Backcountry emergency parts list?

[atomicshawn]

I drive a 96 LC, and like I mentioned in another post, last spring we were on the Hole-in-the-Rock trail which is in a pretty remote part of Southern Utah, when the coil on my friends Defender melted down. We towed him back to camp and soon after a party of jeeps rolled by and gave us a spare coil they had. We rigged it up and set out again the next day. The new coil worked for about an hour before it melted down. So we ditched the Rover, put everybody in our cruiser, and finished the trail. The next day we roped up and were towing him out when we ran into the same group of jeeps again. They gave us another coil. We disconnected his alternator this time, thinking possibly the problem was with the voltage regulator, and we were able to get it out on its own power, swapping out my extra battery all the way to Moab and eventually home to the Salt Lake area.

Even though I think breakdown is more of a matter of “not if, but when” if your driving a Jeep, I was still impressed with how prepared these jeep guys were.

So after that event I started thinking about what kind of parts I should carry on these epic backcountry trips. I was a Mitsubishi tech for many years but my 80 series experience is limited. So I’m curious from your experience what essential parts most commonly fail or are most susceptible to failure?

 

[-Spike-]

After doing the PM on my truck I haven't broken one single thing that would keep me from driving it. I am not going to carry a parts store in the back of my truck 'just in case'. The truck is the most reliable thing I've ever had the pleasure of being associated with, trying to guess which of the umpteen million parts might break is ridiculous. Replace the stuff that's prone to wear in your driveway, it's much more comfortable than doing it on the trail.

 

[Tacoma4life]

Fusible links and a spare fuel pump relay. But if you have tools and misc wiring supplies both of those can be bypassed in an emergency.

 

[NLXTACY]

AAA card takes care of just about anything. Believe me, I KNOW.

There are a few threads on similar topics but all my vehicles has at least ductape and Bar's stop leak. The LX has the parts store that SPIKE refuses to bring.

 

[TexasJack]

I carry extra hoses, belts, fluids (complete replacement motor oil, transmission, gear oil for transfer case and both diffs, brake fluid, power steering fluid and antifreeze) a full set of tools and an extra birfield with the associated kit. I built a drawer system to carry all of this stuff as well as my recovery gear. I just replaced my hoses and belts - yes, all of them including the heater hoses and yet I'll still carry extras. I also carry a come-along, just in case my winch fails.

I like to hunt alone in the boonies so I need to be able to take care of myself. I have broken down and gotten stuck in places AAA doesn't visit so you need to be able to get yourself back to the main road so they'll come get you. It isn't a great feeling when you realize you are many miles from anywhere, your cellphone won't get a signal and it is just you and what you brought with you.

I am even thinking of buying the 4x4 labs rear bumper that allows for a rear winch so I can get out even if I have buried the front of the truck.

 

[-Spike-]

Don't get me wrong, I have tools- including most SST's- chemicals, fluids, duct tape , and camping gear. I carry more crap than anyone I know. Fortunately, just about anything I could break on a trail is removable, and the truck could drive home without it- pretty much anything axle or driveshaft related. If I break the tranny or transfer case, I'm not fixing it on the trail. Same with the head gasket. I'm not carrying a spare starter, alternator, water pump, EFI ECU, oil pump, etc. I just make sure the truck is in good running condition when it leaves my house, and trust it to get me home again. The most important thing I bring is my friends.

 

[TexasJack]

Don't get me wrong, I have tools- including most SST's- chemicals, fluids, duct tape ************, and camping gear. I carry more **** than anyone I know. Fortunately, just about anything I could break on a trail is removable, and the truck could drive home without it- pretty much anything axle or driveshaft related. If I break the tranny or transfer case, I'm not fixing it on the trail. Same with the head gasket. I'm not carrying a spare starter, alternator, water pump, EFI ECU, oil pump, etc. I just make sure the truck is in good running condition when it leaves my house, and trust it to get me home again. The most important thing I bring is my friends.

I agree wholeheartedly. I am not rebuilding a diff, transmission or doing major engine work on the trail. Frankly, I am not sure I am competent to do an adequate job. I just don't want to have to pay a fortune to get my car out of the sticks if it is something I have the skill to fix.

The whole reason I drive an 80 is that its track record shows it is one of the most reliable and sturdy vehicles on the market for my type of off-road use.....as long as you take good care of it.

 

[atomicshawn]

trying to guess which of the umpteen million parts might break is ridiculous. Replace the stuff that's prone to wear in your driveway, it's much more comfortable than doing it on the trail.

