4Wheel & Off-Road Homepage 4-Wheel & Off-Road
Facebook 4Wheel & Off-road Radio

50 Low-Budget Tips

Cheap Is Small and Not Too Steep

Photography by
  • P23843 Image Large

    Keep it Clean

    If you’re headed for the gooey stuff then spray the undercarriage of your vehicle with tire dressing, spray lube, or something similar (it’s best to use something biodegradable). The slippery surface will keep mud from building up and slowing you down. It also makes clean up after the fun a little less laborious.

    P23843 Image Large
    Keep it Clean If you’re headed for the gooey stuff then spray the undercarriage of
  • P23844 Image Large

    Do Get The Shaft

    We all know to repack the wheel bearings but how many of us check the front axleshafts at the same time? It’s only a few more bolts to find out if a shaft is just about ready to snap like this one on the right with the twisted splines. You really don’t want to reach the trailhead and find that you broke an axle on the first obstacle. It’s also easier to replace than trying to fish the broken end out of the carrier on the trail.

    P23844 Image Large
    Do Get The Shaft We all know to repack the wheel bearings but how many of us check the
  • P23845 Image Large

    Valve Stem Armor

    Those with steel wheels can easily weld a small piece of tubing around the valve stem. The tubing will protect the stem from being crushed or torn out by rocks and other debris.

    P23845 Image Large
    Valve Stem Armor Those with steel wheels can easily weld a small piece of tubing around t
  • P23846 Image Large

    Cheap Chock

    Let’s face it, many of us don’t have e-brakes or they hardly work (especially when wet or muddy). This wheel-chock-on-a-rope can make for safe rest stops. It also comes in handy when your vehicle is being used as a winch point. Extra bonus: you can remove it from the driver seat by pulling the rope.

    P23846 Image Large
    Cheap Chock Let’s face it, many of us don’t have e-brakes or they hardly work (
  • P23847 Image Large

    Use Da Bootie

    A hole in the sidewall can be a real downer. No big deal, fill it full of plugs. The plugs won’t stay in? Break down the tire from the wheel and install an inner tube. Cover the hole from the inside with duct tape and a small sheet of rubber or plastic. The military used to call this kind of repair installing a boot. Sometimes the soles of old boots were used to cover the hole in the tire. This fix is only recommended as a short-term field repair.

    P23847 Image Large
    Use Da Bootie A hole in the sidewall can be a real downer. No big deal, fill it full of p
  • P23848 Image Large

    Beat Beads?

    To keep the edges of the wheel from being bent this innovator tack-welded a steel ring to the outer edge. Now rocks can grind away without bending the bead-lip of the wheel.

    P23848 Image Large
    Beat Beads? To keep the edges of the wheel from being bent this innovator tack-welded a s
  • P23849 Image Large

    Got It Covered?

    If your vehicle has diff covers, go for the thick factory pieces (no cheesy chrome). To keep them from being torn off of the axle, grind the edges down so the cover doesn’t hang lower than the housing.

    P23849 Image Large
    Got It Covered? If your vehicle has diff covers, go for the thick factory pieces (no chee
  • P23850 Image Large

    Wedgy

    If you’ve installed longer shackles and your caster is off, there’s no need to weld in new perches. Shims or wedges between the springs and axle can correct the problem. These are also handy in correcting pinion angles. Most off-road and alignment shops have these on hand.

    P23850 Image Large
    Wedgy If you’ve installed longer shackles and your caster is off, there’s no ne
  • P23851 Image Large

    Attractive Personality

    Magnets are your friends. Some vehicles have magnetic drain plugs to collect fragments floating in gear oil. On vehicles that don’t have this luxury you can epoxy magnets to the drain plugs or to the inside of cases and housings. This magnet is connected to a telescoping antenna-like rod so it can be used to clear-out axletubes or pick up lost nuts and bolts in hard to reach places.

    P23851 Image Large
    Attractive Personality Magnets are your friends. Some vehicles have magnetic drain plug
  • P23852 Image Large

    Lube It Up

    Whenever you install a new seal, it needs to be lubricated to prevent damage during installation and the initial drive. Use grease or a heavy oil for damage prevention.

