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Rubicon trail spare parts list

dirt bag

Member
Messages
6
Location
Salt Lake City, UT
Been talking with some friends about running the Con. They have done it several times. What are some spare parts you guys would recommend taking? I have a 2010, 3.7, adventure. I looked up on YT and there's not much about hummer H3's and the Rubicon.
 

Nikal

Well-Known Member
Messages
92
Location
California
Been talking with some friends about running the Con. They have done it several times. What are some spare parts you guys would recommend taking? I have a 2010, 3.7, adventure. I looked up on YT and there's not much about hummer H3's and the Rubicon.
Sounds awesome! What improvements to your H3 or prep have you already done for a trip like the Rubicon?

IMO some of your spare parts list would be based on what improvements or prep you have already done? Have you upgraded your tie rods to HD aftermarket, or are they stock? If stock I’d bring a spare set of tie rods. They are compact and won’t take up any room. If aftermarket HD you’re probably solid.

I would also carry a spare front cv axle assembly. Carry fluids like engine & gear oils.

How good are your tires? Even with brand new tires a plug kit and small air compressor is important. If your buddies already have a compressor then they should be able to cover you on that.

How’s your front differential bushings? Aftermarket urethane or stock rubber? If stock rubber you might want to consider putting a fresh rear cross member bushing in before you go.


IMO prep before the trip is way more important then what your carry for spares. Just make sure you have the basics to get you out. What vehicles do your friends have and what do they carry for a trip like this? With their experience they should be able to help you on the general basics.
 

Happy Hummer

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,454
Location
Wisconsin
Agreeed.... prep, prep, prep.
Wiper blades, belt, brakes, shocks, tires, lights (brake..reverse...turn...headlights), etc.
Make sure to bring a recovery kit (shackles, straps, boards, gloves,etc...)
Med emergency kit (basic small one)
Air comp, tire patch/plug kit.
One c/v shaft. Two ujoints. One main c/v for front prop shaft/w c/v grease.
But number one thing above all else have a good time and think / safety.
You can can actually fit all of this neatly in a low profile Rubbermaid kinda container. Drill holes in the lid at each handle and puta hvy duty zip ties through it. Don't want a back up part or recovery item hitting your head.

I've not been to Rubicon but have headed down to Indiana at that offroad park. I made absolutely sure to come prepared when my girl and I went. We stopped at a wally world and bought a bicycle orange flag on fiber glass pole. Got to be able to be seen.

Duct tape and zip ties. Lol!
 

EndeavoredH3

Well-Known Member
Messages
469
Location
Arizona
Been talking with some friends about running the Con. They have done it several times. What are some spare parts you guys would recommend taking? I have a 2010, 3.7, adventure. I looked up on YT and there's not much about hummer H3's and the Rubicon.
What I’m bringing to the con For H3 specific parts: Cv axle(s), rear axle shaft(s). Spark plug and ignition coil, driveshaft cv joint, u joint, inner/outer tie rods, radiator hose splice kit, lower ball joint (sometimes upper control arms if they’ve got mileage), spare tire, patch kit, air compressor Part of this list is overkill, but if I’m the only h3 it’s kinda necessary.

For tools, I carry a nice craftsman mechanic master set that has sockets and wrenches big enough for all bolts/nuts on the truck, axle nut socket, trail welder (I’m paranoid), pry bars, all fluids (gallon of atf, couple quarts of oil, couple quarts of diff fluid, etc)

I don’t necessarily carry all of the list above on the trail if I’m renting a condo or have a place to put them. Hope this list is a good start.
 

dirt bag

Member
Messages
6
Location
Salt Lake City, UT
Sounds awesome! What improvements to your H3 or prep have you already done for a trip like the Rubicon?

IMO some of your spare parts list would be based on what improvements or prep you have already done? Have you upgraded your tie rods to HD aftermarket, or are they stock? If stock I’d bring a spare set of tie rods. They are compact and won’t take up any room. If aftermarket HD you’re probably solid.

I would also carry a spare front cv axle assembly. Carry fluids like engine & gear oils.

How good are your tires? Even with brand new tires a plug kit and small air compressor is important. If your buddies already have a compressor then they should be able to cover you on that.

How’s your front differential bushings? Aftermarket urethane or stock rubber? If stock rubber you might want to consider putting a fresh rear cross member bushing in before you go.


IMO prep before the trip is way more important then what your carry for spares. Just make sure you have the basics to get you out. What vehicles do your friends have and what do they carry for a trip like this? With their experience they should be able to help you on the general basics.
Just the usual maintenance stuff. Trans service, t-case, brake system, cooling system, fox shocks, 5 new tires (285/75r17), poly rack bushing. I need to do the diff bushing still. The H3 has been through hells revenge and steel bender. Should I try to snap the tie rods and go HD or just replace with HD and keep old rods as a spare. I will probable do everything recommended then head to Moab for a shakedown run.

My friend is a Rover gear head and competed in Camel Trophy. He said the H3's cruise pretty good.

I really appreciate and the help and feedback.
 

Nikal

Well-Known Member
Messages
92
Location
California
Just the usual maintenance stuff. Trans service, t-case, brake system, cooling system, fox shocks, 5 new tires (285/75r17), poly rack bushing. I need to do the diff bushing still. The H3 has been through hells revenge and steel bender. Should I try to snap the tie rods and go HD or just replace with HD and keep old rods as a spare. I will probable do everything recommended then head to Moab for a shakedown run.

My friend is a Rover gear head and competed in Camel Trophy. He said the H3's cruise pretty good.

I really appreciate and the help and feedback.
IMO I’d rather work on it in your garage vs on the trail. If you think a tie rod could fail on the extreme terrain you’re going to attempt. I’d suggest putting the HD ones on now in a comfortable working environment with the proper tools vs on some dirt & rocky trail all while holding up your group and potentially blocking the trail for someone else. Plus trying to eyeball the alignment on the trail is next to impossible.
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,492
Location
Meridian, ID
I have only done the rubicon after the solid axle swap so my parts list is different but I would say tie rods, steering rack, front CV.

If your on 35s and running a factory eaton e locker your probably fine on no rear axle shaft. The locker will break before the shaft 9 times out of 10 but doesnt hurt to have one.

fluids and tools and have fun.

I have done the rubicon almost 10 times now, its absolutely beautiful.
 
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