Handy additions to your 4x4

[fun in dirt]

Rolling around the ideas of building a '72 4wd pickup ... what are some useful mods & custom fabs you have?
For example, there is one thing on my Blazer that will definitely do again - center, rear shackle mount that is tied to both frame rails; makes for a confident, easy recovery point.

[Matt Man]

Bracing the frame by the steering box.

[Zoomad75]

My rear bumper with swing out tire carrier has been totally handy. Since I used a 10bolt hub/spindle/lockout it has the ability to lock the swingout in any position. It has proven to be most effective when camping and not worrying about the tire flopping closed at the wrong time.

[franken]

An NV4500, planetary doubler, and NP205...

[underliner6]

Originally Posted by Zoomad75

My rear bumper with swing out tire carrier has been totally handy. Since I used a 10bolt hub/spindle/lockout it has the ability to lock the swingout in any position. It has proven to be most effective when camping and not worrying about the tire flopping closed at the wrong time.

The locking hub is an excellent idea!

[DWilbur]

High steer with cross over steering for sure.

[mikelom]

Originally Posted by Zoomad75

My rear bumper with swing out tire carrier has been totally handy. Since I used a 10bolt hub/spindle/lockout it has the ability to lock the swingout in any position. It has proven to be most effective when camping and not worrying about the tire flopping closed at the wrong time.

Is it custom made or an aftermarket one?

[1976gmc20]

Shovel, tow strap, hi-lift jack

[Killer Bee]

^ yank a pioneer kit from a hmmwv or cucv

[jeffahart]

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

Shovel, tow strap, hi-lift jack

It think the shovel is the number one recovery tool. But I don't always have on in my truck. So for years I've been keeping a military entrenching tool behind the seat, I actually have two... no watchers, everybody works! They're small for a shovel, but where the excel is when you lock them in at ninety degrees they work great as one handed picks and mud rakes, can also be used as an axe. If I lived in Montana, I'd carry a long shovel full time too.


j

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by jeffahart

It think the shovel is the number one recovery tool. But I don't always have on in my truck. So for years I've been keeping a military entrenching tool behind the seat, I actually have two... no watchers, everybody works! They're small for a shovel, but where the excel is when you lock them in at ninety degrees they work great as one handed picks and mud rakes, can also be used as an axe. If I lived in Montana, I'd carry a long shovel full time too.


j

I've got a couple of those folding shovels now and I carry one in the Jeep and one in the Suburban. I used to carry a long shovel in the Suburban but we don't drive it that much anymore and need the shovels elsewhere. A long shovel doesn't fit very well in the Jeep.

My pickup is still loaded up as if I was going to go cut timber again. I don't have to use a shovel for an axe because I also carry an axe and a chainsaw.

Anyway, basic self recovery gear is a first before doo-dads no matter how useful they may be.

[Zoomad75]

Originally Posted by mikelom

Is it custom made or an aftermarket one?

Custom built by my buddy and I. It's going to get another swing arm soon on the other side with a basket for fuel/water scepter cans. I'll use another hub for the pivot.

Getting back to the handy modifications, at least for me with camping in remote locations an ARB 12v fridge for food and beverages and 12v onboard air compressor for getting the tires back up to spec for the ride back on pavement.

Having done one week living out of the K5 in June out in the Utah desert with two 70L coolers flat sucked. We had to buy ice at every stop to keep our food from going bad and the beers getting warm. I picked up a better yeti knockoff cooler for the next Desert trip but it only slowed down the use of ice. The fridge was a gamechanger. I can load a weeks worth of perishable food and put a supply of water/gatorade and adult beverages in to be frosty when it comes time to setup camp for the night. With my 2nd battery setup I'm not killing the main battery to start on. Still the ARB has so small of power consumption the 2nd battery still has pleanty of juice before starting to take off for the next day. Not being stuck buying ice is the bonus.