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 "

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)

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

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)

Four wheel drive, low air pressure, and some experience driving off road is best. For experienced ATV and motorcycle drivers only.

Expanded Tool Box:

• 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

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

Maintenance Checklist:

• Check shocks
• Tighten axle u-bolts
• Check lug bolts

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

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. "

Expanded Tool Box:

• 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

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 recommended
• 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

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