Yesterday was the furthest the Mustang has been driven in about 21 years. As I’ve completed other projects on it, I’ve driven it around the block, which is about 1/4 mile or so at best. When I had to pick my son up from a sleepover, I thought it would be fun to surprise him and pick him up in the Mustang.
Granted, I wasn’t some grand adventure...this trip consisted of maybe a 4 mile drive in total. But that drive helped the Mustang move from being an abstract idea into a functional car. I was grinning ear to ear when I got it up to a speed above 25mph, seeing that long red hood stretch out in front of me.
It also helped nail down a few more future projects. Right now, the steering is a merely a vague idea, I’ve had enough “old” cars to know what to expect from steering/handling. This is not it. A steering box rebuild is in order. I noticed a small amount of coolant splatter, and noted a radiator replacement is in my future. I do plan on pulling the engine/transmission at some point, clean the engine bay, and potentially replace/rebuild the trans. It was one concern the previous owner had. Overall though, I’m still a happy camper.
4Runner thought? Every time I think I’m going to replace it, I can’t think of what I would want that would suitably replace it (FJ or GX are the only consistent thoughts, but that’s already strikingly similar to what I already have). I was going to go drive a Sequoia yesterday that was right price, right miles, until I saw the engine pic of the 4.6. I wouldn’t get that big beast with the smaller engine. Even then, I don’t *love* Sequoias. I’m being a bit selfish here, but the fact of the matter is that if we *need* something bigger to lug around my in laws with us everywhere we go, my wife can replace her vehicle to fill that role. The 4Runner has been semi-retired from family duty as it’s too difficult for her mom to get into.
Anyway, have a great Sunday, everyone!m
