Explorer I
Overland Toolkit - What is needed
- Thread starter vinayyelluri
- Start date
I just read the review of Robbie Gordon’s “Speed” tool kit. I already have what I need, if I were starting again I might consider it at$1500.00 it’s steep but very complete.
This has wound up being my philosophy. I have used my trail tools on other people's rigs almost as often as on my own.
I carry both SAE & metric, beyond just what my own vehicle needs. I also carry a Hi-Lift jack repair kit and several different Hi-Lift attachment accessories even though I don't carry a Hi-Lift jack itself (I own two of them--but they get more use around the property than they do on my vehicles).
And on the subject of the Hi-Lift, one of those little WD-40 No-Mess pens can be a useful asset to have on hand. Of course, if nothing else, a few drops of oil off a dipstick could also serve to get some pins moving again.
Spare fluids are also worth considering, as well as a containment system and some absorbent pads should the situation call for them. And on that front, a bar of ivory soap might be a good choice to serve double duty, both for washing hands and for stopping fuel leaks. (Look it up if you are not familiar with that particular use--it's legit.)
I could wander down this path all day...
Pay attention to what seems to break and prepare yourself to deal with it. There are lots of ways to skin most cats. Start by doing your own rig maintenance in your own driveway. You will get it figured out and know what works best for you.
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I think OTH and MadCrateBuilder are generally in line with my thoughts. I'm no professional overlander or anything, but I think that theory aligns with driving a 20-25 year old Big Blazer around daily and on trips across state lines...theres always something that's "just about ready to let go". So I would carry maybe a spare serpentine belt, some fluids, oil filter, plugs, and tools specific to your truck.
I have a 1990's plastic formed tool box full of a Craftsman set, and it is a very good general set, about the size of a briefcase. In the garage a have a number of the old metal Craftsman grey "lunchbox" toolboxes. But really, I only need the mechanic tools that fit the various bolts and nuts on my truck. So I started a document, and everything I have worked on, anything that might break, or anything that may need to be changed out on the road (or off), I write down the socket size. And the torque specification. You are not gonna want to over-tighten certain things. That's for shocks, spark plugs, brake jobs, hose clamps, tie rod ends, battery, hub nut, and so on.
As someone else pointed out, you will then presumably need whatever tools you would need at camp. Mallet, rope, twine, duct tape, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, tarp, towel (you'll thank me later), hand cleaner (for car oil and grease), hand sanitizer, hatchet. Super glue (to hold together what happened with the hatchet) cooler, an on and on
I have a 1990's plastic formed tool box full of a Craftsman set, and it is a very good general set, about the size of a briefcase. In the garage a have a number of the old metal Craftsman grey "lunchbox" toolboxes. But really, I only need the mechanic tools that fit the various bolts and nuts on my truck. So I started a document, and everything I have worked on, anything that might break, or anything that may need to be changed out on the road (or off), I write down the socket size. And the torque specification. You are not gonna want to over-tighten certain things. That's for shocks, spark plugs, brake jobs, hose clamps, tie rod ends, battery, hub nut, and so on.
As someone else pointed out, you will then presumably need whatever tools you would need at camp. Mallet, rope, twine, duct tape, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, tarp, towel (you'll thank me later), hand cleaner (for car oil and grease), hand sanitizer, hatchet. Super glue (to hold together what happened with the hatchet) cooler, an on and on
8,10,12,14,15,16,17,18,19 MM spanners and sockets
have two spanners of common sizes (10,12,14) one with a ratcheting end and one with a tight, closed, 12pt end
(driveshaft bolts have a tight clearance, for example)
Most nuts and bolts on Toyota trucks are 10,12,14mm
If you want to get deeper into specifics, visit 4Runner specific forums. They will have the best info.
Tools are like med kits- doesn't do much good unless you know how to use it.
So, stick to basics to tighten, loosen, clamp and seal things.
Other than that, general stuff everyone listed.
Good thing is, 4Runner is reliable and not much breaks unless you start modding it.
have two spanners of common sizes (10,12,14) one with a ratcheting end and one with a tight, closed, 12pt end
(driveshaft bolts have a tight clearance, for example)
Most nuts and bolts on Toyota trucks are 10,12,14mm
If you want to get deeper into specifics, visit 4Runner specific forums. They will have the best info.
Tools are like med kits- doesn't do much good unless you know how to use it.
So, stick to basics to tighten, loosen, clamp and seal things.
Other than that, general stuff everyone listed.
Good thing is, 4Runner is reliable and not much breaks unless you start modding it.
That's some of the best scotch I've ever had too! But you need to up your snack game a little
salt, pepper and a few onions...keep it simple
now, getting back to the OP...i never had a toolkit that didnt have a titanium SPORK in it....because "ya never know"....
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Tools, man I love my tools! But, I could fill my little Tacoma If I didn't draw a line. Basic deep-well sockets and various pliers, screwdrivers, gorilla tape, bungees, zip ties , and a hammer of some sort cause you know you're gonna have to fram something at some point. Knives, extraction equipment, weapons, navigation, backup parts , etc., are all specific to what and where you are doing and going and your vehicle. I just try to keep it light and basic and fill the rest with my fishing stuff. I have a three year old toyota so I hope I don't need a lot of fixing...yet.
That said, I have been getting some real world education in tire plugs and patching. Plugging ain't that simple! Unless you're lucky and get something easy to see and remove in the center of the tire where the plys will hold it. Getting the plug in just the right spot can be problematic also. Reaming it out at just the right angle can be tricky too. Ain't nothin easy for me! Endeavor to persevere guys!
That said, I have been getting some real world education in tire plugs and patching. Plugging ain't that simple! Unless you're lucky and get something easy to see and remove in the center of the tire where the plys will hold it. Getting the plug in just the right spot can be problematic also. Reaming it out at just the right angle can be tricky too. Ain't nothin easy for me! Endeavor to persevere guys!
Explorer I
Solid junk? ;)
Overland Toolkit - What is needed
I have gotten over the need to prove anything to anybody. Right there with you on that!
