Spare parts to bring for a 200

[Olorin]

Hi everyone. New to the forum and appreciate the advice. Didn't look like this question had come up much particular to the 200 series.

What parts would you bring on an off-road expedition for a 200 series? Anything in particular that seems to like to break that could strand you out there? What would you consider to be the most useful stock of spare parts to bring with you?

 

[linuxgod]

There's another thread called something like "tools to carry on the trail" which should answer your question.

 

[kevinfoutch]

This might be what @linuxgod was referring to - What Tools and Parts to Carry on the Trail

 

[Olorin]

Thanks! That was a good thread with a very complete list. It might be a bit too complete though. I can't carry an entire garage with me, especially given the passenger space I need for the family, and can't be prepared for every possible contingency. Given that, I generally would be conservative and really try hard not to break things by going on trails that look too apt to need a garage to service them after...

Of the options, what would you think the top 5 parts to bring for a 200 and be able to fix on the trail? What have people seen break on a 200 under moderate use that would need fixing on the trail to make it back home?

 

[Mogwai]

I carry nothing but tools and an extra serpentine belt currently. Thinking about adding a front CV axle to the mix. Mainly because I don't have a diff drop and some fairly agressive CV angles. Not seen one break on a 200 but if driving at speed in desert is your thing maybe a steering knuckle? Seen some people break these. But then again if you bust a steering knuckle you may have other issues to deal with too.

 

[linuxgod]

I have a tool bag with the following:

• $30 basic "toolkit" from Amazon (hammer, screw drivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, metric alan wrenches, tape measure, vice grips)
• Socket set with sizes up to 1 1/4". I also have a 10-180# torque wrench in the trunk, but you could get by without one IMO.
• A set of shackles, a kinetic/snatch strap, tree saver, rear recovery point (which fits into the trailer receiver hitch)
• A small (6x9) tarp, some lithium grease, blue loctite, and gorilla tape.
• Jumper cables, tire patch kit

I also have a set of maxtrax and a shovel, mounted to my roof rack, and a portable air compressor in my trunk (Superpro MV89) that can inflate a tire from 20 to 40psi in about 2-3 minutes. What I don't have but will probably add:

• A BFH (my current hammer is tiny)
• A 2x2 piece of wood
• A loooong handle flat head screwdriver
• A 39mm hub socket
• A 20-250# torque wrench
• A 22 piece wrench set (I have one at home, I just don't leave it in the bag)

If you're worried about replacing a CV on the trail you need a spare CV and a 39mm hub socket, plus all the tools to replace it (250# torque wrench, probably a breaker bar, regular sockets, cotter pins, BFH, block of wood, grease, extra diff oil, etc). I've not replaced a CV axle myself but I've seen what's involved and I don't know if I could do it myself on the trail in less than 30 hours plus a ton of cursing.

It largely depends on where you're going, how handy you are, and how much you're willing to carry. I wanted enough to make basic repairs but not take up more than about 10x10x18" of space. Whatever you do make sure you have a jack that can lift your vehicle high enough to remove a tire.

 

[Mogwai]

If I were going to bring a CV I'd also bring a Milwaukee cordless impact to make short work of the hub nut, wheel lugs, and other stubborn nuts/bolts, that tool is amazing, actually completed my entire suspension swap on a single charged battery. Or if you have air on board I'm sure there's some smaller pneumatic impact you can run. And then if you're really into spending money on tools you could even buy 100 lb-ft and 250lb-ft torque limiting impact sockets. 100lb-ft for the wheel lugs and the 250lb-ft for the hub nut. If you have a cordless impact, and small breaker bar replacing CV on trail should not be any harder than in your garage, I think basic estimate is 1hr per CV.

 

[Markuson]

If I were going to bring a CV I'd also bring a Milwaukee cordless impact to make short work of the hub nut, wheel lugs, and other stubborn nuts/bolts, that tool is amazing, actually completed my entire suspension swap on a single charged battery. Or if you have air on board I'm sure there's some smaller pneumatic impact you can run. And then if you're really into spending money on tools you could even buy 100 lb-ft and 250lb-ft torque limiting impact sockets. 100lb-ft for the wheel lugs and the 250lb-ft for the hub nut. If you have a cordless impact, and small breaker bar replacing CV on trail should not be any harder than in your garage, I think basic estimate is 1hr per CV.

Sounds good. I'm ready to replace my DeWalt 18V's bulk and old batteries and have considered the Milwaukee.
On-board compressors aren't normally up to powering air tools unless it's some monster I've not seen...
A Power Tank though? Power Tanks will definitely run air tools with ease!!

 

[TonyP]

My Milwaukie M18 1/2in impact is my favorite power tool. It saves soooo much time doing any type of work. It was in heavy use doing the manual swap and engine rebuild in my 535is. It was used a few times in Breckenridge and Moab. It buzzed off the 250ftlb axel nut like it was nothing. I highly recommend it. Don't cheap out on power tools, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita. Not Ryobi or Kobalt, and definitely not Harbor Freight. Someone gave me a Chicago Electric (harbor freight) impact. The gear case snapped in half on the first use.

