41. Down Track
When removing a factory track bar from the frame, wrap a ratchet strap around the track bar and tie rod. The added pressure from the ratchet will help drop the bar out while you free the pressed fit end by hitting the bracket with a hammer.
42. Impeach the King
When rebuilding a front kingpin Dana 60, the upper kingpin cone can be nearly impossible to remove since it is installed to about 550 lb-ft of torque. If the kingpin doesn't have any scarring or scratches it can be reused, but if it's damaged then it needs to be replaced. The best trick we've found is to cut around the base of the kingpin with a cut-off wheel, being careful not to nick the seal surface on the end forging. This cut releases the stress on the kingpin. Next, you simply install a piece of 7/8-inch hex stock in the kingpin and put a 7/8-inch socket and impact on the other end to turn the kingpin out of the housing.
43. Raid The Kitchen
Before you hit the trail, it's helpful to raid the kitchen for a few items that might help if you have a breakdown. If you need to fix or remove a thermostat and drain the radiator, you might need some coffee filters to strain crud out of the coolant when you pour it back in. Even muddy water could be used if it's filtered first. Aluminum foil roasting pans can catch leaking transmission fluid or engine oil should a rock rip you a new drain hole. Empty gallon milk jugs (with screw-on lids) can store any of these fluids until they can be properly disposed of (recycled) at trail's end. Everything here cost us about four bucks.
44. Air Travel
Air-Zenith is a company that specializes in air compressors from small portable units to mega-sized ones that can control your entire suspension. A great tool to have in your daily driver or off roader, AZ's portable compressor kit comes complete with a plug kit, a gauge, and a gracious amount of flex hose. Connecting directly to your battery, it works great on light-duty applications, but we suggest opting for a larger unit if you'll be filling up large (38-plus) tires on a regular basis. Information: Air-Zenith, 702.270.7988, www.air-zenith.com
45. Blinded
Roof-mounted off-road lights are a great way to light up the trail for some exciting night wheeling! But as anybody with lights mounted on his roof knows, there is a down side. Lights mounted at the front of the roof on a vehicle with a windshield will cause horrible glare off the hood and windshield. Solution: duct tape. By running a strip of tape across the bottom of the light you will eliminate the annoying and sometimes blinding glare while not affecting the usable light.
46. Wireless Winch Remote
This cool little wireless winch remote from Warn Industries is not only a convenient way to control your winch, it's also added safety. The remote can be used from 50 feet away or from the comfort of the vehicle. It will keep you from jumping out in the mud or being washed away when your rig is swamped in a river. The wireless remote is rugged and weatherproof and small enough to be kept in your pocket or glovebox. Information: Warn Industries, 800.543.9276, www.warn.com
47. Hats Off
Once you have a pair of off-road lights you'll want to protect them from flying rocks or debris (and some states require they be covered when you're on pavement anyway). We've seen cheap covers made by duct-taping Frisbees over the lights, but we like this idea: Pull some old stretchy beanies (or stocking caps) over the lights. They're cheap and don't require any duct tape to hold them in place. Besides, tailgunners already eat enough dust. They shouldn't have to deal with broken lights. And if you get cold, grab one off the light for your head!
48. Light The Night
Tow rigs need love too. Having the most bad-ass rock rig won't help much if you can't find your camp in the dark. With its sleek and simple styling, the KC HiLites lightbar makes a great addition to any tow rig. The KC lightbar is a simple bolt-on application and in most cases installs in less than 15 minutes. Pair the bar up with a set or two of KC Rally 800 130-watt halogen or 35-watt HID lights, and the dark is nothing to be feared! Information: KC HiLites, www.kchilites.com
49. Do Fence Me In
The next time you need a simple, lightweight bracket, take a look at your local hardware store or home center for these preformed, galvanized-metal tie brackets used for fencing. They won't look the prettiest, but they just might save you some time since you won't need to find, cut, and bend your own steel. Pick out one that's closest to your needs, and then trim, bend, or otherwise modify it to suit. Most of these brackets are made of light-gauge metal so you won't be using them to hang a spare tire on, but they're great for a gauge, a CB mike, a brake proportioning valve, or what have you.
50. Lookin' Good
Even though we love the rusty and patina'd look of 4x4s and metalwork, we also like shine and protection. There's a billion paint products on the market for metal and plastic trim, but we have found SEM Products paint to be the best. SEM's paint products may cost a few more bucks a can, but it is professional paint and will last far longer than the 99-cent rattlecans from the local home center. Information: SEM Products, 800.331.1122, www.semproducts.com