Thread: What spares in your box?

Originally Posted by spdterence

Thanks again for all the advice.

Tony - you mentioned carrying uni's? Now it is awhile since I changed one but they used to be a bit of a bugger and required circlip pliers and at least a decent vice / anvil and a big hammer. Are the RR's somehow easy to change?

Also you mentioned rear shafts. I guess you mean half shafts / axles? And not prop shaft / tail shafts? I suppose it would be easier to carry a spare tail shaft but then my experience is that unis normally give you some kind of warning - pinging or rattling or something - but then again I am new at this.

Do the half shafts just 'let go' like that? or do you need to punish them to snap?

I have made up a list of these bits. I guess I will try to cruise past a wreckers and grab most of them. Really appreciate the advice!

Thanks Tezza

I meant half shafts. If you it not had it long you may not know how it has been driven before ON the tyres in your pic if not driven in anger should be fine No weel spinning If you blow the rear diff(The spider pin takes leave) you will need a cordless drill a 1/4 bolt sealant and swap front diff Only if up hill Seriously there is no warning on shafts but spider pin can wear and make a click sound when it snaps. Just go easy if you on your own and it will be fine With 4x4 you have a spare drive.
To be honest I've never broken an axle even in my 4.4 2 door on 33"tyres. But have spat a spider pin Uni joints are cheap The diff or transfer make a great vice The Uni is not to bad to change under a Rangie. You will need a Flogometer, a Drift and depends on C clip what removal tool. A skilfull scewdriver can do some good . C Clip remover is better The pre 86 CVs wont break before your 10spline axles Don't drive it in anger It will be fine.

Oh I forgot a couple of things.
If you have a 38A, 322, D3,D2 maybe,then a sat phone may be the best thing to call a dealer or specialist for help.
Seriously,I also have NRMA premium cover.
I wouldn't take driveshafts etc. You have to stop somewhere and there comes a point where the weight will cause more problems than the parts can solve. If something happens to stop you it will be something you haven't got the part for. Murphy's Law.
Regards Philip A

Spare alternator, spare starter motor, spare axles??? Stagger me, the man has to fit the family in somewhere! It's been said many times that the reason people break springs on the canning is cos they're carrying spare springs...
I agree that the items mentioned above should be in good shape before you go. I too have 2 alternators so have redundancy, but can't see myself carrying a spare one if I didn't. Got to draw the line somewhere. The most valuable thing you can carry is a lot of knowledge and the ability to improvise. And zip ties.
Back when we started outback travelling, a mate advised me to carry some KneadIt- an epoxy filler/adhesive. Worth it's weight in gold.
Like Phillip said, top cover is well worth it (RACV /NRMA or whatever you're state equivalent).
The above notwithstanding, my spares kit always includes the best couple of brake pads from my last worn-out set (front + rear) in case I get metal-to-metal unexpectedly.

The above notwithstanding, my spares kit always includes the best couple of brake pads from my last worn-out set (front + rear) in case I get metal-to-metal unexpectedly.

Forgot, ditto.
Another anal person!
I once lost a rear to the metal on Fraser Island. I had a spare . Fixed in the main street of Tewantin, but cost me a disc.
Regards Philip A

One peice of equipment that I found invaluable, is a small block of wood, in my case its treated pine 100mm square by about 160mm long which I have bound with string to make it even stronger.
Its uses are multiple and I will give you just a few, a wheel chock, extra high lift for the jack, for jamming in areas, a suspension travel bumper and the list goes on.
It does not take up much room, mine lives with the jack.
good luck and have a good time.

Nitrile disposable gloves, zip ties, garbage bags, rags, tarp to lie on, funnel, clear hose for bleeding stuff, coathanger, hand cleaner.

Small stuff.

Simon

This is what I find mysself up against when on long trips and camping Have two kidsThe spares or touring kit is under all that stuff
As you won't be going to far from civilization you won't be so self reliant if a drama happens. So don't get to hung up on sht loads of spares.
Most outlets will send stuff to you when you are traveling as NRMAetc will tow it if it can't be sorted.
Have a great trip. Cheers Tony.