I know the vehicle is reliable. That’s why I bought it. And I realize there are many parts on a car, but thanks for pointing that out. I certainly don't want to use up space for a bunch of **** I don't need. There are a few specific parts that would leave one stranded if they failed and that seem reasonable to carry if they tend to be problematic. My old Montero was very reliable, but the ignition transistors were prone to failure on that model, so were the ECUs, so I carried one of each around. Just wondering if there are any similar issues like that with the LC. If I wanted to guess, I wouldn’t be asking ;p

 

[TexasJack]

I know the vehicle is reliable. That’s why I bought it. And I realize there are many parts on a car, but thanks for pointing that out. I certainly don't want to use up space for a bunch of **** I don't need. There are a few specific parts that would leave one stranded if they failed and that seem reasonable to carry if they tend to be problematic. My old Montero was very reliable, but the ignition transistors were prone to failure on that model, so were the ECUs, so I carried one of each around. Just wondering if there are any similar issues like that with the LC. If I wanted to guess, I wouldn’t be asking ;p

The only thing that comes to mind out of the ordinary is the pair of birfields in the front axle. The 80 series is very heavy. If you rock climb frequently and put a lot of stress on the front of the truck (turning to a maximum degree while also accelerating into a climb) the birfs can break. It is a known problem. With that said, my first set lasted 220,000 miles so they don't break that often. I am carrying one of my originals as a backup now.

 

[BrotherRob]

To start with: don't bring a Defender.

I concur with Spike. I don't carry a lot; tools, fluids and stuff for repairs. I wheel in groups so somebody always has parts. The only trail failures I've suffered so far are a blown fuse, a cut tire and a ruptured PS hose. I did bend a DS but it was not disabling. I see no point in carrying a birfield or axle, failure is rare (I've seen one broken birf and zero axles) and the affected driveline can be disabled and the rig can be driven out in 2wd.

I've wheeled with dozens of 80s on thousands of miles of trails and the only one I've seen left behind with Robbie's on Spike last year due to a broken steering box. His rig was driven out the same night after a parts run. The major break downs I've seen on 80s have been oddities rather than norms. You can't possibly carry parts for everything and Murphy says that the one you need will be the one you left out.

Inspect your rig before you go and carry what makes sense.

 

[Ropeman]

To start with: don't bring a Defender.

Yup, the most likely failure point on any trip is likely to be made in Solihull.

I have a toolkit (spanners, sockets, screwdrivers, crowbar, BFH, impact driver, multimeter, hacksaw, files and hand drill), jack, manuals, fencing wire, cable ties, self-amalgamating tape, hose clamps, oil and fuel filters, a few litres of oil, brake fluid, diff oil, 27A wire, fuses, connectors, gaffer tape and ratchet straps.

On a long trip I'll probably have a few more bits like hoses, belts, bearings and such.

If anything on the cruiser breaks and can't be fixed with that stuff then it's time to walk to somewhere there is a tractor.

Trail repairs are effected in the driveway as preventative maintenance or should be. If I thought it likely that my vehicle was going to break a fundamental drivetrain component I'd either fix it beforehand or rethink whether the vehicle was up to the job. Long term overlanding is another matter.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I bring my CTD Dodge and a trailer...

 

[atomicshawn]

To start with: don't bring a Defender.

Seriously! All my trail buddies drive Rovers or Jeeps… I feel like I’m part of the Special Olympics of the off road world!

So I worked as a tech at a dealership for almost 20 years so I understand very well the importance of inspections and maintenance. But maybe there are some h8rs out there who aren’t aware automobiles require more than just that occasional trip to jiffylube.

And as far as tools to bring… are you guys saying I should bring more along than what’s in that nifty kit by the jack? Golly! What a great Idea! Gee thanks!

 

[atomicshawn]

I bring my CTD Dodge and a trailer... ************

If I wanted a trailer queen, I would have bought a Jeep.

So I appreciate the responses thus far, and the impression I’m getting that to even suggest bringing along extra parts other than maybe birfs is pure insolence. I makes me feel even more confident in the choice of vehicle I have made.

I am interested in Ropeman’s comments about “Long term overlanding being another matter”. How would this be different?

 

[OGBeno]

Metal and soft brake line in various lengths (metric)

 

[desertdude]

I put a ton of time in PM before I go anywhere (especially, fluids, brakes, hoses and belts) but I still like to bring a few items to share or if I need something.

These spares take up very little room:

AMX/MasterCard & AAA Card

Cdan - Onur's - Slee's - Kurt's phone on speed dial


Parts:

Dist Cap/Rotor

Small amount of 1/4" hose

Small amount of #10 -#12 wire

Various Fuses

If you have ARB Lockers: air hose/ hose splice connection / spare solenoid / "o" rings / spare switch

Front axle seals and gaskets

Rear axle seals

Both Pinon seals

Diff drain plugs (allen key type with washers)

Extra bolts/nuts/washers in various sizes

Set of Belts

Few sizes of brake lines

Brake fluid

PS fluid


Must have tools:

Electrical Tester

Torque wrench

Main Sockets = 10/12/14/17/22/24

54mm hubnut socket

1/2" Breaker bar

24" 1.5" Pipe

Hammer

Tire plug kit

 

[80t0ylc]

............I am interested in Ropeman’s comments about “Long term overlanding being another matter”. How would this be different?