    P23852 Image Large
    Lube It Up Whenever you install a new seal, it needs to be lubricated to prevent damage d
  • P23853 Image Large

    Don’t Back Out

    Having bolts back out on engine and driveline components can cause serious problems that can cost some real cash to fix. Keep bolts from coming loose by using the proper thread-locking compound.

    P23853 Image Large
    Don’t Back Out Having bolts back out on engine and driveline components can cause
  • P23854 Image Large

    Bend Makes Break

    Some axle builders weld the cast center portion to the axletubes. This is not an acceptable practice. AMC model 20 owners do this to keep the tubes from spinning in their seats. This is a good field repair, but do not consider this a permanent fix. The cast iron and steel tubes have different flex characteristics and the weld will eventually crack.

    P23854 Image Large
    Bend Makes Break Some axle builders weld the cast center portion to the axletubes. This
  • P23855 Image Large

    Tie It Up

    When doing axle work there is no need to completely remove the driveshafts. They can simply be wired up and out of the way. The same goes for transmission removal.

    P23855 Image Large
    Tie It Up When doing axle work there is no need to completely remove the driveshafts. The
  • P23856 Image Large

    Stress Fracture

    Do not weld on axleshafts. The weld will weaken the shaft and possibly cause it to break at the least opportune time. This should only be done as a temporary field repair for a spun bearing.

    P23856 Image Large
    Stress Fracture Do not weld on axleshafts. The weld will weaken the shaft and possibly ca
  • P23857 Image Large

    Eat Your Locker

    Lunchbox lockers may seem like cheap alternatives to full case units but don’t be fooled. Hard off-roading will eventually break these units, possibly taking gears and bearings out at the same time. If you have big tires (33s or larger) and use your vehicle off-road frequently, save yourself some money and go for the good stuff.

    P23857 Image Large
    Eat Your Locker Lunchbox lockers may seem like cheap alternatives to full case units bu
  • P23858 Image Large

    Segregation

    Separate and organize nuts, bolts, and other hardware so you can find it easily. A bin such as this is a good way, but jars and coffee cans work too.

    P23858 Image Large
    Segregation Separate and organize nuts, bolts, and other hardware so you can find it ea
  • P23859 Image Large

    Vinyl Suit

    Vulnerable air lines (for air shocks, air bags, or Air Lockers) can be protected with vinyl tubing. Simply slide the tubing over the line before making the final connections. The tubing can be found at auto parts and hardware stores. Pet stores also sell it for air lines in aquariums.

    P23859 Image Large
    Vinyl Suit Vulnerable air lines (for air shocks, air bags, or Air Lockers) can be protec
  • P23860 Image Large

    Stock Boingers

    Doing a spring-over and need stock Wrangler springs? Many off-road shops hang on to the old springs after installing a lift kit. They can be picked up for cheap or even free. Remember, front springs have four leafs, and rears have five.

    P23860 Image Large
    Stock Boingers Doing a spring-over and need stock Wrangler springs? Many off-road shops h
  • P23861 Image Large

    Tow Truck

    Tow hooks come in all shapes and sizes. The coolest ones can be found at truck and tractor wrecking yards. You may also check heavy equipment stores.

    P23861 Image Large
    Tow Truck Tow hooks come in all shapes and sizes. The coolest ones can be found at truc
  • P23862 Image Large

    Ditch The Caps

    Are you still running chrome caps? If you are you wouldn’t notice that the hub bolts are loose and one is missing. This will eventually lead to hub failure, which is a lot uglier than an uncapped wheel.

    P23862 Image Large
    Ditch The Caps Are you still running chrome caps? If you are you wouldn’t notice tha
  • P23863 Image Large

    Flip-Flop Protection

    If you have Rancho RS 9000 shocks, position them so the adjustment knob is protected from rocks and other obstacles. Also, don’t mount them upside-down. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t function properly in this position.

    P23863 Image Large
    Flip-Flop Protection If you have Rancho RS 9000 shocks, position them so the adjustment
  • P23864 Image Large

    Cardboard Cooling

    Most of us don’t run fan shrouds for whatever reason. Mostly because a shroud doesn’t exist for swapped-in components like the engine, radiator, and fan assembly. If temperatures rise, then airflow can be directed from the grill to the radiator with pieces of cardboard. If you are real creative with the paperboard and duct tape you can probably build a complete fan shroud. When you have time later you can use it as a template to build one from aluminum, steel, or fiberglass.

