How to make a high mileage, almost 30 year old R10 a reliable daily driver

[87ChevyR10]

As the thread title indicates, I am looking for tips on how to keep my 82,*** mile 1987 R10 a consistent daily driver with occasional long distant trips.

Aside from the basic periodic maintenance (IE: engine, tranny and rear-end oil changes and other essential fluid changes) what else might an owner want to do to keep a vehicle like mine from contracting chronic failures? AS of now, my truck has been reliable since I bought it in September. Only money I have invested into it was getting the oil pan gasket replaced. Other than that, it starts and drives when I need it to. However, my concern lies in its age and my ability to get out of town occasionally to see family about 200 miles out. Based on past experience with a 1985 C10, my luck with older vehicles seems to be lacking.

Once my IRS tax refund comes back, I should have about $1200 to spend. I have a couple non-essential things I want to do; but also, have a small list of items I want to fix/replace:

* PS gearbox + other attached components
* Engine and tranny mounts
* Tranny crossmember
* PS Pump hoses
* TV cable
* New plug wires, plugs, cap and rotor
* Belts
* Water pump
* AIR pump
* New front wheel bearings
* New brake pads

The hoses and vacuum lines appear to be in good shape. Aside from those items on my list. What else should I check? With Spring rolling around soon, I want to jump on this list and know I can drive my truck anywhere w/o worry.

Thanks!

 

[1low4x4]

Main things like plugs, wires, water pump, belts, assess your starter, dist cap and rotor, wheel bearings make for a more comfy ride. Miles don't really matter when it comes to a well maintained truck.

Over the last 4 years I've replaced the entire engine and transmission on mine, and smaller things as they went bad. Wheel bearings earlier this year, starter last year xause it was leaving me stranded, also about once a year I have to get under the truck and grease the entire front end or else I get squeaks going over bumps.

I'd put my 85 up against any new truck in terms of reliablility

 

[89Suburban]

Fuel pump, a good brand name one! Oil diverter gaskets and oil cooler lines if it is so equipped. Keep a spare ignition module and small tool kit to install it in the glove box.

 

[bucket]

Our dd's are always 25-30 years old, I just fix things as needed and upgrade as time and funds allow. Once driven often, I get a real good idea of what needs fixed first and what can wait.

 

[highdesertrange]

what I do is rebuild everything that moves/wears. you can do this one system at a time according to most pressing. once this is done you are good to go for many years. my '78 is a daily driver plus I take it on extended trips every year. I am getting ready do this work all again. this time I am putting in a 6.2 diesel, the lower end is at the machine shop as I type. once the motor is done I will move on to tranny, transfer case, and everything else that moves/wears. then I will be good for another 15 years. highdesertranger

 

[87ChevyR10]

Thanks for the tips.

With warmer temps finally making a come back, maybe I can finally dive into the truck and get done what I want before I jump on the motorcycle bandwagon.