Going Off-Roading in 3 Weeks

[SourTooth307]

Hey everyone, it's been a while so I thought I'd see what's up. Got myself a new truck a few weeks ago, my first new vehicle ever a 2015 Silverado. I love it to death as my regular daily.

My buddy and I finally set ourselves a date in 3 weeks from now to take our first off-roading trip. I'm looking to do what I can to get my 84 Scottsdale ready for what would be a pretty mild run of trails and beginner stuff. I feel like my truck is ready enough, engine is tuned and running nicely, new throttle cable and return springs, and planning to do a coolant flush soon.

There is a very mild hiccup when it shifts from 1st to 2nd but I'm not convinced that will be an issue on some simple beginner trails, no rock climbing or mud bogging intended. I wanted to know what else I should look at just to be sure everything will be ready to go. Front end looks ok, I do have replacements for the steering link parts that go from the steering box to the front end. Forgive me but I forget what the parts are called, they're what look like two ball joints with threaded arms and an adjusting sleeve in the middle held on by hex nuts locked by cotter pins. It adjusts the steering wheel's position only and doesn't impact the currently perfect front end alignment. The wheel is off center and the adjusting sleeve is frozen and can't be adjusted anymore. I'd also like to put a smaller steering wheel on it for more accurate turning.

Need to check the diffs out and make sure the fluid itself and levels are up to snuff. I feel like there is some play in the rear I'd like to find out why and where. Suspension looks and feels good, frame looks sturdy for as old as it is. Engine and trans mounts are all good from what I can tell. Exhaust is hanging a little haphazardly so I wouldn't mind adding some hangers to secure everything a little better.

Anyone catch something I missed? Let me know since you guys must know these trucks better than I do.