While we’re not mechanics we’ve had our fair share of breakdowns, both mechanical and emotional on the side of the road. Usually in some shithole, where there’s no phone reception and it’s 40°C, but that’s all part of the journey right?
We’ve owned and maintained a couple 1HZ Troopys over the last ten years and we’ve lived in our current set up for the last two years and counting.
Our list of spares, consumables and tools is by no means gospel, it’s just what we have found works for us. In saying that, you may wish to add your own items to the list below. The following is what we like to carry in the Troopy while we’re travelling remotely.
If you're getting organised for a big trip it may be helpful to print the blog and tick items off as you pack them.
Spares
Mechanical:
Belts x4 | Timing belt, 2x fan/alternator belts and AC belt (the AC belt is not essential but we carry one anyway so that we can replace it if need be) |
Wheel bearings x2 | The bearings themselves are the same for the front and rear however the seals in each kit vary slightly. Ensure you’ve got all the parts you need before heading off |
Fuel filters | Primary and secondary (including o-rings) |
Air filter | Just in case the original becomes wet, clogged or damaged |
Oil filter | For the unlikely event that the original is damaged |
Assorted nuts/bolts/washers/screws/hose clamps | This has saved us more times than I can remember and shouldn’t be overlooked |
Radiator hoses | Top and bottom (including hose clamps) |
Electrical:
Cable | Several lengths of varying sizes |
Fuses | Make sure you have spares for all sizes in your setup |
Globes | Not essential but handy to have them onboard in case one fails |
Fusible link | In the unlikely event that you blow one |
Assorted lugs/connectors | Varying sizes and types for all relevant joins and terminations |
Anderson plugs | A spare anderson doesn’t go astray if you’ve got a few installed in your rig |
Consumables:
Duct tape | For anything and everything |
Electrical tape | Handy for repairing damaged cable insulation etc. |
Fencing wire | Useful for tying things back in place |
Cable ties | Pack a few different sizes |
Threadlocker | Handy for securing runaway nuts/bolts. We carry the medium strength (blue) |
Wheel bearing grease | We carry a 500g tub which is generally enough for 2x bearings |
General purpose grease | For all the other moving parts |
WD/40 | For stubborn nuts etc. |
Coolant concentrate | Just in case you spring a leak and have to add fresh coolant |
Engine oil | To top up the sump if there’s a leak or your engine burns some |
Gasket maker | Because you're not going to be carrying every gasket you might need |
Metal putty | A last resort but at least it’s there if you need it |
Silicone sealant | Useful for odd repairs e.g. a leaky roof |
Windscreen washer detergent | Self explanatory |
Degreaser | Handy for cleaning up parts, especially hubs when changing wheel bearings |
Rags | Self explanatory |
Brake/clutch fluid (DOT 3) | To top up if you spring a leak |
Vaseline | Oil based grease degrades rubber (e.g. of your brake caliper boots) so vaso is a good substitute. Also handy if you’re stuck out bush for a while by yourself |
Emery paper | A sheet or two of emery can be useful for cleaning parts up |
Water | Always carry enough water to top up your radiator |
Beer | We like to use full strength or rum depending on the severity of the breakdown |
Tools
We carry all of our tools in a quality canvas tool roll.
Note: Toyota intelligently built the LandCruiser with metric fixings so keep this in mind when selecting your tool kit.
Hand Tools:
Ring spanners set | Metric sizes |
Open ended spanner set | Metric sizes |
Ratchet spanners | Metric sizes - not essential but can make life easier at times |
1/2” socket set | We like to consolidate our socket sets into smaller bags with just the sizes we will need |
1/4” socket set | As above |
Shifters (one small, one large) | We don’t like to use them but you never know |
54mm hub nut socket | This is for the front wheel bearing lock nuts. Ours has a 1/2" drive so we can use it with our ratchet |
Multi grips | Handy for grabbing things |
Vice grips | Handy for grabbing things tightly |
Oil filter wrench | For easily removing the oil filter |
Hammer | One with a bit of oomph - about 500g should do the trick |
Punches (several different sizes) | Many uses including tapping new bearing races into hubs |
Cold chisel | We carry a couple of different sizes |
Screwdriver set | Flat blades and phillips of varying sizes and lengths. The Stanley kits are great for this |
Allen keys | For any aftermarket accessories |
Hacksaw | Carry a spare blade or two in case you snap one |
Cutters/snips | We use and love the black panthers |
Old toothbrush | Handy for cleaning up intricate parts |
Wire brush | Useful for cleaning up parts and threads |
Stanley knife | Handy for cutting jobs e.g. electrical insulation |
Crimpers | In case you need to terminate any cables |
Combination pliers | For electrical work etc. |
Side cutters | For stripping cables etc. |
Long nose pliers | Handy for grabbing objects in tight spaces |
Circlip pliers | Useful for replacing front wheel bearings (a circlip holds the end of the axle in place) |
Puller | Not essential but we’ve had a couple of wheel bearings seize in place when they fail |
File(s) | Different grades and shapes (flat/round/thread file) |
Easy outs | For screws/bolts with damaged heads. You will need access to a drill to make use of these |
Puncture repair kit | Find one that includes spare valves, valve stems and valve caps |
Grease gun | For greasing nipples |
Drip tray | If you're doing oil changes on the road then you will need a drip tray for the waste sump oil |
Funnel | Handy for oil changes but you can always make one from an old bottle if need be |
Power Tools:
Impact driver/sockets | For convenience and stubborn nuts/bolts |
Grinder/assorted discs | For cutting steel and cleaning up surfaces |
Drill/assorted bits | Also chuck in a centre punch for accurate drilling |
Please keep in mind this list is specifically for our 1997 HZJ75RV and individual models may vary.
There’s plenty of good tutorial videos out there (links below) and we also carry a Gregory’s manual which can be super handy too.
General servicing (oil and filters) - click here
Wheel bearings - click here
Belt replacement - click here
We hope this guide has been helpful! If you have any questions, or think there's something we should add to the list feel free to send us a message via the contacts tab.