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Gold Hills Posse 4×4 Club · Folsom, CA

JK Fluid Kit Question

  1. Nubby Webmaster K6NUB Joined: February 2018
    #125 Dec 2019, 1:47 AM

    I have been thinking it's time to start carrying some spare fluids on the trail, but that can take up space pretty quickly. It feels like I don't need to carry full capacities of every fluid, if I need to completely refill the engine oil or cooling system I likely have bigger issues than refilling and limping off the trail. So what do you all carry full capacities of vs. a decent amount to just refill and get off the trail?

    I feel like my most vulnerable is brake fluid, thinking shearing off a line and having to replace all or most of it. Next is probably gear oil for anything differential related, but even then it would just be enough the limp off the trail and likely not under power in that axle anyway. Would love to hear all your thoughts on what you carry.

    Jamie & Damaris
  2. Josh Subscriber
    #225 Dec 2019, 9:34 AM

    Good question Jamie.

    Always best to be prepared. I carry a bottle of each. More of engine oil. Having enough to top off at least once if I spring a leak.

    I say carry some so you can cover the small stuff. If others do the same we can all help each other out if something major happens. My two cents.

    Semper Fi
  3. k-jeep Member Joined: May 2009
    #326 Dec 2019, 1:02 PM

    I carry power steering fluid, brake fluid, gear oil, small amount of  grease, and others. I would have to look to confirm the rest.

  5. Nubby started this Webmaster K6NUB Joined: February 2018
    #528 Dec 2019, 12:28 AM

    I never leave home without it Jeff!

    Jamie & Damaris
  6. Guy and Lynda Member Joined: May 2015
    #630 Dec 2019, 3:46 AM

    I second the motion of Kevin, including motor oil. Whatever you don't bring with you will be the one thing you need the most!

  7. kris_olof Trailmaster Joined: October 2015
    #730 Dec 2019, 7:51 AM

    I am pretty sparse in what I carry but generally engine oil, brake, and ATF.  In a trail repair, motor oil will work fine in a diff and ATF works in power steering pumps as well as T-cases.  Engine, automatic transmission, and brakes are really the only ones with specific requirements. Everything else will generally work fine to get you off the trail without any damage (excluding some of the new IFS rack and pinions that are finicky for fluid type)

    Bottle water or even creek water through a sock is fine for a radiator trail repair.

    Additionally, most motors will run fine on only a few quarts so as long as everybody in the group has a quart or two there should be enough to get off the trail.

  8. Nubby started this Webmaster K6NUB Joined: February 2018
    #831 Dec 2019, 1:01 AM

    Interesting, I would have never thought about engine oil in the diff. Sound like I got a plan now, thanks all!

    Jamie & Damaris

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