ZR-1 Alaskan Adventure - 2012

[tomtom72]

Holy Road Trip Batman! Sweet! Good Luck Jim and Lyndi!


Which tires do you have on the yellow Z? If it is the D3's, I'd seriously consider looking for a less soft tread compound tire if the roads are that bad up in Alaska? Maybe something with a treadwear over 280? That and the kit from the C5 ZO6 to fix flats. How's the clutch hydraulic system? The water pump & cooling system? Suspension? I would do a complete fluid change also....

You guys have fun and a safe trip! Oh, yea we need pictures too!


Tom

[QB93Z]

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, I have Milepost. It is an invaluable source and I have used it a lot already. Curtis, when you say that the Cassiar Highway is rough, do you mean that it is gravel or just not in very good condition?

Thanks for the tip about Skagway and Haines. I picked that route because of the ferry. I consider that part of the adventure.

Yes, I have LTPWS sensors. I hadn't thought about them and using Slime, so I guess I won't bother taking that.

Passports are ready to go. No weapons, too much hassle.

All fluids have been changed. I installed a new thermostat and cleaned all the debris out of the radiator. I replaced all four front control arms and the sway bar bushings. All the rear bushings were replaced last year. New Michelin PS2's.

Jim

[SteelBlueZR1]

I am in awe of your ability to follow through on your dreams and make them real... Jim, when you are in Lake Louise, it would be a real shame to miss the spectacular scenery of Banff a fairy-book town nestled in Banff National Park - This is my favorite place in the world, with great food, architecture, and many elk and moose so watch out! Safe travels to you and Lindy!

[ZONER 95]

Jim,
That is one ambitious trip!....especially in a Z.....I'm sure you've done your research and homework...my best advise would be plan for the worse and hope for the best....We spent 2 weeks in AK last summer, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward, Juneau and Kenai Peninsula.....the scenery is spectacular!....the roads however run the gammut from good to horrendous....most of the main highways were in fairly good shape, most secondary roads are gravel and some are pretty rough and dusty...(carry xtra air filter)...also the weather can do just about anything, even in the summer....we experienced everything from 90 degree heat in Fairbanks (very unusual) and 30's freezing rain near Seward.....

Best of luck on a adventure of a lifetime!!.....I look forward to your posts about the trip....Kevin

[FU]

One sure know's how to do it right. That's for sure. Enjoy !!

[cward]

Originally Posted by QB93Z

Curtis, when you say that the Cassiar Highway is rough, do you mean that it is gravel or just not in very good condition?

Yes, I have LTPWS sensors. I hadn't thought about them and using Slime, so I guess I won't bother taking that.

Jim

Nearly all the roads from Dawson Creek north will have occasional gravel where they are being worked on. The gravel is sometimes better than the pavement. Frost heaves in the pavement are tough. You have to contend with all the RV's too. A lot of them travel at less then 25 mph on good and bad portions. Most of the time the frost heaves and breaks in the pavement are marked with little orange flags. Learn to spot them and use the whole road as your lane. We call it pot hole dodging. Cassiar is paved but has gravel in spots. Road has lots of rough areas. The big fire of several years ago burned tens of thousands of acres of forest along the Cassiar. If you want to, you can email me and I will send my phone number. There are several places in Canada and Alaska I can recommend and some I can suggest avoiding. I have over the years driven just about every way you can go from the lower 48 to Alaska. I have a number of favorite spots to visit no matter how quickly I need to be going.

[DaveK]

Looks like a great trip Jim. Have fun!

[batchman]

Looks like an outstanding adventure!

I'd suggest packing an oil filter. You'll want to change your oil before getting home I'd guess, and you may not find our filter stocked everywhere on your path.

My habit is to carry a spare hub for each end and the basic tools to change them, but I do them so often it's like an instinct -don't leave home without a spare LOL. That and a spare caliper pin w/c-clip.

Keep us posted!
- Jeff

[Scrrem]

Wow Jim, What a trip. We went to Alaska a few year ago, Loved Kechikan and Juneau. We did some horseback rideing in Whitehorse, very nice too. May want to pack a spare coil Enjoy.
Rich

[Mystic ZR-1]

Jim
I'll bet you've made "Northern Runs" before?
This time will be more fun!
Doug