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"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.
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"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.
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"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."
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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
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- 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
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- 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 |
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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) |
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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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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