Common Repair and Tool Needs (off-roading context)

I do a fair amount of off-roading in my truck, and realize I am ill-prepared to perform trailside repairs if needed. I generally stick to moderate trails, but at times I encounter more technical sections that can beat up the rig a bit. So, I have a couple questions I’m hoping some of you may have insights on.

What are some of the most common/likely failure points on the Tundra that I may encounter on the trails? With that in mind, what would you consider as “must-have” tools or parts for off-road trips (including multi-day adventures)?

If it's helpful, my truck is a 2015 with about 55K miles.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

I pretty much don't go off-road anymore without a winch on my vehicle or a buddy with a winch on his vehicle. Tow straps and yank straps (elastic). Complete set of sockets and wrenches (all metric) and an extra large adjustable crescent wrench and normal size vice grips. Multiple sizes of flat and Phillips screw drivers. Multiple flash lights. Zip Ties. Duct Tape. Clean rags to wipe off your hands. A good strong cheater bar. A spare CV axle. Heavy duty dead blow hammer. Something to lay down on so I don't get filthy like a blanket or tarp. High lift jack. Tire patch kit (the rubber plug with glue kind). Radiator Stop Leak. Plenty of extra water.

 

Super helpful response....really appreciate it.

 

Really depends on if your a lone wolf or with others, the weather, and the distance to civilization. All above is good and maybe add jumper cables, air compressor, shovel, saw, axe, headband flashlight, fire ext., 5 qt jug of oil, quick marine epoxy, 2 spare cv axles, external valve stem replacement kit, 18" pipe wrench, ratchet straps, code reader, multi meter, and a few space blankets, flares, and a quick clot trauma pack can't hurt either.

 

I don't do much offroading but I have a high lift/jackstand built in jack, full metric socket set, 10-20mm wrench set, medium vicegrip, Snapon ratcheting bit head (so it's really 10 screwdrivers) screw driver, tire plugs, cordless/corded Heavy Duty compressor, extra second row Sequoia floor mat (to lay on or use to get traction if I am stuck) tow straps and yank straps, fuses, tie downs, Gorilla tape, radiator stop leak, water, HD long zip ties, flashlights NOCO high amp jump battery & charger & a bunch more I am certain I am forgetting.

 

My son gave me a battery powered 1/2 drive impact wrench for Christmas, now won't leave home without it. Back to your question, flat tires, drive shafts, skid pans, electrical, etc. So few hand tools, impact wrench, electrical tester, tape, wire, tow straps. I would say air compressor but most tires are damaged beyond repair. Be safe

 

OP the biggest thing that breaks off-road is coilover shocks if you have them installed with a spacer. Seriously, aside from really random breakdowns or stucks, this is the biggest “unforeseen” break for guys that “build” trucks for clearance instead of capability. If you don’t have a spacer lift, the lists people have paired cover most likely hazards.

Edit: I mean, for guys that drive Tundras off road…. Other trucks have other failures.

 

Great feedback everyone, much appreciated. I have some shopping to do!

 

For me, i figure with full armor, the most vulnerable thing is the axles and the driveshaft. I also stick to moderate trails, but when i get the extra money, i plan to carry at least 1 CV axle and maybe a couple of U joints. It is extremely unlikely with full armor, but in that perfect scenario where the gas tank gets punctured at the perfect angle around the skid, I carry a tube of JB weld.

Oh and of course, a tire repair kit.

 

Be prepared for a broken CV. That can strand you. If you don’t carry a spare axle, atleast carry a spare outer cup. Then you can remove the CV and atleast have a chance to get home in 2wd. Will need the giant castle nut socket, basic tools, and an impact helps tremendously.

 

Fwiw, depending on your circumstances, sometimes one can drop the rear driveshaft and still get home with the front. Traction blocks or boards may also help prevent destroying a u joint to begin with.

 

I do carry traction boards all the time, and I have never hit or been in a situation where my driveshaft has been an issue, just saying that it would be a vulnerable spot simply because its one of the only things exposed.

 

This is a post from a different thread of the same kind of stuff. Click the little arrow at the top of the quote to go to check that whole thread out.

 

If you wanna know about offroad repairs, cruzer is your man

 

All you need is @ColoradoTJ on speed dial

 

Tire punctures - carry patch kit and a full size spare
Tire de-beading - carry engine starting fluid spray can and a lighter, only use if you can't air it back up.
Broken CV axle - carry spare axles and tools to replace it
Damaged ABS sensor - install ABS sensor armor to reduce risk
Broken tie rod - carry spare inner and outer tie rod and tools to replace it (most tools overlap with CV axle tools)
Damaged steering rack - carry a spare steering rack NOT. Just know that a buddy can try to tow you off the trail. Stepping on the brakes will straighten out the front wheels. When being towed into a turn you can step on the brakes, which will cause your truck to pivot and follow the lead truck.

 

https://youtu.be/oTDLb4oNO4c

 

I don’t hit the mall parking lots with out any gorilla tape. Shit gets dangerous in the hood.

 

What size socket for doing cv axles?

Great thread

 

May not be exactly what you’re looking for but I have the following: Sturdy flashlight

leather man wave plus

Napa air compressor

set of air tools and attachments

rigid cordless impact

hi-lift jack and tow straps

traction boards


I don’t carry all of this around with me all the time but it has saved my ass a few times while camping / wheeling. Bush fixes, trailer repair, etc - to have all these tools at my disposal instead of relying on a service call or wasting a day of vacation trying to fix something is invaluable to me. I keep everything in a watertight bin and have it at my disposal. Obviously some trips require a little more or a little less but this gives you an idea. Hope it helps.

 

I once made an idler pulley out of a tuna can, and instead of being stuck in the desert at night, I was able to limp 20 miles to town, getting out to redo the belt a dozen times.

 

Once upon a time I built 7 5/8" dia. well casing bumpers that were also compressed air tanks on my 79 Ford. Nice for limited impact use or air up. Nowadays, you would use much thinner wall material for the tanks, get a battery powered impact and an inverter. Save the air to get back on the highway quickly. Still practical though.

 

Did you get to eat the tuna first?

 

I forgot I carry a serpentine belt.

I limped my 80 series almost 200 miles with a dying head gasket adding water every 20-30 miles.

Turned out the '94 HG had a defect that failed at 17x,xxx miles. Shop said all was well internally, did all the while you are in there crap, truck is at 3xx,xxx runs like a champ!

 

1st gens use 35mm sockets for the CV nut, not sure about 2nd/ 3rd gens.

If you buy an aftermarket CV for a spare, it may have a larger nut than the OEM so be aware and prepared for that. That was the case with an O'Reilly's CV I had for a short period of the time - I just used the OEM nut on it.

 

12 point 39mm

 

Thanks @Cruzer ,pretty well covered on everything else, so next add is a spare axle and breaker bar/socket

 

Yes, I had been in the field working all day so I was hungry. 16+ hours busting ass on the ranch and then my idler pulley shears. I was like screw this I'm getting my ass home and into a bed before sunrise one way or another lol