    P23864 Image Large
    Cardboard Cooling Most of us don’t run fan shrouds for whatever reason. Mostly bec
  • P23865 Image Large

    Keeping U-Joints In Line

    A broken U-joint is the most common front axle breakage. It’s usually not because the joint was weak. The bearing caps slowly spin and work themselves out of the axleshafts. The retaining clip pops off and the holes in the shaft get hogged out. Eventually one of the caps will spit out, which leads to a busted joint and damaged shaft ears. To keep an eye on the joints, draw a line across them and the ears of the shafts. If they get out of line you’ll know.

    P23865 Image Large
    Keeping U-Joints In Line A broken U-joint is the most common front axle breakage. It
  • P23866 Image Large

    Air Is Free, Right?

    Everyone has jumped on the bandwagon with easy-deflate tire gadgets. Some of them costing upwards of $50. Why are we in such a hurry? A simple $2 low-pressure gauge and a valve-stem-remover air-cap can make quick and cheap work of airing down four tires. Once you’ve done it this way a few times you’ll find that it’s faster than all the other widgets available and you only have to find a place to store the small gauge.

    P23866 Image Large
    Air Is Free, Right? Everyone has jumped on the bandwagon with easy-deflate tire gadgets
  • P23867 Image Large

    Hot, Hot, Hot

    Protect wires and fuel lines from hot exhaust with heat-resistant tape. Melted wires cause shorts, boiling fuel causes vapor-lock, and melted fuel lines are bad news.

    P23867 Image Large
    Hot, Hot, Hot Protect wires and fuel lines from hot exhaust with heat-resistant tape. Mel
  • P23868 Image Large

    Cap It

    It’s a good idea to run long breather hoses on axles and gear cases, but don’t leave the ends open. Breathers like this can be bought at the local GM dealership and pushed into the hose. For a real trick install, you can run all the lines to one location and use a valve cover breather or something similar for a filter.

    P23868 Image Large
    Cap It It’s a good idea to run long breather hoses on axles and gear cases, but don&
  • P23869 Image Large

    Clamper

    Hose clamps have an unlimited number of uses. Here one is used to hold a spare axleshaft to the rollcage. Keep several sizes handy for trail repairs, too.

    P23869 Image Large
    Clamper Hose clamps have an unlimited number of uses. Here one is used to hold a spare ax
  • P23870 Image Large

    Exhaust Bearings

    If you’re in a pinch, can’t afford, or can’t find a wheel bearing hub socket you can make one. You’ll need a small piece of exhaust tubing and an old adjuster nut. Use a vise and a hammer to pound the tubing around the nut. You can use a pipe wrench to turn your homebuilt socket or you can drill a hole in the side and use a screwdriver for a handle. Dana 44 owners will have to get more creative with the welder and grinder.

    P23870 Image Large
    Exhaust Bearings If you’re in a pinch, can’t afford, or can’t find a whe
  • P23871 Image Large

    Easy Tranny Removal

    Rather than climbing under your rig to fight the trans bolts, drill holes in the floorboard for the socket and extension to pass through. These holes also function as heaters in the winter. Find rubber plugs to cork the holes in the summer or for mud and water outings.

    P23871 Image Large
    Easy Tranny Removal Rather than climbing under your rig to fight the trans bolts, drill h
  • P23872 Image Large

    Shifty Throttle

    Look familiar? You bet, it’s a bicycle shifter. One of these from the local bike shop, a cable, and a few home-built brackets will net you a hand-throttle. It works great for those tight situations when you need 3 feet to run the pedals of your 4x4 or to keep the idle up while you are winching.

    P23872 Image Large
    Shifty Throttle Look familiar? You bet, it’s a bicycle shifter. One of these from th
  • P23873 Image Large

    Bail Me Out

    Bailing and other types of wire are always handy to have for trail fixes. Wrap it around the rollcage for easy access. This will work with duct and electrical tape as well.

