I'm looking for advise from the W250-350 guys and gals that head up to the woods often, especially in snow country. I'm heading out to Utah on a hunting trip Thanksgiving weekend and having never taken a CTD 4x4 out before, what are the items I need to make sure I have for one of those "just in cases"? I'm not talking about 1st aid kits, xtra quarts of oil, tranny fluid, toilet paper, baby wipes, etc. I am prepared that way. I'm talking about possible steering parts, suspension parts, specialized 4x4 tools, etc....that's where I need input Thanks for all the help.

 

I dont wheel a dodge, but this is a small list of spares I like to bring:
-U-joints (whole driveshaft if I have one)
-chain and shackles (holds axle in place when springs break, can also hold front wheels together when tie rod breaks)
-rubber hose to connect trans lines (for automatics, sticks love to get up and grab tranny coolers and lines)
-ball joints and press
-valve stems (and bead breaker, tore a few stems loose once or twice)

I usually have a "tuff box" full with misc. junk parts so I can MacGyver something together if I have to.

I'm sure there is more I am forgetting, I'll post more if I remember, and I'm sure some other fella's will be posting shortly with more vehicle specific parts

 

A length of 14 gauge wire,, Definately a U joint, and know how to change it in the field, you dont have a press or a vice with you, Also, if you are in the woods, I cant tell you how many times i have used a bow saw or a chain saw,,,, And some carrots????? excellent for the windshield in case of rain, and your wiper got torn off by a branch, Also a few blankets and lighters, The only other thing i have seen go wrong in the woods is a hole bashed in the diff cover, so be prepared!
Have done lots of wheeling,,, Bring a buddy, and if you dont have a winch, and you are really stuck, a tow strap will not do it, one of those kenitic ropes does wonders without sheering stuff off,,, Also a bulletproof recovery point!!!
Peter.

 

Don't forget a HI-LIFT jack. Those things are extreamly handy for lots of things in the woods or anywhere else.

 

A spare fuel filter and a small can of clean diesel is not a bad idea.

 

How about a come-a-long.

Tire repair kit

spare tire

 

JB Weld and lots of engine oil, trans fluid, rear end lube, water, duct tape, tools, a friend with a winch and welding machine. Don't forget the barley pops.

 

A long rope a tarp for laying on in the ground maybe small coleman heater and latern

 

Learn how to use the HighLift. When I first started wheelin' I wasn't holding the handle correctly. No idea how the my face survived the impact of the handle. Do you have Jack points for the HighLift. There are attachments for the HighLift to attach directly to the wheel. They also sell wide base attachments that are usually made for the mud but might work great in the snow. HighLifts can also be used as a come-along. But, a winch would be way more convenient. Should there be no winch point it might be possible to bury a spare tire and winch from there.

OnBoard Air is also essential. If you pop the bead off the rim OnBoard Air can reseat the bead without ever removing the tire off the vehicle. There is another method of reseating the bead with lighter fluid. If you have to go this route please remove tire/rim from the vehicle. It's faster and safer to use OnBoard Air.

JB Weld can be used to temporarily fix a diff cover. Epoxy would be nice for radiators. Piece out wire and connectors for emergency trail wiring. BFH. If trying to minimize storage, motor oil can be used as diff gear oil until returning to civilization. 2meter radio if properly licensed to use it. Strobe light. Ratchet straps help hold items down. They can also be used to keep suspension components in place as an emergency trail fix. Properly working CB.

 

how about keepin your butt at home, thats way to much work.

 

Yeah, but it aint near as fun. The list sounds good, guys. Sounds like some things I need to take along next time I go to the log woods.

DP