4x4 equipment list

Easiest Difficulty

More difficult

most difficult
Two wheel drive is usually acceptable with good ground clearance. Four wheel drive makes the trip safer and there will be less tire spinning.
Four wheel drive, low air pressure, and some experience driving off road is best. For experienced ATV and motorcycle drivers only.
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."

Basic Tool Box

Expanded Tool Box

Expanded 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 "
  • 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
  • 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

BASIC 4WD EQUIPMENT

VEHICLE UPGRADES

ADDITIONAL VEHICLE UPGRADES
  • 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)
  • 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
  • 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 recommened
  • 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

​MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

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

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

​ADDITIONAL ITEMS

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)
  • 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