What might strand me in the back country?

[WhiteSheep]

My 04.5 2500 is 12 years old and I still take it way back off pavement on paths resembling roads. What mechanically might strand me that I should be prepared to replace or fix by myself with hand tools? This truck was purchased new by me and it is mostly stock. No engine control mods other than the Roktech. I carry a spare lift pump and the instructions to install it along with a second belt and the routing instructions. I believe I'll start carrying a spare idler pulley or just replace it. Beyond this, basic fluids and a spare fuel filter what else do I need? What has actually stranded you on or off road you recommend I be prepared for.

 

[ENafziger]

The #4 injector line on the common rails is prone to failure. Mine stranded me for a few hours until I could get a spare.

 

[Bob4x4]

The #4 injector line on the common rails is prone to failure. Mine stranded me for a few hours until I could get a spare.

It does happen,I drove out to Boron to rescue a friend one night after working all day for just that issue.You can by a cap that will plug the rail so it will get you out with any line or injector failure

 

[Wayne M.]

I have a injector rail cap in my box. Belt, pullies, filters. I've been watching my radiator spring clamps on the hoses getting quite rusty. Maybe change those?
back off the belt tensioner and check all the pullies including the water pump and A/C hub. Really scrutinize them for slop.

 

[inlinesix3million]

What everyone else said And if that is your original water pump, you might consider replacing it with a cummins part. Along with a flush and fill. Thermostat and hoses would not hurt either on

your 04.5. Do all those at home.

 

[MLee]

FUEL PUMP, would be my most concern, of course as are the others mentioned.

 

[Wayne M.]

I'm using a Bosch US made water pump from Rock Auto. Giving excellent service. Cheap too.

 

[S.Morris]

Install your new lift pump at home at your leisure and keep your still working stock one for the spare. Although a fairly simple job, it can be a SOB on the side of the road/trail. Then keep or duplicate everything you needed to do the job at home and keep it with the spare pump.

 

[DFrank]

A spare water pump isnt too hard to install road side.

My '03 has been thorough 2 of them. You'd need to carry coolant as well.

 

[cerberusiam]

Coolant is a waste of space. Carry distilled water instead, it is much more useful when water is hard to find for anything.

Don't forget a couple gallons of oil and ATF plus a container to catch it in, break a line or hole a pan and you are done. JB weld, malleable tank seal sticks or a portable welder that runs off the batteries is good for quick fixes to those areas that will completely strand you.

 

[Bob4x4]

We had a Hemi truck with us on the Mohave trail that had just had a trans svc done at an independant shop-long story short the filter had dropped and was sucking air,with the supplies I had on board a quick trail side repair was made and the trip continued on with no drama

 

[TJJEEPER]

Just remember, all a 4X4 does is get you stuck in a worse place. Places you wouldn't go with a 2 wheel drive.
Other than that, the guys are giving good ideas.

My suggestion is a NEW pack of JB weld and a can of Brake Cleaner. You can plug some pretty bad holes by cleaning with the brake cleaner and patch with the JB Weld.