Syncro Off Road tool kit help needed

toomanyveedubs

I just got a decent bonus at work and feel like spending some of it on my Syncro.
I'll be attending Syncro fest in a couple weeks and was thinking of getting a hi lift jack, shovel, axe, chains, straps, that kind of stuff. Better to be prepared right! I already(only) have a small air compressor and tire repair kit.

Suggestions anyone? What are the off road must haves? Best price vendors?

Tia

JED THE SPREAD

syncrodoka · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2011 11:58 pm Post subject:

If you get a Hi-Lift you need a adapter to use it-
http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_442_356/high_lift_vanagon_jack_adaptor.html
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=4212&category_id=&category_parent_id=

I like this place for offroad stuff- http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=1

You can buy a Hi-Lift at just about any 4x4 place. I like the red one as it has a better base.

For Syncrofest where there are plenty of cars around a good recovery strap and a 3/4" shackle(stay away from smittybilt as they are grossly underrated) is about all you need.

Depending on your air compressor you may want to consider upgrading. The really cheap auto parts store units don't last long(except for the MV-50).

IdahoDoug · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 12:11 am Post subject:

I agree with SyncroDoka that if traveling or offroading with a group you don't need a lot of things that you would normally need for solo. Strap/shackle, shovel, handheld CB radio (normally used on trails - not sure what the Syncro world uses) sturdy work gloves, proper recovery hooks front and rear, and a way to air up the tires would be paramount. Much beyond that for solo travel and your gear would be shaped by the type of terrain you intend to traverse. For instance, sand/desert/beach means sand ladders, and river crossings mean a tarp to cover the grille and snorkel (neither apply to Syncros, oddly), etc.

To me one of the best upgrade pieces of gear for any kind of offroad use would be a quality set of sturdy offroad tires.
_________________
1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

toomanyveedubs · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 12:23 am Post subject:

Any VHF radio suggestions? Any syncros got one mounted in their rig?

syncrodoka · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 12:31 am Post subject:

Aren't those for boats?

Jon_slider · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 8:15 am Post subject:

Sure, we will be glad to help you spend your money on toys.. er tools Smile

http://www.hi-lift.com/accessories/index.html
If you choose to build up a kit based around a Hi Lift, (very good idea)

1. I recommend the Wheel lift accessory because it allows you to get out of a hole by piling stuff under the tire.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

If you jack from the normal jack point, also a desireable part of the kit, it takes a lot more lifting to get the tire high enough off the ground to fill in a hole.

If you want hi lift winch ability, then you want the ORK and 30' of chain, and possibly also a snatch block (pulley)

lots of recovery gear ideas here
http://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/home.php?cat=268

here is an article about the Hi Lift
http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/hilift_jack.html

2. You might enjoy owning a set of Staun deflators
http://www.4by4connection.com/stauntirdef.html

3. The Bushranger Xjack has always interested me, buy one and tell us what you think <g>

Syncroincity · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 5:16 pm Post subject:

You might consider a second compressor, depending on your tire size, it can take a very long time to air all 4 back up to highway pressure.
_________________
'86 Syncro CHC Top AAZ Turbodiesel
'04 Passat Variant 4Mo 5MT

Vanagon Build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=466866&highlight=

toomanyveedubs · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 7:38 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the replies. I ordered some mil-spec tire deflators today Smile

I got the standard and rock crawler versions, 1 of each.

https://www.4x4parts.com/nissan/military-spec-multi-choice-rock-crawler-tire-deflators-p-5512.html

I am going to order a hi-lift jack too. Just haven't decided what size.

I need to get some straps/chains too. Any suggestions?

toomanyveedubs · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 7:51 pm Post subject:

Syncroincity · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 8:43 pm Post subject:

toomanyveedubs · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 8:53 pm Post subject:

But only a simple exam to get the license, why not?

Bettery than the 2way walkies I use now.

syncrodoka · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 12:22 am Post subject:

Oh, you are talking about ham radios. I usually hear of VHF for boats- just different lingo.
The thing about CBs is that they are easy/cheap to get and many people have them, ham radios not so much. They are stronger and can travel much farther but someone has to be on the other end to pick you up. If you are using FRS 2 way radios right now anything is a upgrade.

The rock crawler deflator that you bought will probably never see use unless you are running bead lockers. The standard one goes more than low enough for most people. I rarely even go under 25 PSI which those deflators cannot even go to.

Baxta · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 6:55 am Post subject:

Just noticed that Cambodian Tire has their hi-lift jack on for $49.99 this weekend... Not an endorsement, just a notification! Smile

_________________
Greg
'87 Syncro Westy 'Bastian'
2.2l

toomanyveedubs · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 7:30 am Post subject:

j_dirge

Jon_slider · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 9:01 am Post subject:

(background, tire pressure calcs.. vehicle weight divided by max load of 4 tires, times max pressure.) In practice I find 120% to 140% of that calculation useable, subject to test driving. In the case of the 215, I think 140% is closer to what seems to actually work.

Mario runs a 215x75x15 bfg AT KO rated for 1765lbs @ 50 psi
If Mario runs 40psi street front, +5 rear, (thats 140% of the calculated pressure) then 25psi offroad makes sense for that tire, (24psi is the calculated 60% of his front street pressure)

a BFG KM2 mud terrain is rated 1985lbs@50psi

the 215 has a load range of 100, the 235 has a load range of 104, meaning the sidewall is stiffer on the 235

sample calculation for 215 tire, assume doka weight is 4000lbs (verify that) 4000lbs divided by (1765*4) times 50 = 28psi, times 1.4 = 40psi
60% of street pressure gives offroad pressure of 24psi.
sand at 50% of offroad gives 12 psi

sample calc for 235 tire, 4000/7940*50=25 psi, times 1.2 = 30psi street, offroad at 60% = 18psi.. sand at 50% of offroad gives 9psi

for your beefier tire, I think 120% of calculated pressure makes sense, it is 30psi.
What is your actual driving experience?
How does the wear pattern look with your current inflation, seem even accross? How does it handle pavement curves, not too much body roll?

for yanking
http://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/home.php?cat=268
ARB 8,000 KG Snatch Strap (ARB705)
SKU: ARB705

for the hi lift as a winch
Curt Manufacturing 3/8" x 20' Grade 70 Chain With Clevis Grab Hooks (J311)

ARB Snatch Block 9000 (10100020)
SKU: 10100020

For D-Ring Shackles, I prefer these beefy ones
http://www.4by4connection.com/drings.html
the 3/4 is rated at 6.5 tons,

whereas the normal 3/4" shackle from here:
http://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/product.php?productid=18458&cat=268&page=1
is rated for 4.75 tons

toomanyveedubs · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 9:09 am Post subject:

Thanks John. I run 28 & 32 based on calculations you did for me last year. Tire wear is dead even and handling is very stable/good right up to 70mph (my trucks top speed)

toomanyveedubs · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 9:19 am Post subject:

Where to mount shackles?

Jon_slider · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 9:39 am Post subject:

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_1084_159/smittybilt_2_receiver_shackle_bracket.html

also the normal front and rear tow loops on the van

then there is Alarics approach (always top quality)


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