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I will be going in a lds mission for 2 years and don’t want to get rid of my truck it’s like my project truck and I have put way to much money and time into it. I was just wondering what would be the best way to store it
These are some things I figured I would do
Take the battery out
Change the motor oil ( it’s about due anyway)
Put a cover on it
It will be in a shed and garage (back and forth)
Having a family member start it once in a while and let it run or take it for a short drive once in a while.
I have thought about changing the tranny oil too but I’m not sure if it would be worth it.Any other ideas?
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I think it’s a good idea to put it up on jack stands to prevent flat spots on the tires. It makes it difficult to take for a drive though. I wouldn’t worry about the fluids so much, that would be more of an issue when you put it BACK on the road. I’d wait till then to change the fluids. When you fire it up for the first time, disable the spark and fuel and crank the engine long enough to build up oil pressure before you try and start it. The best thing to do is have someone drive it at least once a month. That should help a great deal.
The reason why people put cars up on jack stands is to prevent flat spotting on tires. Just buy new tires in 2 years. A car is ‘at rest’ when it’s standing on its wheels. By placing it on jack stands you are placing suspension components and bushings under stress. To a lesser degree, you are also placing the chassis under stress. Have you ever jacked up a convertible and found that the doors no longer latch smoothly? Chassis flex is the reason. This happens to hard top cars too and the chassis will bend slightly if left up on stands for too long. What you save on tires is not worth the damage your car will sustain from being under stress for two years.
Another solution is to go to the salvage yard and pick up 4 spare tires. Bag your wheels in black contractors bags to curb dry rot, and stack them in the garage.
Your battery will likely be toast when you come back. Disconnect it, but expect it to be dead and sulfated in two years.
Fluids will be fine. Replace them later.
Bag up the car. Tape the bag to the ground. Put whatever pest control devices in the bubble you feel are necessary.
Good Luck!!!
Those are good ideas. I had the oil changed because it was do in like 50 miles anyway and I figured good oil sitting in the pan is better than old oil sitting. Ill see I’d my grandpa can start and just take it up the road or something atleast once a month. Do I need to do anything with my profile on here? O and the battery is starting to get old and not as good anyway so no biggy.
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