It's another term for Expedition type travel. In this type you can be in extremely remote areas for lengthy periods. Much preparation and planning are essential for success here. Weather, political climate, timing and just plain "the luck of the draw" can determine if you get from point A to B.

 

[atomicshawn]

It's another term for Expedition type travel. In this type you can be in extremely remote areas for lengthy periods. Much preparation and planning are essential for success here. Weather, political climate, timing and just plain "the luck of the draw" can determine if you get from point A to B.

Thanks 80t0ylc, I got what Rope meant by "overlanding", I'm just curious about how that situation would change what parts you bring. I suppose where we tour in UT and NV would not be considered true "expedition" travel, but some of the places we have been are pretty **** remote, with no cell service, where we have gone days (and could probably go months) without seeing another soul especially in the winter or hottest parts of the summer, places that would be a beotch to walk out of if not fatal if not prepared. And sometimes we go solo, otherwise it wouldn’t happen. Oh, and I do wear khaki pants sometimes on those trips, so maybe this qualifies me to go a little more prepared.

 

[Dan2722]

Thanks 80t0ylc, I got what Rope meant by "overlanding", I'm just curious about how that situation would change what parts you bring. I suppose where we tour in UT and NV would not be considered true "expedition" travel, but some of the places we have been are pretty **** remote, with no cell service, where we have gone days (and could probably go months) without seeing another soul especially in the winter or hottest parts of the summer, places that would be a beotch to walk out of if not fatal if not prepared. And sometimes we go solo, otherwise it wouldn’t happen. Oh, and I do wear khaki pants sometimes on those trips, so maybe this qualifies me to go a little more prepared.

One option you might consider if you are traveling in very remote areas is a Sat phone. They used to be prohibitively expensive but I recently saw some plans for as little as $20 a month. This or a Spot messenger would allow youi to contact someone in an emergency where cell servise is non-existent.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

If I wanted a trailer queen, I would have bought a Jeep.

Ouch... I guess you think that your style of wheeling is the only way to wheel. Duly noted.


Here is the list of things I carry in my "wanna-be Jeep, trailer queen":
TOOLS:
Screwdriver set
Pliers: needle nose, channel locks, wire tool, snap ring, vise-grips
Hammer (3-lb and small ball-peen)
Wrench set (Metric & standard)
Socket Set (Metric & standard)
Adjustable wrench
Spark Plug Socket
Volt Meter
Prybar
Tire repair kit
Electrical & duct tape
Allen Wrenches
Hacksaw
WD-40
Jumper cables
Vehicle service manual
Extra hose clamps
Bailing wire
Zip ties
Ratchet straps
Extra bolts & nuts
Various sized hardened washers
Electrical wire splice
RTV
JB Weld
Radiator stop leak
54mm socket
Tire Gauge
Brake Clean
Latex gloves
Mechanics gloves (fingerless)
Garbage bags
Plastic grocery bags
Zip-loc bags
“Shop” paper towels
Tarps


SPARE PARTS:
Tie Rod (Ends)
Engine belt(s)
Birfield
Driveshaft U-Joints
Spare Tire (full size)
Tire plug/repair kit
Spare Hub/ Drive flanges
Fuses
Radiator hose repair kit
Tire valve core
Hose clamps
Spare key

RECOVERY GEAR:
Winch & control
Snatch block pulley
D-Shackle(s)
Recovery strap(s) (30K rating, NO stitched on hooks)
Shovel (Folding & Full size)
Axe
Tree strap(s)
Leather Gloves (For winch cable handling)
Winch cable weight
Hatchet
Air Compressor
Quick deflators

SPARE VEHICLE FLUIDS:
Gasoline
Engine oil
ATF
5gal Water Jug
Coolant Mix
Brake fluid
Gear oil

SAFETY/PERSONAL:
(2) First aid kits
Fire extinguisher with gauge
Flashlight (2 D Cell Mag-lite, 2 AA Cell Mag-Lite, headlamp)
Food and water
Spare batteries
Rope
Multi-tool
Knifes (At least 2)
Bug spray
Sun Screen
Waterless hand sanitizer
Toilet Paper (!)
Wet wipes
Whistle
Binoculars
Matches / Lighter
Mummy Bag
Warm Coat
Bennie

COMMUNICATION, NAVIGATION:
Cell Phone (car charger)
CB (car charger if portable)
Amateur radio
Global Positioning System
Area maps
Compass


Probably won't help you because I'm one of those hard-core rock crawling guys but I'll give it to you anyway.