Backcountry Repair Parts: for the Newbie(ish)

[spincycle]

OK. So I've been wheeling, have done my share of tire changes, shoveling sand and gravel to get out of a nasty situation, towing/being towed, winching myself out of a rough spot....but have yet to deal with serious mechanical failure.

Things I travel with:
- Full socket set
- torquewrench
- spare tiire
- compressor & redundant tire gauges
- electrical kit: soldering iron, electrical tape, extra wire
- bailing wireatchet
- redundant 110VAC inverters
- tire repair kit
- jumper cables
- voltmeter/multimeter
- extra gas (min 5 gal.)
- axe/hatchet
- hammer and/or sledge hammer
- fire exstinguisher
- LED-bulb MagLight w/D-cells
- Hi-lift jack w/soft-ground base plate
- tow strap/snatch strap/D-rings front & rear
- Warn steel front & rear bumpers
- Warn 9.5ti winch w/steel cable (to be synth. soon)
- First Aid Kit (somewhat extensive - store bought but expanded upon)
- GPS w/extra batts
- Maps
- cell phone

Plus some 1st aid training (out of date now, but useful nonetheless).

So, the questions:

-do I need to carry CV joints, an axle, dif seals, and what kind of lubes should I be carrying?
-What would you add to this kit? What are the omissions I'm not catching? Fill me in! What am I missing, both in terrms of objects and in terms of skillset?

ANY advice appreciated.

My goal is not only to take care of myself, but to be an asset to others on the trail.

Never been a boy scout, but...the whole "be prepared" thing rings a bell for me.

[Swingshiftworker]

I use to be a long distance sports touring motorcycle rider (sold my last bike last year) and often carried selected parts along in case of a crash or malfunction (levers, pegs, clutch cable, wiring and fuses) and have used them in the past.

Your list of emergency and recovery gear is pretty extensive, but I'm not sure what parts, if any(other than a tire repair kit, some wiring and extra fuses) that you'd really need to carry your FJ. Do you really think you could do a CV joint, axle or diff seal repair/replacement on the trail? If so, you're a better mechanic than I'll ever be.

If I were going that so off road alone, that I'd have to try such a repair, I'd bring along a functioning satellite phone (which you can rent or buy) and the phone numbers of the responsible "search and rescue" agencies in the areas that I was planning to travel (See: Example of satellite rental rates) and bring along my backpack gear (including sufficient food and water) to walk out, if my FJ goes down w/o any possibility of rescue or recovery.

BTW, an emergency tracker might be cheaper alternative to buying a satellite phone (A satellite phone available for purchase).

[BzWires]

Well Marty, that's one way to do it, but the gearheads out there (myself inclued) like to self rescue, unless all else fails, I normally keep a few days of food and water with me at the very least + all my tools and what not.... hell I'm good for about a week most of the time

[BzWires]

Drive train Repair & Replace (R&R) and Renew CPR/First Responder Certs.

[spincycle]

BzWires previously said:

...like to self rescue, unless all else fails

I should add that I also travel with my sleeping bag, food, signaling devices, firestartiing devices/skills, etc. I also carry rope, pulleys, tree protectors, flares, etc.

[BzWires]

spincycle previously said:

I should add that I also travel with my sleeping bag, food, signaling devices, firestartiing devices/skills, etc. I also carry rope, pulleys, tree protectors, flares, etc.

GOOD TO GO!!!!

[BzWires]

By the way I hope to be going to the summit plus running around CO. for awhile next summer and have Friends&Family up the Ft. Collins any good wheeling up there?

[spincycle]

Thanks for the kind words,all.

Does anyone in the Denver/Booulder area have any interest in a (paid) position as hands-on educator for CV boot / axle / etc (common probles on the trail) train day? I'd like to know what needs to be done to fix these issues, innncluding what tools would be necessary, BEFORE I need them to put them to practice. How about a Front Range "How to get yerself out of a &^*thole when it really matters" lesson day?

[spincycle]

BzWires previously said:

By the way I hope to be going to the summit plus running around CO. for awhile next summer and have Friends&Family up the Ft. Collins any good wheeling up there?

Lots o' wheeling ound here..just be in touch when the time comes. There's also an active goup or two 'round here.

[spincycle]

BzWires previously said:

By the way I hope to be going to the summit plus running around CO. for awhile next summer and have Friends&Family up the Ft. Collins any good wheeling up there?

Just noticed your origin...I grew up in Berkeley/Oakland (62nd & Colby, specifically, between college & telegraph)