Hey all been a while since ive been on the forums but i have a few questions i could use some advice on:

Im getting ready to deploy and my Ram is going to be sitting for a year maybe longer. I could use some advice on how to make sure i dont come home to a "Dead Ram" when i get back stateside. Here is what i have so far:

Fuel: I'll be putting a tank of 93 octane with Stabil in it. Should I purge the system? Or will this be ok for a year?

Oil: Oil will be drained and change with a new filter prior to storage.

Coolant: I just replaced the water pump after it died a glorious death one day while idling for a few minutes while i ran into the office. Came out to a river of prestone leading to the ram. Anyway, after putting the new pump on, i flushed the system and put new coolant in, with all new hoses.

Battery: Disconnected and stored else where.

Diff: Fluid was changed about 2 months ago, should be good.

Interior: Windows are tinted, visor will be put on windshield and 2 anti-moisture can things are going to be put in the cab.

Tires: Are old and I dont care if they go flat because im replacing them when i get back.

Ok sooooo.....what am i missing and/or how can i do it better? Thanks in advance!

Oh and BTW it will be stored in Louisianna so the climate will be Hot and humid in the spring/summer, and cool and humid in the winter.

 

i've used fogging spray in the past to keet throttle bodies lubed while things are stored. Other than that i think you got it covered.

 

Dump oil into the cylinders. Pull out the plugs, run a hose in there, squirt in some oil. Put plugs back. (be SURE to pull the plugs, and crank the motor BEFORE you try and start it when you get back.

I don't like Stabil. It has caused me more trouble that it was really worth, and I actually had LESS trouble when I didn't use ANYTHING AT ALL..... Your choice there.

If the truck is someplace you can, set it up on jackstands. Unloads all that weight from sitting on the same spot on the bearings for a year......

I have seen folks that would FILL the engine with oil........ Takes a fair bit of oil, but, really not such a bad idea......

Cover obvious openings, where little animals might think it is a good idea to build a home..... Exhaust pipe, air intake..... Etc..... Moth ***** may not be a bad plan either.....

When you come back... come ARMED. Wasp and Bee killer is going to be a REQUIREMENT.

Most importantly, MAKE SURE YOU COME BACK.

Thank You for your service.

 

It wouldn't hurt to crack open the diff and coat everything inside with grease. Just don't forget to wipe most of it out and refill when you get back. I've seen rust on the gears of vehicles that have been in storage for a few years.

You might want to check for stuck valves before starting it up when you return.

 

Will it be outside on dirt? If so, get a tarp and anchor it to the ground. Park the truck on it. Change the oil and filter when you get back, before starting it! Don't bother doing it now. Don't put a tarp on top of it, just make sure the third brake light is not leaking. The only thing I would cover is the cowl, to keep leaves and pine needles out. And get a dash cover to protect it from the sun and leave a window slightly open . As far as fuel goes, get gas that has NO ethanol in it. Add some MMO along with the stabil. I may have forgotten something, but last but not least. Remove the intake tube that goes from the fender to the air intake ,and block it off, along with covering up the exhaust pipe(s). Latex gloves work ok short term,but for an extended period of time, Rubbermaid kitchen gloves and some zip ties work great. Reason is, moisture will be minimal and it will keep the critters out.

 

will it be in the shade or out in the rain/sun.

cover the dash with a quilt or blanket to keep the sun off.
+1 on protect the third brake light, it tends to leak water. if nothing else, rtv around the whole damn thing.

i've used stabil with success.

take care of yourself and thanks for your service.

 

i wouldnt fill it, i would run the tank empty and when you get home fill er up with good gas !

 

+1 on parking it on top of a good tarp. Water evaporating out of the ground will get into everything electrical under the hood without a tarp. I parked my truck in a puddle once and it wouldn't fire after a few warm days. Water had condensed under the distributor cap causing weak spark.

If it were me I would put it up on blocks to keep the suspension from sagging, stuff somthing into the intake and the exhaust to keep vermin out, squirt some oil into the cylinders, fill her completely with a quality gas and dump a can of seafoam in the tank (run the truck a couple minutes to let the seafoam get to the injectors), make sure all windows are closed, cover the windows to keep the sun off the interior, and finally take the battery out and put it on a trickle charger.

Thanks for serving.

 

I would think this will invite a bunch of condensation to form. Friend of mine stores old cars and leaves open boxes of baking soda in them. He swears it soaks up all musty old odors. Be safe, Thanks for your service!

 

oh ok,i know my neigbors disconnects the hoses from the tank