there. Those people are desperate for money and won't think twice of holding you or your family for ransom (truck or cash). Don't want to make yourself part of the Mexican horror stories..

 

[SILVERPLATE]

They Silverado's in Mexico, must be parts.

 

[metaleltr]

They make Silverado's in Mexico, must be parts.

Fixed it for you

 

[Farmall450]

I'd take the newer truck every time in unknown environments.

Agreed, the least likely to break down.

And it's between a Chevy and a Ford anyhow, is there really any comparison needed?

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Agreed, the least likely to break down.

And it's between a Chevy and a Ford anyhow, is there really any comparison needed?

Agreed, take the Ford.

When we race in Baja the support trucks are 90% Fords. My friend took his 2002 2500 Silverado down there when it was new and it spent a month in the shop when it got back to get it to go down the road straight. The dealer had to replace every component of the front suspension. Pathetic. FWIW, he is from Mexico.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Hell, they were most likely both built there, so you should be fine.

Sounds like you have a good list of tools going with you. As said before, where are you traveling from? (and who sent you down there, if you don't mind? Only asking as a fellow GenTech).

If you want to be on the safe side, check the amp draw on the starter, make sure the alternator is putting out a good charge at full load (all the accessories running), and get the radiator pressure tested. Better safe then sorry if you're traveling during the summer.

I'd take the newer truck every time in unknown environments.

I'm the opposite. I'd trust a 60's or early 70's truck over anything 1980+ any day of the week, Ford or Chevy.

 

[scarney1988]

I would bring the F150.

I hope you don't have the sliding back window....

I hear the roads are rough down in Mexico, so bringing some quality replacement ball joints, control arm bushings, etc... may not be a bad idea to minimize down time.

If you are bringing tools than make sure you have the common-ish parts to get you back on the road:
Spark plugs
coil(s)
ignition wires
cam sensor
crank sensor
single fuel injector
ball joints
bushings
steering linkage(s)
lengths of wire in varying gauges with **** connectors (you can repair to your standard once your home)
Some lug nuts and studs
TIRE PLUGS
12V AIR COMPRESSOR

Also, added heat of the climate is gonna stress those 170k old components in a whole new way.

Just some ideas for non tool consideration

-Put a wheel lock on each wheel [make sure you have the key accessible]. Not a solve-all but it'll at least make them think twice.
-Spare keys
-Get your battery tested/replaced
-Change all lubricants [diff, transfer case etc...]
-Make sure you AC system is up to snuff
-Possible tint [someone already mentioned that]
-Spare tire (secure it to prevent theft)
-fold down safety/warning triangles
-Kill switch installed or pull ignition fuse when truck is parked over night

Some of my recommendations are due to me not knowing much about Mexico and also not being aware of the safety of the neighborhood you and your family will be traveling in. There are nice people every where and I am sure your gonna have some great memories when/if you move back.

 

[syeater]

thanks guys good comments all. I have always been a GMC guy but to be honest I'm starting to go over to the Dark side.

I have had my own business since 2005. I recruit and consult in the power generation field. Mostly onsite power generation and co-gen. Also do quite a bit with critical mission facilities and oil/gas. Work with a few CAT dealers as well.

With my job I can work anywhere in the world as long as I have high speed internet. My wife's aunt lives in Puerto Vallarta and we just signed a years lease for a nice place. Could have been a lot cheaper but the wife thinks she has to live on the beach. Personally I like the jungle more than the beach. And would have loved having some type of property with a work space/shed.

We are driving down from Dayton NV which is about 40 miles southeast of Reno or 10 miles due east of Carson City.

By the way I have a number of positions open for Heavy equipment techs/Gen tech mostly on the west coast but across the US. If interested send me a note.

Even though I sit at a desk now I am a tech at heart and will always be.

V/R
Steve

 

[kerrynzl]

Take breakdown insurance, and theft insurance [ and the truck that is most over-insured ]

 

[SILVERPLATE]

Fixed it for you

Thanks