Going to get my new Motor/Tranny on Friday!

[Brian Diehl]

Well,
As many of you will remember I posted earlier this year about coolant in my oil.  I decided to not rebuild my 6v92 and am instead putting in a Cummins 410hp ISM and Eaton 10 spd autoshift tranny.  This Friday I will be picking up the entire assembly and hauling it home.  I'm picking it up in Ogden, UT and should hopefully be back home on Saturday evening unless the anticipated snow storm gets bad.  The motor has 78,000 miles on an overhaul and the tranny has 612,000 miles.  Wish me luck as I'm borrowing a friends trailer and hoping I have no trailer issues!  I've verified all brakes work, fixed the running lights and am getting the wheels balanced all to try and make sure I have no problems.

I'm leaving work early on Thursday afternoon and going down I35 down to Des Moines, IA and then head straight out to Ogden on I80.  My wife and I will switch off driving during the night and hopefully arrive in Ogden around 1 - 2 pm on Friday. 

Anyone know of any issues on I80 right now that I should be aware of?

-Brian

[belfert]

That is one heck of a trip to make with no sleep.  (At least it appears you won't have any time to sleep.)  I would guess it will take you around 24 hours each way depending on how often you stop for fuel and how fast you drive.

My friends and I take I-80 out to Reno, NV and it takes us a good 32 hours each way with gas stops.  (We only go 70 MPH to save on fuel and for safety.)  We tried to drive it straight through on the way back with just two of us in 2002, but we had to stop for sleep only 150 miles from home.

We've always taken this trip during early fall so we never had to worry about snow/ice.  I-80 from Des Moines to Utah isn't bad at all otherwise.  If you are driving a gasoline vehicle, don't stop at the very first gas station on the edge of town as they tend to charge more than stations at the next exit.  (30 cents a gallon more in one town!)  Try to buy fuel in Wyoming before Evanston as Evenston charges more for fuel since fuel in Utah is more expensive.

Brian Elfert

[Brian Diehl]

I'm taking my Jeep and will have a sleeping bag setup in the back for the non-driving person to sleep.  It won't be the same as sleeping in my own bed, but better then trying to sleep in a chair.

[TomC]

Brian-just check the weather first. Going through Wyoming can be bad.  When you get into Utah, make sure you take the I-84 cut off to Ogden.  You completely miss the big down hill into SLC.  In fact, I used to take the I-84 cut off even when continuing on I-80, the hill is so steep.  Then you also avoid down town SLC.  Make sure you at least open the top of the transmission to inspect the gears.  Make sure you get all controls, wiring, shifter, etc.  Good Luck, TomC

[skipn]

Brian,

    Since YOU are doing the trip it sounds fun (what stories are made of to tell the kids).
Through this whole engine tranny process....
Please take lots of pictures and post them on your site. (trials, tribulations, and the good).

I supposed with all the power you will be mastering will you be considering trans usa racing?

Please be safe and if tired don't push. Night time and snowing in the rockies can be hypnotic.

Skip

[Tom Y]

Brian, Good luck on your trip. When you get back how about a pic of your jeep and trailer with the load. I will be glad to hear when you are back. Be SAFE.  Tom Y

[NJT5047]

Brian, take a couple of spares for the trailer.   Keep the trailer tires inflated to the max recommended pressures when loaded.
Got a jack that'll jack up the trailer with it loaded?   
Wheel bearings are serviced on the trailer?    
Be interested in how your project progresses!  Sounds like a great adventure! 
Post lots of pix.   
Best, JR

[Brian Diehl]

Thanks for the well wishes guys.  I'll be safe and get back home in one piece.  I'll definitely post a picture or two for the benefit of all those wishing they were going with!   

-Brian

[kwidd]

Are you also getting the wiring from the truck? Are you dealing with Shan? He's decent to deal with. I have had good experiences with him. If you need any help I'm available. Thanks Kent

[Fredward]

Brian,
No rush returning the trailer. I'm loaning the horse trailer to my buddy to move with. Sorry about the wiring problems. The wheel bearings were repacked two years ago and all we've done with it since is move a skid steer around out here in Wright country. We use the gooseneck for everything else. As was mentioned elsewhere in this thread notice that those are 65lb max inflation (cold) tires and I would put them at 65 for the return trip.
Fred

[gumpy]

There are a few better routes than down through Des Moines. Shorter distance and time.

Give me a call today. That's kind of my territory out there.

craig

[skipn]

  Brian,

    If Craig's suggestion is to take I-94 don't follow mapquest turn south by Bozman go all the way
to Butte and take I-15. This way is an easy travel.

  My 2 cents. 

Skip

 

[belfert]

Why not take I-80 from Des Moines to Utah and beyond?  Is there a shorter/better way from Minneapolis to Utah?

From Minneapolis to Reno, NV all of the map sites say to take I-35 to Des Moines and I-80 the rest of the way.  This is the way I always go on my yearly trip.

Brian

[paulcjhastings]

For Brian Diehl it doesn't matter anyways, if the weather was good he should be there already. If he checks in before the return trip it might make him change the route back.

[Hartley]

Trailer Brakes MUST Work !

4,000 lbs of Iron on that trailer will turn into a THRILLER when you try to stop.....

Lots of chains and straps capable of handling 15,000 lb ratings for/aft and side to side.