Trail fix tool kit

[Sparksalot]

My kit is similar to your. I do have a 1/4" drive socket set as well.

Have you run across @Tozan either here or in person? He's also an overlander in AZ.

 

[Dantheman1540]

Yep @PNW VietVet is right I did a 2012 Denali 9.5sf 14bolt. It's cheaper to pick up the whole axle than to rebuild a 10bolt with a decent posi. I spent just under $500 for a 130kish mile 14b with 3.42 gears and a G80 auto locker. The G80 has been fantastic and I spank it like a fine piece of ass. IDK what gear ratio youd be looking for but you should be able to find one with 3.42 or 3.73 and a locker for under $700 which is about the cost of a posi for a 10b.

Also all your brakes will fit the new axle as will suspension and links.

 

[swathdiver]

I carry tools on the trail. My truck is a 2001 Z71 Tahoe. I was thinking though. I probably don't need a complete set of sockets. I think all most of the engine and things I could trail fix use:

8mm - battery cable
10mm - body bolts
13mm - engine accesspry brackets
15mm - oil pan drain?
18mm suspention parts

I don't recall any other sizes.... Other than 7mm for dash.

Additionally I have:

Tire plug kit
Multi-tool
Crecant wrench
Vice grips
wrachet
multi screwdriver
3 extensions
flashlight

Then goes in a gymbag with medical kit, duct tape (or gorilla is best), transmission fluid, jumper cables, and a tire pump.

Any additional ideas for trail fix kit?

How wrenches and sockets about the brake caliper bolts? Do you have extra tie rods and the tools to replace them should they get bent?

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

@swathdiver excellent advice.

I should get an extra tie rod. Thought about snagging one at junk yard next time I am there. That said, I have sleeves on my tie rods so hopefully they don't break, would be one heck of a hit to break them.

I should throw that brake caliper socket into my kit. I should probably also remove the factory lug nut tool and replace it with a socket and breaker bar.

@Dantheman1540 AWESOME, seriously there's a direct swap 14 bolt? I didn't realize that. I'll keep an eye out for Denali one and swap that in. That's a no brainer. I have 3.73 gears. Eventually I want a taller tire but not a lift. Not sure how big I can fit but at that point, idk if I should get higher gears. 6.0L is a beast though, I'm LOVING it off road. It gets even better mileage than 5.3 offroad too.

@Sparksalot not yet, I'd love to though. @Tozan are you in southern Arizona?

 

[swathdiver]

@swathdiver excellent advice.

I should get an extra tie rod. Thought about snagging one at junk yard next time I am there. That said, I have sleeves on my tie rods so hopefully they don't break, would be one heck of a hit to break them.

I should throw that brake caliper socket into my kit. I should probably also remove the factory lug nut tool and replace it with a socket and breaker bar.

@Dantheman1540 AWESOME, seriously there's a direct swap 14 bolt? I didn't realize that. I'll keep an eye out for Denali one and swap that in. That's a no brainer. I have 3.73 gears. Eventually I want a taller tire but not a lift. Not sure how big I can fit but at that point, idk if I should get higher gears. 6.0L is a beast though, I'm LOVING it off road. It gets even better mileage than 5.3 offroad too.

@Sparksalot not yet, I'd love to though. @Tozan are you in southern Arizona?

You want to find a RWD Denali or Escalade as those came with the AXN 9.5" semi-floater 14-bolt axle. Same 1350 yoke and u-joint. On the 900s, we have floating calipers and also need a wrench to get the calipers loose. Can't remember if yours are the same.

Did you use Rough Country tie rod sleeves? They tell me that they only work on lifted knuckle trucks but that doesn't seem right. Got a set coming for the Sierra.

 

[OR VietVet]

@swathdiver excellent advice.

I should get an extra tie rod. Thought about snagging one at junk yard next time I am there. That said, I have sleeves on my tie rods so hopefully they don't break, would be one heck of a hit to break them.

I should throw that brake caliper socket into my kit. I should probably also remove the factory lug nut tool and replace it with a socket and breaker bar.

@Dantheman1540 AWESOME, seriously there's a direct swap 14 bolt? I didn't realize that. I'll keep an eye out for Denali one and swap that in. That's a no brainer. I have 3.73 gears. Eventually I want a taller tire but not a lift. Not sure how big I can fit but at that point, idk if I should get higher gears. 6.0L is a beast though, I'm LOVING it off road. It gets even better mileage than 5.3 offroad too.