 

[txtortoise]

For the OP, Not specific to the 200, but good article. Also worth searching for his articles on tool kits.

And find time for Overland Expo.

Overland Tech & Travel

 

[Tim Foil]

This is a great thread.
I would like to get:
1. a portable air compressor. Any recommendations?
2. A jack. Any recommendations?

Thx

 

[indycole]

That other thread is a wealth of great information though I agree it's impractical to bring everything on the combined list.

Some things to think about when prioritizing what to pack on a trip:

• Where are you going and what are the likely risks (sharp high desert bedrock in the Inyo mountains versus soft, slick, clay dirt and tree roots in the coastal forests)?
• How remote will you be on the trail?
• Do you travel alone or with a group? Do others in the group have tools you can use, parts that are interchangeable with yours
• How many days are you comfortable being stranded on the trail while you wait for help?
• What is the time/distance from the closest point of civilization? What about minor outposts that may at least have other people? Are you prepared and able to hike out?
• Is there an offroad recovery service available to come get you, bring parts, etc.? Do you have means to contact them?
• Are there particular aspects of your vehicle of which you have concerns?

I carry a lot of stuff. I'm always optimizing, swapping tools in and out, acquiring spare hardware, etc. It's definitely easy to overdo it and end up with a vehicle that's too heavy and a trailer full of spare CVs, tie rods, an alternator, a beadbreaker, etc. It ultimately depends on what gives you the peace of mind to enjoy the trip.

For myself, if you've been with me on a trail you probably know that I'm a little spooked about tires. I carry two full size spares and for some trips may throw another tire on the roof for a rainy day.

At the same time, I expect there's an optimal load out for any situation depending on the answers to the questions above.

This is a great thread.
I would like to get:
1. a portable air compressor. Any recommendations?
2. A jack. Any recommendations?

Thx

1.) People seem to like the VIAIR and ARB portables. If you're looking for the best portable, it's hard to beat Extreme Outback Products in the air compressor department. Probably expensive, though. I think they have a portable?

2.) Check out the bottle jacks from US Jack. The stock OEM jack is nothing to sneeze at, though.

 

[Markuson]

For myself, if you've been with me on a trail you probably know that I'm a little spooked about tires. I carry two full size spares and for some trips may throw another tire on the roof for a rainy day.

Cole, of all the drivers I know...YOU have earned the right to be a little spooked about tires...!! Sheesh. I'm not sure what gremlin BFG has in their factory, but apparently they sent one with each shipment of YOUR tires! Very strange that you've had so many issues, considering how well my many KO's and then KO2's worked over the years. I think anyone experiencing them as you have would become similarly "spooked..."

 

[linuxgod]

This is a great thread.
I would like to get:
1. a portable air compressor. Any recommendations?
2. A jack. Any recommendations?

Thx

I have a portable Superpro MV89. It was under $100, and it's about as gas as an ARB dual compressor.

If you're not in a hurry the stock jack works fine. That's all I have in the truck. If you've lifted and added bigger tires you may need a block of wood underneath it to make it tall enough. I have a floor jack for working on the truck at home. If it's big and heavy and not something I'd keep in the truck.

 

[TexAZ]

known issues with the 200s are water pump, starter, radiator, cam tower oil leaks. of these issues, pretty much the starter is the only one you can bypass on the trail.

Tools to bring on the trail:
skeletonized socket set, 1/4" and 3/8 drives: 8,10,12,13,14 mm, 1/2" drive 17,19,21,22 mm
ratchet wrenches
screwdrivers, and at least one 36" screwdriver (see real time starter help thread about jumping a dead starter)
tire patch kit
breaker bar, 36" pry bar
zip ties, hose clamps, duck tape
water, Big hammer, saw, shovel, rope

I have, unfortunately, replaced a CV axle on the trail in Moab. @TonyP impact was impressive to say the least! the job can be done with hand tools, just takes a little longer. So far I've only seen one other person break a CV, and he is on 37's....I'm looking into what is causing my CV issues.

Be realistic with your capabilities to repair things if they go wrong. Before leaving for a trail, ask yourself what would I do if I break down at the worst spot. If you can't answer that question with 5% confidence, either don't go or go with others that claim 10% confidence.

 

[linuxgod]

Other options of things to bring:

• Full gas can
• Matches
• $0 deductible vehicle insurance
• Cell phone to call local PD to report your stolen LC

or

• Wallet stuffed with cash to pay for a tow

In all seriousness, water is critical if you get stranded, especially far from civilization. Someone mentioned in the original tools thread your willingness to walk or mountain bike out of the trail to get help. I would add that in many cases you probably can find a tow service or repair shop that will fix or drag your vehicle off the trail but it could cost you $1000-2000.

@TexAZ, I have some JBweld in my bag in the event my radiator suddenly blows or I punch a hole in an oil pan. Admittedly I don't have enough fluids to refill what I potentially lost though (maybe water into the radiator).

 

[RET2]

Safe Jack makes a great product and on a lighter note bring a fuel tanker