11. Wax-Off
Breaking loose rusted nuts and bolts can involve hours of headaches and four-letter words, but the good ol' tricks can really help in their removal. One we've used multiple times is heating the offending nut or bolt with a torch. An oxyacetylene torch is best, but even a small propane torch will work if you let it heat long enough. Once the parts are too hot to touch, apply some wax to the thread. The wax should melt and seep into the threads between the nut and bolt, helping to break it loose.
12. Gas-out
Everyone knows that a fire extinguisher is an important part of every trail-running 4x4, but there is more to it than a red canister with a trigger. The MaxOut extinguishers from H3R pack a fluidized and siliconized mono-ammonium phosphate dry chemical punch to stop automotive flames in their tracks. They are A-, B-, and C-rated so they are effective against wood and paper (A), chemical (B), and electrical (C) fires, all of which can show up during a bad day of four-wheeling or just wrenching around the shop. Information: H3R, 800.249.4289, www.h3rperformance.com
13. Uplifting idea
We modified the concept of a vertical lifting device by using the lifting shackles on the bumper to pivot a towbar-looking contraption we welded together out of 2-inch tube and 2x4 tube. We used a Warn PullzAll hooked from the rollcage to the top of the pole for some vertical movement; while the Jeep-mounted Warn 8274-50 winch runs its cable through the snatch block off the end of the pole down to the load. Special wooden blocks are also installed between the frame and springs to control suspension squat. While we wouldn't try lifting Cummins diesel blocks, it sure is handy for moving heavy parts around the yard.
14. Flame On
Welding and soldering metals generally produces heat, spark, or flame. If you are working on an enclose container, make sure it is properly vented before turning on the torch. This air canister had been cleaned in a flammable solvent and was then left to dry for a day. However, the absorbent batting inside didn't completely dry out, causing the explosive vapors to violently exhaust toward the heat source. Just like a fuel tank, the unit should have been fitted with a forced-air or CO2 system or filled with water before being worked on. While it made for a good photo, it could have had scorching results.
15. Sunshine Blinders
Wearing prescription eyeglasses makes standard sunglass choices unrealistic. Fitovers brand sunglasses fit over your eyeglasses, which is considerably less expensive than prescription sunglasses. Fitovers also have smaller sizes for smaller frames, not just the large style shown here, and all styles feature polarized lenses for maximum protection and wrap-around styling. Originally developed in Australia, they have scratch-resistant lenses, and each pair comes with a carrying case. Information: Fitovers, 888.834.8872, www.fitovers.com
16. Level With Me
Got a late-model pickup just begging for some bigger tires and a more aggressive stance? Bilstein has you covered with its 5100 series leveling shock kit. This kit is the perfect alternative to the traditional strut extender or spring-spacer kits common for newer trucks. By replacing the entire shock, Bilstein has managed to eliminate many of the problems typically associated with leveling kits, such as ball-joint bind and reduced downtravel, while giving a smooth controlled ride and an additional 1 to 2 inches of usable wheel travel. The Bilstein 5100 leveling shock comes with three height settings from stock to 2 1/2 inches of lift, depending on application. Information: Bilstein of America, www.bilstein.com
17. Battery Basics
When choosing an Optima battery for your 4x4, get a dual-purpose (deep cycle and starting) battery instead of just a starting battery. The dual-purpose batteries are great for cranking power as well as having the deep cycle that is needed for accessories like winches and off-road lights. We recommend the Yellow- or BlueTop versions, but be sure they have the dual-purpose light gray body, not the dark bodies which are indicative of the starter batteries. Also remember that major components like starters and winches should be attached to the large lead posts with low-draw accessories attached to the smaller threaded posts. Information: Optima Batteries, 888.867.8462, www.optimabatteries.com
18. Store More On Your Door
The Element doors from Bestop are great for trail protection since they have a steel tubular frame, but they also have removable fabric covers with multiple pockets for stuff like a cell phone, tow straps, recovery gear, a peanut butter sandwich, and tools. Plus the fabric covers can be installed with the pocket either inside or out of the doors so access is easy no matter where you sit. And there are mounting holes for the original rearview mirrors already drilled in the doors. The assembly and installation is so easy you'll have the doors installed and be pack-muling down the trail in no time. Information: Bestop, 800.845.3567, www.bestop.com
19. Spot On
Some inexpensive yet sturdy off-road light mounts can be had by searching your local junkyard for a pair of trailer mirror mounts as used by Detroit on some older trucks. The ones shown here are from late '70s/early '80s Ford trucks. Once it's bolted solidly to your door or cowl, all you need to do is mount your off-road lights where the mirror once was. An added goodie to this setup is that the lights can be easily angled outward to shine out across the countryside; just grab the mount and fold it inward.
20. Hydration Hanger
We all know the benefits of staying hydrated. (For those of us over the age of 40, that means drinking...water!) Throwing a bottle into your rig for later and then bouncing down a trail has a way of making that bottle of water vanish, only to be found days or weeks later squashed under a seat or crammed behind a cooler. Instead, grab one of those bottle-and-mount dealios made for bicycling. Mount it to your shifter or top bow with the supplied mounts or use some long worm clamps to attach it to your rollcage. Now your hydration container is clamped within reach for those hot summer trails.