@Sparksalot not yet, I'd love to though. @Tozan are you in southern Arizona?

I really think the 9.5 14 bolt would be great for what you do. Not near as strong as the 10.5 inch full float 14 bolt, please remember that. Two different 14 bolts for sure. I put mine thru hell and back and never once did it break or falter. I beat it up because I knew the Dana 60 1 ton on the front could take it too. Cost a pretty penny but never worried about them on the rocks. That 9.5 is a strong semi float axle. Wish I had one in my 05. Decisions, decisions.....

 

[Dantheman1540]

You want to find a RWD Denali or Escalade as those came with the AXN 9.5" semi-floater 14-bolt axle. Same 1350 yoke and u-joint. On the 900s, we have floating calipers and also need a wrench to get the calipers loose. Can't remember if yours are the same.

Did you use Rough Country tie rod sleeves? They tell me that they only work on lifted knuckle trucks but that doesn't seem right. Got a set coming for the Sierra.

Those sleeves should fit no problem, I had them on my RCSB for awhile before I went with the kryptonite tierods. They never failed me and I did plenty of 4x4 launches and lots of mountian wheeling.

@Dantheman1540 AWESOME, seriously there's a direct swap 14 bolt? I didn't realize that. I'll keep an eye out for Denali one and swap that in. That's a no brainer. I have 3.73 gears. Eventually I want a taller tire but not a lift. Not sure how big I can fit but at that point, idk if I should get higher gears. 6.0L is a beast though, I'm LOVING it off road. It gets even better mileage than 5.3 offroad.

You should be able to fit 285/75/17 aka 34"s without a lift if you have the right back spacing and aren't afraid to trim a tad. Anything under a 35" tire as long as it's not some crazy wide brodozer crap you should be okay with 3.73s imo.

Funny you mention the mileage because yesterday I did a good bit of highway driving and got 18mpg. That's far better than any 6.0 truck was rated for by the EPA!

I really think the 9.5 14 bolt would be great for what you do. Not near as strong as the 10.5 inch full float 14 bolt, please remember that. Two different 14 bolts for sure. I put mine thru hell and back and never once did it break or falter. I beat it up because I knew the Dana 60 1 ton on the front could take it too. Cost a pretty penny but never worried about them on the rocks. That 9.5 is a strong semi float axle. Wish I had one in my 05. Decisions, decisions.....

Since your throwing a ton of money at that thing you might as well 9.5 swap. Seriously cheaper than doing any sort of major work to the 10b. Plus you could get a 3.73 model and save money over regearing the rear which would help pay to regearthe front or buy a ready to swap in front diff with 3.73s.

 

[swathdiver]

Those sleeves should fit no problem, I had them on my RCSB for awhile before I went with the kryptonite tierods. They never failed me and I did plenty of 4x4 launches and lots of mountian wheeling.

Thanks! I don't know why those Rough Country guys are leaving so much money on the table, they were adamant about them not fitting the Yukon or even the Sierra unless it had lifted knuckles.

 

[Doubeleive]

I carry tools on the trail. My truck is a 2001 Z71 Tahoe. I was thinking though. I probably don't need a complete set of sockets. I think all most of the engine and things I could trail fix use:

8mm - battery cable
10mm - body bolts
13mm - engine accesspry brackets
15mm - oil pan drain?
18mm suspention parts

I don't recall any other sizes.... Other than 7mm for dash.

Additionally I have:

Tire plug kit
Multi-tool
Crecant wrench
Vice grips
wrachet
multi screwdriver
3 extensions
flashlight

Then goes in a gymbag with medical kit, duct tape (or gorilla is best), transmission fluid, jumper cables, and a tire pump.

Any additional ideas for trail fix kit?

just one or two that could be critical
a hammer and a crow bar, if you hit a rock or something and it pushes a fender or bumper into a wheel or tire or effects the turn radius enough you are stuck like chuck.
other things that could be critical a couple D-rings and tow strap. (this a 2-way thing for you to help others stranded or for others to help you)
water, you can go a good long time without food.

 

[Sparksalot]

just one or two that could be critical
a hammer and a crow bar, if you hit a rock or something and it pushes a fender or bumper into a wheel or tire or effects the turn radius enough you are stuck like chuck.
other things that could be critical a couple D-rings and tow strap. (this a 2-way thing for you to help others stranded or for others to help you)
water, you can go a good long time without food.

I learned the hard way that D rings won’t work on the tow hooks because of the bumper recess. I added a soft shackle to my gear after that.