Pre/Post run checklist??

[5280FJ]

Okay, we've had lots of lists that members have contributed to: tools to carry, what you need for the summit, spare parts, first aid kits (though you EMT & ER room doc's lists blow me away), recovery kits, etc.

I was just thinking about making a simple pre/post run checklist. We all know to check our tires and of course CV boots and swaybar links, after a run, but what else would you recommend??? What can a quick look check over? Any input would be great. I will update this post with additions.

Every run:
*Tires-pressure and sidwalls
*CV boots & retaining clips (thx BMThiker)
*swaybar links
*Battery secure (thx Fjamming)


occasionally?
schock mount bolts
lower control arm bolts
diff/third member bolts

[BMThiker]

When checking the CV boots, be sure to inspect the retaining clips. I had one go bad right at the weld and was able to replace it before it leaked all over the place. It looked like it was still holding but it popped off with little effort. I did a double wire wrap with one of those little wirebanding gizmos and it held up fine. http://www.clamptitetools.com/

All bolts! May not have to do everytime, but if you do alot of bouncing and jouncing, then check the torque of
Shock mount bolts
Lower control arm bolts
Diff/third member bolts


Also, somehow I tore the little ball joint dust cover boots on the upper A-arms (stock A-arms). The grease dries out and the ball joint sticks--making a popping sound when it articulates. Finally got it fixed last month.

[Fjamming]

I usually look under the FJ to see if anything is leaking or bent up. Pop the hood and check to see if battery is secure or if anything is out of the ordinary (quick visual check). Also checks to see if my fenders got fat (bulges).

[5280FJ]

bump.... for after work crowd...

[highbeams]

Actually, it should be a after run check list
when you get home you should crawl under and have a good look around at control arm bolts, mounts, new dents scratches. Look at the bottom of the drive train, cv joints. Check tires for possible tears or punctures.
you see, the possibility of it going bad on trail are big, but when traveling down the road at 60 plus in DD mode the possibility can be deadly

before a run check fluid levels, battery tie down and stuff like that. Belts, you know just to see if anything needs maintenance

[BMThiker]

Since someone PM'd me about the wire wrepping of a CV boot, I thought I would share my response...

I had to look it up again... it's called a Clamp-Tite tool. One of our club members is a reseller, so I never knew the manufacturers name and their packaging is pretty minimal. http://www.clamptitetools.com/

I opted for the pricey SS model, since I knew it would reside in my truck for the rest of its life and I just like the heft it has in you hand--this thing won't break. You can certainly get by with the aluminum version. I'd go ahead and buy a spool of wire from them too. It's stainless aircraft grade stuff that doesn't have any stretch to it. The 50ft spool is plenty for an emergency kit. Get the 1lb roll if you plan on redoing all your hose fittings or something.

Here's a pic of my CV boot with the wire wrap. I used about 20-24" of wire to do this fix. The tool comes with decent instructions for different types of wraps and it requires some waste (8-12") to use the tool properly.

[FJoel]

BMThiker previously said:

Since someone PM'd me about the wire wrepping of a CV boot, I thought I would share my response...

I had to look it up again... it's called a Clamp-Tite tool. One of our club members is a reseller, so I never knew the manufacturers name and their packaging is pretty minimal. Their web presence is somewhat lacking, but I did manage to find them (web gurus they are NOT) ClampTite Clamp Making Tool - J. S. Enterprises - www.clamptool.com

I opted for the pricey SS model, since I knew it would reside in my truck for the rest of its life and I just like the heft it has in you hand--this thing won't break. You can certainly get by with the aluminum version. I'd go ahead and buy a spool of wire from them too. It's stainless aircraft grade stuff that doesn't have any stretch to it. The 50ft spool is plenty for an emergency kit. Get the 1lb roll if you plan on redoing all your hose fittings or something.

Here's a pic of my CV boot with the wire wrap. I used about 20-24" of wire to do this fix. The tool comes with decent instructions for different types of wraps and it requires some waste (8-12") to use the tool properly.

Argghhh! It's people like you I blame for always being broke!



Now I have to buy one when I can afford one...

Rep to you!

[FJoel]

I would like to add GAS to the pre-run check list.

It seems like common sense, but still many people forget it. In flight training the importance of gas cannot be stressed enough. Just because you have a full tank doesn't mean you have enough. Sit down for a minute and figure out where gas is, and how far you are going to get before needing more. Also keep in mind not all stations or towns are 24 hour!

I think that should suffice... I don't think physically dipping your tank is necessary in your FJ, but it is common practice in aviation and we have had some fuel gauge troubles on this board... hmmm...



(okay... one more thing... you will use more gas offroad than on-road)

[Radio]

Gas is a good thing.
All the tools and stuff you should take along, vs. what you are going to take along... you would need to take another FJ!