Hitting the trail in your 4x4 is similar to hiking the trail with a backpack. You'll survive longer with the more stuff you bring along, but you'll also have a harder time getting anywhere with too much gear on your or your truck's back. If you've never been wheeling before, then you'll likely fall into one of two categories-the guy that doesn't bring anything or the guy that brings every spare part under the sun. Either way you could be in for a rough trip.
We've found that the perfect balance of tools and spares to allowable space can make or break your wheeling fun. Having a spare transmission and rear-axle third member isn't uncommon, but taking them up the trail with you isn't going to help your rig get over that gnarly obstacle. Driving your 4x4 to and from the trail head requires spare parts to get you home, while towing it allows you to store spares (like a transmission or third member) close by in your tow rig while out on the trail. We've printed this list before, but we added some things to remember this time.
B-4 U GO
Check these items so you may avoid making some repairs in the rocks or mud:
Engine oil
Transmission fluid
Brake fluid
Hydraulic-clutch fluid
Transfer-case oil
Differential oil
Power-steering fluid
Belts
Grease all driveshafts, U-joints, and steering joints
All lights and turn signals
Windshield-washer fluid (helps clean off mud)
Radiator coolant level
Tire pressure and look for leaks or gashes
Tow hooks (front and rear) of your vehicle
Tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back
Check for loose parts: Lug nuts, driveshafts, engine and tranny mounts, suspension joints, and U-bolts
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Recovery gear is definitely important to bring along, but even more important is to pack i
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As you progress into tougher and tougher trails, you may believe that bringing a spare tir
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The Hi-Lift jack is standard issue on most 4x4s, but it's also big and heavy and can be da
Bare Necessities
Bring this stuff and some ingenuity and you will get out of many trail mishaps:
A buddy with either a history in long-distance running to go get help, or his own 4x4
Duct tape (fixes everything)
Baling wire (prehistoric duct tape)
Zip-ties (modern-day duct tape)
WD-40 (spraying under the distributor helps start trucks that have splashed through water)
Ratchet strap (reseat tires, helps strap parts in place)
Tow strap (useful if you get stuck or need to be drug home)
Leatherman type utility tool and/or Swiss Army pocketknife
Piece of 1/4-inch-or-larger chain 4 feet long (good for fixing suspension and motor mounts)
Jug of water
Warm jacket (being cold makes being stuck and broke worse)
First aid kit (loss of blood makes trail repairs challenging)
Granola bar or candy bar (food is important to survival, helps you think straight)
Fire extinguisher (our friend watched his truck burn to the ground and then walked home)
Flashlight (hard to walk home in the dark without one after your truck burns to the ground)
Matches/lighter
Spare Parts
These parts start adding weight, but it's better than the long walk home:
Tie-rod end or Heim joints (spherical rod ends) for steering
Heim joints for your custom linked suspension
Engine belts
Front axleshafts
Rear axleshafts
Front axle U-joints
Driveshaft U-Joints
Spare tire
Spare locking hub or set of drive flanges
Spare bolts of commons sizes found on your truck
Fuses for your truck (some fuse panels have spaces to store spares)
Radiator hose
Hose clamps
Electrical crimp kit
Valve cores
Lug nuts