By Tony K and Eric B
Sometimes you just have to get your rig rolling again without making the complete or even proper repair. Sometimes it’s just to get off the trail and out of the way and other times it is done so you can get home. These are a few of the ones we have had to make and others that we have seen done or been part of.
-Broken Brake Line–
Did you know that the bleeder off your brake wheel cylinders will fit into one side of your master cylinder. Eric found this out one day when he removed a brake line inadvertantly with a winch cable and at the time didn’t have a spare. Trace the brake line back to the master cylinder and plug off that side. You will still have half your brake system and not be leaving fluid all over the trail. And we do not reccomend you operate your rig on the road this way it’s just a way to get you out of the woods.
–Axle Fix-
We can also learn things from other rigs. Kevin is a fellow wheeler who sadly doesn’t own a wagon. I am embarassed to admit it is not even a Landcruiser… All kidding aside he is a great guy to wheel with. But on one trip he managed to tear up the Jeep version of a Birfield. We did manage to remove the destroyed u-joint but the yokes were mangled beyond repair. His rig doesn’t have hubs so how to get back to camp without causing more harm? Stitch the yokes together with heavy wire and wrap with duct tape! This made the several mile trip back to camp. Next dilemna was getting the 300 miles home. His rig has an open knuckle so pulling the broken parts out and flying down the highway with a flat towed rig was not an option. Ninety weight would have been everywhere. Solution was provided by my border collie in the form of a ball. Pull the broken parts, insert ball in housing, tie it 
up with wire and off you go. The lesson here is to always think inside the wagon for unusual solutions.
-Ignition Fix-
Found out how easy it is to start a wagon without the key. Went to fire up my rig at the end of the day and the key wouldn’t turn in the ignition. Now what? Tore apart the column and used a screwdriver to turn the ignition and operate the starter! A stroke of good luck was the fact my steering wheel lock doesn’t always work and pulling the ignition key assembly doesn’t release the lock. Needless to say I now have an active theft deterent installed in my rig.
–Full Float Dilemna-
Full float axles are a wonderful thing. Managed to break one at Rubicon. All it took to keep rolling was to pull the broken section (with a magnet on a stick by the way) and re-install the stub with the bolts. No more power to the wheel but it did get me rolling.
-Start your Diesel-
If you have a 3B like I do the electronics that control the injection pump are getting old. Should you be unlucky enough to have it quit in the middle of nowhere there is an easy fix. Just pull the control rod off the injection pump and you will find it goes to the run position. Turn the key and she should start right up. Shut down involves opening the hood and manually pulling the injection pump to stop but that is not a big deal. Especially if you don’t have to leave your rig in the woods…