    P23873 Image Large
    Bail Me Out Bailing and other types of wire are always handy to have for trail fixes. Wra
  • P23874 Image Large

    Spantastic

    Spanner wrenches aren’t in every toolbox. You can build one with a piece of round or flat stock. Drill a couple holes, bolt some hardware in place and voila, a spanner wrench. In some cases it will work better than the real thing since the threads of the bolts help keep it seated in the adjuster.

    P23874 Image Large
    Spantastic Spanner wrenches aren’t in every toolbox. You can build one with a piec
  • P23875 Image Large

    More Bootie

    Most top-loader manual transmissions use the top of the shift housing as the breather. It’s difficult to seal out contaminants since this is such a big area. Universal shift boots or junkyard pieces can be used to seal up those swapped-in trannies.

    P23875 Image Large
    More Bootie Most top-loader manual transmissions use the top of the shift housing as the
  • P23876 Image Large

    Not Apple Cores

    Doing an engine swap and don’t have any of the accessories (alternator, starter and so on)? You can buy new ones from the parts store but you will be charged for not having a core. To avoid the core charge head down to the local junk or scrap yard and pick up the cores you need for almost nothing. Sometimes these components work fine as is.

    P23876 Image Large
    Not Apple Cores Doing an engine swap and don’t have any of the accessories (altern
  • P23877 Image Large

    Carbon Dated

    High-mileage engines can have an excessive amount of carbon deposits on the valves and pistons. To remove them would normally require the engine to be torn apart. Instead of doing a teardown you can use about 4 ounces of ATF. If you have a suction bottle set-up (pictured) then you already know how to use it. Rather than buy this tool, disconnect the PCV hose from the valve cover with the engine running. Use it like a shop-vac to suck small portions of ATF into the engine. When the cool ATF hits the hot carbon, the carbon shatters and exits through the exhaust.

    P23877 Image Large
    Carbon Dated High-mileage engines can have an excessive amount of carbon deposits on the
  • P23878 Image Large

    Exhausting

    The exhaust of your vehicle can tell you a lot about how well the engine is running. Blue smoke indicates oil consumption. White smoke can indicate a blown head gasket. Black smoke usually indicates a rich condition. It is normal for some water to exit from the exhaust but steam clouds are bad news.

    P23878 Image Large
    Exhausting The exhaust of your vehicle can tell you a lot about how well the engine is ru
  • P23879 Image Large

    Stubby

    Toyota and some other stub axles have a threaded hole in the end. Sometimes it is difficult to install the axle retaining clip on a stubborn stub. To access the groove in the shaft, you can thread a bolt into the shaft and use a prybar to slide the shaft outward. Open-knuckle truck owners can use the prybar on the axle U-joint to help install the retainer clip.

    P23879 Image Large
    Stubby Toyota and some other stub axles have a threaded hole in the end. Sometimes it is
  • P23880 Image Large

    Wrecking Yard Locker

    Early Toyota pickup owners keep your eyes out for 󈨣 to 󈨦 4Runners with factory electric lockers. You’ll need to modify your housing slightly to accept the 4Runners third member, but a little ingenuity will net you a cool original swap. Tacoma third members cannot be used.

    P23880 Image Large
    Wrecking Yard Locker Early Toyota pickup owners keep your eyes out for 󈨣 to R
  • P23881 Image Large

    9-Inch Beef

    If you are having a Ford 9-inch axle built, you can get extra long tubes installed. The longer tubes can then be gusseted on the inside of the housing for extra strength. Factory original 9-inch axles do not have tubes protruding into the center section.

    P23881 Image Large
    9-Inch Beef If you are having a Ford 9-inch axle built, you can get extra long tubes inst
  • P23882 Image Large

    Don’t Worry

    Forget all the hype about what locker does what and when. Who cares? Get a spool and never worry about it again. A spool costs about one-third of the price of a full-case locker.

    P23882 Image Large
    Don’t Worry Forget all the hype about what locker does what and when. Who cares? Get
  • P23883 Image Large

    Wrap It Up

    If the cover on your steering wheel looks more like your dog’s chew toy, you can wrap it with bicycle handlebar tape. It offers a comfortable grip at a lower price than a new wheel. Electrical or duct tape can also be used, but this can get sticky. If you need to tape up some loose wires later you can remove some from the steering wheel.

