Few background details.
-my car 1984 300D mileage unknown (daily driver)
-wifes car 2001 VW Passat V6 4Motion Wagon

The situation we are in is that we have a wedding to go to in Chicago (1200 mile round trip). And we've paid a gazillion dollars in medical bills recently so we can't afford to fly like we'd planned on doing. Driving seems like the only option. (I'm in the wedding so we have to go)

Both cars are well taken care of. Mine just recently had
-transmission work (new seals)
-new guibos
-half shafts rebooted and diff fluid changed
-oil change and valve adj up to date
-4 new tires
-new fuel filters

Mine needs
-coolant flush (and probably new hoses) [I've not changed the coolant since I've had the car ~1yr]
-new tie rods (one is bent and has prevented me from getting an alignment)

Her's needs
-two front tires+alignment
-trans fluid change
-oil change
(the cost of these is somewhat above our budget ceiling)

So the big question is whether my car can be safe to make it without any big issues. I would be fine to do the trip if it were just me, but now I have a 5 month old and my wife along (i.e. sitting on the side of the road is not an option).

1)What would you guys do?
2)Is there anyone in the DC/metro area who would look at my car to give me some assurance?
3)What issues could I expect on a long journey in the 300D?

Replace the tie rods, align and go. Road trips (unless in extreme heat) are easier on a car than stop and go driving. Get a good road service deal--AAA or something like that. Carry basic parts like fuel filters.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Take the MBZ if you're comfortable that work was done correctly. Pack a set of fuel filters, antifreeze & oil.

__________________
85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

Yes.

Or check into airline tickets again. Much as I hate flying, I've priced it before and it's usually cheaper to fly than to drive, sometimes by a lot.

__________________
Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

Alamo car rental.

Weddings are perhaps too important to take chances and not be present.

I did most of the work. I just would like a professional opinion to make sure I didn't miss anything major.

Airline tickets $300 per person.

Car rental is around $301.

get a new tie rod and an alignment, to protect those new tires!
how long ago was the valve adjustment done?
I'd pull the valve cover and do that again, check the chain stretch with the cam mark method, and look over all the fuel lines (even the ones in the tank area) change any that look wet at all, or cracked. put a fresh oil change on it, and pack a set of fuel filters and a bottle of Diesel Clean, a NEW SEALED bottle of DC, (that stuff spilled on wedding clothes will RUIN your trip!) and a bottle of 50/50 Zerex G-05 coolant. fill the fuel tank, and drive happy!

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

change out the tie rods yourself; much easier than the trans job you did! tape measure toe in adjustment will get you close enough. flush that coolant yourself too. have a safe and pleasant trip!

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1984 300TD "MAX" 303K+ still going...
fast '70 Chevelle 200k+
home built Shovelhead chopper

Hey, you don't have access to a lift do you?
I'm getting a slight leak from my trans (yep, don't laugh) and I'm sure it's not any of the stuff I/we replaced. It looks like it's around the gasket towards the rear of the pan.

I'll replace the gasket, but if it continues I might have to take another vehicle.