Common Areas of Failure

Hey all!

I am trying to enter into the world of overlanding with my 2013 SR5 4Runner.

My biggest area of concern is on trail repairs. What are the most common areas/parts that fail and that might need to be replaced/fixed while out on trail?

I am a beginner when it comes to working on vehicles, so I want to familiarize myself as much as possible.

Thanks so much!

 

Tie rods are usually first to go. Easy to replace on trail, though, if you have spares. Bent / broken spindles are another possibility. Usually coming down on something hard. Spindle gussets are a good precaution (because you won’t be driving/fixing one of the trail), but need to be welded on. The kits are $75-100 from good manufacturers like Total Chaos, Dirt King, etc.

 

Depending on how hard you intend to push, you may want to learn how to trail swap a CV axle and carry a spare with you.

 

Get familiar with tire repairs well before getting on the trail in order to prepare yourself with the process. With that being said a good compressor is also a must.

There are multiple threads regarding compressors under the search bar.