Keep old LBJs with you on the trail?

[ShooterMcGavin]

I am in the process of swapping out my old LBJs for new OEM. I haven't tested the condition of the old ones, but with 266,000 miles on them (most likely never replaced), they probably aren't great. Are they worth keeping in my truck as a spare for the trail? I tend to think that they are worth it, but I've been known to carry too much extra stuff sometimes. Thoughts?

Slightly off-topic, what about used OTRE, ITRE, etc.?

 

[Kryptoroxx]

I am in the process of swapping out my old LBJs for new OEM. I haven't tested the condition of the old ones, but with 266,000 miles on them (most likely never replaced), they probably aren't great. Are they worth keeping in my truck as a spare for the trail? I tend to think that they are worth it, but I've been known to carry too much extra stuff sometimes. Thoughts?

Slightly off-topic, what about used OTRE, ITRE, etc.?

If there's still a little life in them sure. Trail spares are to get you off the trail. It would still be a gamble but better than being screwed if something does happen.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

If there's still a little life in them sure. Trail spares are to get you off the trail. It would still be a gamble but better than being screwed if something does happen.

Kinda my thoughts. There may only be 100 miles left in them, but if I'm 90 miles from home...

 

[hawaiian05]

If there's still a little life in them sure. Trail spares are to get you off the trail. It would still be a gamble but better than being screwed if something does happen.

This exactly. The fact that they are still currently functioning means that they'll serve you better than a broken one while out on trails (and out of cell service). Look at them as a doughnut spare tire- it's there just to limp you home, but not to keep on as a permanent fix. Along with that though, be sure to keep all the necessary tools on board so that it becomes more than just dead weight

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

True.

What about OTRE and ITRE? Do they really fail on the trail or would it mainly be the tie rod that would be more likely to bend? I don't want to carry dead weight.

 

[AZ_Trails]

I changed my LBJ, OTREs, and ITREs as part of preventative maintenance, so they still have some life left in them, even if it's just to limp home from the trail. I keep both spare LBJs and OTREs, and one ITRE with me. It's good piece of mind, and doesn't take up too much space/weight. I'd recommend it if yours look decent.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

I think I'll do that. Thanks for the tips.
I just need to find a way to carry all this extra stuff!

 

[hawaiian05]

I think I'll do that. Thanks for the tips.
I just need to find a way to carry all this extra stuff!

One problem leads to another... first you needs parts, then you need a storage system for these spares and tools, then you need more cool gadgets to fill the cool storage system you just built... then why not throw in some lighting since the gadgets offered free shipping above $XXX.XX. #carproblems

 

[Scotty_h]

Grease em up, wrap em up in watertights, zip tie them in your spare tire if you got it in factory location... Even if not... :beer:

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Grease em up, wrap em up in watertights, zip tie them in your spare tire if you got it in factory location... Even if not... :beer:

Do you mean on top of the spare? Hmm, not sure about that It is extra storage space out of the way though. I never thought about it.

 

[Do-boy]

Grease em up, wrap em up in watertights, zip tie them in your spare tire if you got it in factory location... Even if not... :beer:

So much this. first mod I did was a drawer setup. Now i'm on amazon all day looking for all the stuff I "need."

 

[Scotty_h]

Yeah man on top. There isn't much space, but for a couple ball joints, should be enough. I mean grease those bad boys up though, Like Indiana Jones making sticky bombs to blow up Nazi tanks greasyainkiller:...

Maybe a WonderBread bag? I dunno. Just secure it down super nice-like :fro: