On "Easy" 4WD trips two-wheel drive is usually acceptable with high ground clearance. Four wheel drive (4WD) makes the trip safer and there will be less tire spinning.
"Easy Difficulty" 4WD TRIPS
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What you should carry and how your vehicle should be equipped when you leave the safety of the pavement to venture into the backcountry will depend on the difficulty of the trip and, of course, how long you intend to stay. Based on many years of experience I have categorized "What to Carry" and "Equipping Your Vehicle" by trail difficulty. There is no need to carry extra axles on a picnic to a frequently visited campground in your local Forest. This is not meant to be a complete list but rather a place for you to start when you develop your own list.
Vehicle Maintenance Check
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Fan Belts, Hoses, Engine oil, Transmission oil, Brake fluid, Radiator coolant, Seat belts, Tire air pressure (also check spare), Tire wear - 60% worn or better, 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 sealing kit, Rags, Flashlight and extra batteries, 40 channel CB (portable type OK), Trash bags.
Additional Items to consider carrying on Easy 4WD Trips
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Binoculars, Bottle opener, Jacket, hat, Pocket knife, Snacks Trash bag, Water, Extra keys, Compass, 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)
Basic Tool Box
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3/8" drive socket set 3/8" to ¾"
Crescent wrench - small & medium, Electrical tape, Allen wrenches, Pliers, Standard & Phillips screw drivers, Open end/box wrenches 3/8" to 3/4"
"More Difficult" 4WD TRIPS
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On More Difficult Trips 4WD, low air pressure, and some experience driving off road is best. For experienced ATV & motorcycle drivers only.
Additional items to carry on more difficult trails
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40 channel walkie talkie (as spare CB)Hydraulic jack or Hi-Lift Jack, Off highway lights: non-street legal type, Tools, Extra flashlight, Grease, Gloves and hand cleaner, Jumper cables, Tire star wrench, Full size shovel, WD-40 spray, Brake fluid, Power steering fluid, Motor oil, Bungie cords, Extra gas & funnel, Short strap or chain with no hooks on either end: use caution when attaching to vehicles.
Expanded Tool Box
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Spare Parts For Trail Repairs, Bring anything that's broken twice, 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, Electric fuel pump, Fuses, 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
Vehicle Upgrades
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Tires: upgrade to 31"
Adjust air pressure - check with mfgr. - reccommended use:
Sand/Dirt: 8-12 lb.;
Rocks/Dirt: 15-18 lb.
Snow/Mud: depends on tire tread
Lift kit only if required for 31" tires - Front tow hook - Rear hitch or tow hooks - Skid plates under transmission/transfer case
Rear posi-traction recommended
"Most Difficult" 4WD TRIPS
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Four wheel drive vehicles with a rear locker is required. In addition a locker or limited slip in the front differential make the drive safer. Low air pressure, roll bar, off highway experience, and a buddy vehicle are important. Plus: "You can never whimper over body damage." ATVs and motorcycles the "Most Difficult" routes are for experienced ATV & M/C drivers.
Optional hard parts you may consider carrying for "Most Difficult" trails
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Axles, Alternator, Transfer case, Spindle Bearings, Drive shaft, Spider gears, Ring & pinion, Starter & solenoid, Tie rods & ends
Expanded Tool Box
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Deep sockets 3/8" – ¾", Lock tight, Large crescent 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, Cotter keys - various sizes, Valve stem remover, Voltage meter or test light, Larger sockets, Battery terminal cleaner (wire type), Electrical connectors - crimp type, ¼" drive set w/smaller socket sizes, Metric sockets 10mm, 12mm (3/8" drive), ½" drive ratchet w/larger socket sizes, Tube wrenches: ¾" ½", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", Welding rod & hood
Winch Kit: Tree strap, Hi-lift jack, Snatch block, Pickle fork, Shackle, Gloves
Extended Maintenance
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Checklist U-joints Brakes Loose bolts or nuts Shocks Grease: Steering/U-joints Gear oils: transfer case/differentials
Additional Vehicle Upgrades for "Most Difficult" trails
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Tire upgrade to 33" - 35"
Buy additional sets of tires/wheels:
Sand: paddle tires on wide rims Mud/Snow/Rock: 8" rim with radical tread
Dirt/Light Sand: 10" rim with milder tread
Lift kit: as required for taller tires
Rocker panel protection
CB radio (with sideband for max. reception)
Skid plates under spring pads
Rear locker required
Front locker or limited slip recommended
8,000# winch or stronger (install on/off switch)
