Driving from DC to WY

dsade · **Posted:** Thu Jan 01, 2009 9:12 pm

Hey guys, just wondering (other than the completely obvious) what i should do to my 05' kj to prep it for the drive out to Wyoming from here in DC. I dont plan to do too much wheelin, more hiking and kayaking. However, i do need to do some moderate stuff to get to my family's cabin which is in the Big Horn Mountains just west of Buffalo Wyoming for all of you guys who are familiar with the area. A list of things to do would be great, not only am i new to my KJ but im also relatively new to driving (im still in High school). Any tips appreciated. Also if anybody here knows of any good trails in the big horns that would be sweet as well.

Thanks

Dan (KJ newbie)

daspes · **Posted:** Thu Jan 01, 2009 10:19 pm

Only suggestion that I can make besides the obvious checks and extra fluids, is a set of chains. Don't know hat part of WY you are heading too, or what the conditions of the passes are in the Appalachians, but some states require even 4x4 vehicles to carry a set with them depending on road conditions.

2006 KJ · **Posted:** Thu Jan 01, 2009 11:10 pm

daspes wrote:

Only suggestion that I can make besides the obvious checks and extra fluids, is a set of chains. Don't know hat part of WY you are heading too, or what the conditions of the passes are in the Appalachians, but some states require even 4x4 vehicles to carry a set with them depending on road conditions.

that's a good idea...

also through in some fix-a-flat (the kind that also inflates the tire at the same time) and duck tape just incase.. it'll get you though in a pinch. a breaker bar and socket to fit your wheel lug nuts is a good thing to carry as well. besides that make sure to check oil,coolant, tire pressure, power steering, brakes.. and so on.

Dje Ryu · **Posted:** Fri Jan 02, 2009 2:27 pm

When are you planning on making the trip? I'm assuming it won't be before spring. The Big Horns are under about 20 feet of snow right now. When you get to Buffalo, stop at the Forest Service office and get a map of the Big Horn Nat. Forest. There's plenty of trails around there. Most are well-maintained roads that aren't real challenging but, there are a few trails that are a bit more fun. I'm not real familiar with that area but, I'm sure I could find a few guys that would be willing to go on a trail run, if I have enough advance notice to set it up on all the local 4x4 club forums.

htkrph · **Posted:** Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:18 pm

how far of a drive is it?

Dje Ryu · **Posted:** Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:51 pm

about 3/4 of the way across the country.

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 02, 2009 7:12 pm

Change the oil before you leave with quality full synthetic motor oil and a good filter (NOT FRAM!!). Top off all your fluids (coolant, motor oil, p/s, brake, tranny, diffs, t-case). Check tire pressure (including your spare). Check air filter, serp belt (carry a spare), plugs, test your battery. Carry some basic hand tools, jumper cables, jack/lug wrench (or fix-a-flat), 1-2 of atf4.

It about 3800 mile round trip (from center state WY-DC).

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 02, 2009 7:38 pm

The liberty should travel really well on the highway.

Maybe plan to get the oil changed before the return trip but I wouldn't worry too much about lots of prep work. Just check over all the basics, preform any scheduled maintenance before you go.

I've driven mine all over without any hiccups at all.

dsade · **Posted:** Fri Jan 02, 2009 8:26 pm

Hey thanks guys. Great suggestions. As for the timing I will probably be goin out there in early summer when school gets out. Just tryin to make sure i can get all the money togeather in time, you know bein in high school and everything i don't have too stable of an income. But thanks for the suggestions and keep em comin if you feel something hasn't been mentioned.

durangotang · **Posted:** Fri Jan 02, 2009 10:53 pm

This has nothing to do with the drive itself but if you're looking at doing some hiking be sure to hit up the Cirque of Towers area... it's pretty sick.

dsade · **Posted:** Sat Jan 03, 2009 12:38 am

Thanks, ill look into it. As of right now i plan to do a hike to cloud peak which is about a two day hike from our cabin. Thanks for the recommendation.

Driving from DC to WY

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