Yes, I certainly agree that the car should be in top condition before starting a trip like this. However, for all I knew, it was in top condition. I had driven it for ten months and fixed all things that cropped up, except the unbalanced front wheels. I had intended to do a through inspection and fix up before leaving but my finances got screwed up and I wasn't even sure I was going until a week before departure. Then I got busy with the fix up. I ran into problems and I guess I was just too stuborn to throw in the towel. Lesson learned and maybe my experience will be a lesson to others. I'm stupid for a cause. Also, I focused like a laser on the engine and trans. I live in fear that either will go out and leave me stranded miles from nowhere. The suspension wasn't even on my radar screen. Besides, how do you tell an axle is going to fail before it happens? (Ok, the boots were cracked and an inspection would have shown that.) I've never had an axle problem in all my years (33) of driving. As for the front wheel bearings, yes I should have inspected and repacked the bearings before setting out. In fact, in hindsight I would say that I should have gone to the shop for a through suspension and drive train inspection. Expecially in light of the fact that not every jack leg mechanic is willing to even look at these cars.