| “EASIEST DIFFICULTY” 4WD TRIPS Two wheel drive is usually acceptable with good ground clearance. Four wheel drive makes the trip safer and there will be less tire spinning. |
“MORE DIFFICULT” 4WD TRIPS Four wheel drive, low air pressure, and some experience driving off road is best. For experienced ATV and motorcycle drivers only. |
“MOST DIFFICULT” 4WD TRIPS 4WD with a rear locker is required. A locker or limited slip in front differential make the drive safer. Low air pressure, roll bar, off highway experience, and a buddy vehicle are important. “Never whimper over body damage.” |
Basic Tool Box
| · Allen wrenches |
| · Pliers |
| · Electrical tape |
| · Adjustable wrench – small & medium |
| · 3/8″ drive socket set 3/8″ to 3/4″ |
| · Standard & Phillips screw drivers |
| · Open end/box wrenches 3/8″ to 3/4 “ |
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Expanded Tool Box
| · Electrical wire #16, #10 |
| · Lug nuts |
| · Assorted nuts & bolts |
| · Valve stem |
| · Fuel line hose |
| · Radiator hose |
| · Front hub or flange |
| · Spark plugs |
| · Coil/electronic ignition |
| · Tire repair kit |
| · Fan belt (water pump) |
| · Tie wraps |
| · Fuses |
| · Electric fuel pump |
| · U-joints (drive shaft & axles) |
| · Radiator stop leak – silver flakes in tube |
| · Larger special application nuts (i.e., back of transfer case on Jeeps |
| · Extra spark plug wire – 2 of longest |
| · Bring anything that’s broken twice |
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Expanded Tool Box
| · Deep sockets 3/8″ – 3/4″ |
| · Lock tight |
| · Large adjustable wrench |
| · Breaker bar |
| · Spark plug wrench |
| · Magnet |
| · Cotter keys – various sizes |
| · Files: flat & round |
| · Large channel locks |
| · Silicone – RTV |
| · 2 sizes of pipe wrenches |
| · C-clamps |
| · Voltage meter or test light |
| · Larger sockets |
| · Valve stem remover |
| · Welding rod, hood |
| · Battery terminal cleaner (wire type) |
| · Electrical connectors – crimp style |
| · ¼” drive set w/ smaller socket sizes |
| · Metric sockets 10mm, 12mm (3/8″ drive) |
| · ½” drive ratchet w/ larger socket sizes |
| · Tube wrenches: 3/4″, ½”, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″ |
| · Winch Kit: tree strap, hi-lift jack, snatch block, pickle fork, shackle, gloves |
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Basic 4WD Equipment
| · Basic tool box |
| · First aid kit |
| · Air pressure gauge |
| · Fire extinguisher |
| · DC air pump |
| · Spare tire |
| · Tire jack |
| · Duct tape |
| · Tow strap |
| · Shovel |
| · Tire sealer sealer/inflator |
| · Rags |
| · Trash bag |
| · Flashlight and extra batteries |
| · 40 channel CB (portable type OK) |
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Vehicle Upgrades
| · Tires: upgrade to 31″ |
· Adjust air pressure (check with mfgr):
Sand/Dirt: 8-12 lbs.
Rocks/Dirt: 15-18 lbs.
Snow/Mud: depends on tire tread |
| · Lift kit only if required for 31″ tires |
| · Front and rear tow hook |
| · Skid plates under transmission/transfer case |
| · Rear positraction recommended |
|
Additional Vehicle Upgrades
| · Rear locker required |
| · Rocker panel protection |
| · Tire upgrade to 33″ – 36″ |
· Buy additional sets of tires/wheels:
Sand: paddle tires on wide rims
Mud/Snow/Rock: 8″ rim w/ radical tread
Dirt/Light Sand: 10″ rim w/ milder tread |
| · Lift kit: as required for taller tires |
| · CB radio (with sideband for max. reception) |
| · Skid plates under spring pads |
· Front locker or limited slip recommened
8,000# winch or stronger (install with on/off switch) |
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Maintenance Checklist
| · Check fan belts |
| · Check hoses |
| · Check engine oil |
| · Check transmission oil |
| · Check brake fluid |
| · Check radiator coolant |
| · Check seat belts |
| · Check tire air pressure (incl. spare) |
| · Check for tire wear – 60% worn or better |
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Maintenance Checklist
| · Check shocks |
| · Tighten axle u-bolts |
| · Check lug bolts |
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Maintenance Checklist
| · Check for frame cracks |
| · Check brakes |
| · Check for loose bolts or nuts |
| · Grease steering/U-joints |
| · Check gear oils: transfer case/differentials |
| · Check for straight winch cable |
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Additional Items
| · Binoculars |
| · Bottle opener |
| · Cooler cup |
| · Jacket |
| · Pocket knife |
| · Snacks |
| · Trash bag |
| · Water |
| · Extra keys |
| · Compass |
| · Sunscreen |
| · Hat |
| · Sunglasses and/or goggles |
| · Ice and ice chest or cooler |
| · Camera, case, film and batteries |
| · Maps: Sidekick Off Road Maps, state, county, Forestry, BLM Desert Access Guide, etc. |
| · Snow tire chains (winter) |
| · Tune-up items (i.e., points, plugs) |
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Additional Items
| · Tools |
| · Extra flashlight |
| · Gloves & hand cleaner |
| · Grease |
| · Jumper cables |
| · Tire star wrench |
| · Full size shovel |
| · WD-40 spray |
| · Brake fluid |
| · Motor oil |
| · Power steering fluid |
| · Bungie cords |
| · Extra gas & funnel |
| · 40 channel walkie talkie (as spare CB) |
| · Hydraulic jack or hi-lift jack |
| · Off highway lights: non-street legal type |
| · Short cable or chain with hooks on both ends: attach to vehicles without hooks or hitch |
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Additional Items – Optional Hard Parts
| · Spindle bearings |
| · Alternator |
| · Axles |
| · Transfer case/parts |
| · Drive shaft |
| · Starter |
| · Ring & pinion |
| · Spider gears |
| · Solenoid |
| · Tie rods & ends |
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4x4Review Off Road Magazine