    P23883 Image Large
    Wrap It Up If the cover on your steering wheel looks more like your dog’s chew toy,
  • P23884 Image Large

    Wind It Up

    Be sure to properly wind your winch cable after you use it. If you don’t the cable will fray and get kinked, possibly causing the cable to snap at the least opportune time. Use gloves whenever pulling cable.

    P23884 Image Large
    Wind It Up Be sure to properly wind your winch cable after you use it. If you don’t
  • P23885 Image Large

    More Travel

    To get more travel out of your leaf springs you can remove the bolts from the spring clamps. If the clamps are the folded-over type you can cut the tops off or bend them out of the way so the leaves can fan out.

    P23885 Image Large
    More Travel To get more travel out of your leaf springs you can remove the bolts from the
  • P23886 Image Large

    Cut It Out

    Cutting the center support out of your shackles will allow the spring to twist when the suspension is articulated. This eliminates some bind and allows a little more wheel travel. Don’t do this to excessively long shackles.

    P23886 Image Large
    Cut It Out Cutting the center support out of your shackles will allow the spring to twist
  • P23887 Image Large

    Building Bushings

    If you’re fabricating suspension links or bushing mounting a rollcage, it can be difficult to find the right size tubing to fit the bushing you’re using. YJ Wrangler shackle bushings have an outside diameter of about 1-1/4 inches. They fit nicely into 1-1/2, 0.120 wall tubing. The bushings usually come with collars for the bolt holes so a 1/2-inch bolt can be used to secure the mount.

    P23887 Image Large
    Building Bushings If you’re fabricating suspension links or bushing mounting a rollc
  • P23888 Image Large

    Shackle Action

    When installing leaf springs don’t over-tighten shackle and spring pivot bolts. They should have locknuts so tighten them enough so you can still easily spin the bolt with a wrench. Over-tightened bolts cause the vehicle to ride poorly and limit articulation.

    P23888 Image Large
    Shackle Action When installing leaf springs don’t over-tighten shackle and spring pi
  • P23889 Image Large

    Don’t Fit

    If your truck doesn’t fit into your garage for repairs then you can air down the tires so it does. For top end engine work completely take off tires and rest axle on short jackstands for accessibility.

    P23889 Image Large
    Don’t Fit If your truck doesn’t fit into your garage for repairs then you can a
  • P23890 Image Large

    Still Don’t Fit

    If you have a really big truck then a second set of tires and wheels can be put to use for garage fitment. Still don’t fit? Drive the vehicle into the garage on an old set of wheels without tires. This probably isn’t the best idea for parking every night though.

    P23890 Image Large
    Still Don’t Fit If you have a really big truck then a second set of tires and wheels
  • P23891 Image Large

    Slip A Pedal?

    Ditch those slippery-when-wet rubber pedal covers. Use skateboard grip tape to provide slip-free pedal action. It also will work great in the beds of pickups and on nerf bars.

    P23891 Image Large
    Slip A Pedal? Ditch those slippery-when-wet rubber pedal covers. Use skateboard grip tape
  • P23892 Image Large

    Tape For Ducks

    Duct tape can be used for all kinds of fixes. Always keep a roll of it handy. Torn seats, broken taillamps, and worn-out steering wheels are only some of the things duct tape can repair.

    P23892 Image Large
    Tape For Ducks Duct tape can be used for all kinds of fixes. Always keep a roll of it han

If anybody is really cheap it would have to be us. None of our 4x4s are newer than '85 models and most of them are much older than that. So when it comes to fixing them we're just like every other greasy Joe. We repair it the best way we can afford.

We all have dirt-cheap fixes. The fix may stem from the lack of an open parts store on Sunday or maybe the part or tool to fix your ride is just too expensive. Hey, we’re not all Hollywood movie stars. Other cheap fixes may come about to cure a nagging problem on your vehicle to which no part exists to alleviate it. We’ve come up with some cheap tips and a couple of tips to help you save money in the long run. So check ’em out, chances are you’ll be able to use at least a few of these.

 

.

.

Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!

*Please enter your username

*Please enter your password

*Please enter your comments
Comments:
Not Registered?Signup Here
(1024 character limit)
4Wheel & Off-Road