Engine Accessory Drive Spares

[Root Moose]

On our most recent trip (three weeks, ~7,000 kms, five provinces) we ended up getting stuck in Corner Brook, NL for an extra five days for want of a power steering pump. Of all the parts to get stranded by... a ~$50 PS pump.

I want to put together a couple of extra parts to go into the boonie box in case I run into this scenario again. It's pretty obvious what to put together but I figured I'd put this out there and ask for input on a few items.

1.) Power steering pump. Preferably one with the reservoir attached, and pulley ready to go. Include a puller to remove/install the pulley depending on how you put together the box of parts.

2.) Air conditioning. Not sure what to do here... there's the obvious replace the pump with an idler pulley from a non-AC Jeep. I haven't looked into if this is even an option on my 2001. Also, enough kit to bleed and close the system? Is that practical? Needs more research and input. I've been stranded by an AC pump losing it's bearings before but that was in a place where it was an overnight fix (i.e. not remote) and XJs were still a "current" vehicle so local parts availability was not a big deal.

3.) Spare alternator with pulley ready to go. No biggie. I'm due to replace my original, working alternator as preventative maintenance. Good excuse to putting in a bigger alternator at the same time.

4.) Water pump. Pretty straightforward. Swap for electric? Worth the bother to carry a spare? I'm inclined not to carry one. I put in a new water pump about 50,000 kms ago when I replaced the cracked cylinder head.

5.) Extra belt(s). Is there a belt combination that can bypass the AC?

It's a lot of weight, space. I have the storage capability in my trailer but it still bugs me.

Input?

 

[precision powder]

If you dont use the a/c just rip it all out and replace with a shorter belt. Pretty simple there. Every car I have built with its intent being power or a clean bay included tearing out the entire a/c system. Wrap a string around everything to measure for the belt or just ask a parts store what size you need for a non a/c jeep

 

[Root Moose]

Tearing out the AC permanently is not an option.

 

[NW4wheeler]

If you have problems with the ac system you can always just unplug the ac clutch making it act as a free wheeling pully or get a ac bypass pulley they are cheap and easily stored.

 

[precision powder]

You could always pull the wheel off if something happens and replace the belt with a short one. It should run ok if the whole wheel is gone

 

[aluke0510]

It all depends on how old/miles your vehicle is, how much preventative maintenance you do, how remote you travel and what kind of backup service is available, and what your vehicle is.

Common things that apply to every vehicle:
Belts, thermostat, spark plug, gas cap, oil cap, fuses, spare wheel lug nuts, loctite, spare bolts, chicken wire, jb weld, duck tape, tire patches and plugs, butane soldering iron/torch with spare wire, solder, and a switch or two, etc. Don't forget a good service manual with a wiring diagram, even if you think you know your vehicle well there are always thing that will skip past you and drain time trying to figure out.

I replace things like power steering pump, water pump, hoses and tubes, belts, spark plugs and wires, water pump, fuel filter, idler pulley, fuel pump, rebuild alternator, wheel bearings, etc. every 50k miles. Even if it isn't broken. Yes it is an expense but I have never in all my years had one of those parts fail. You can gain a bit of the money back by selling several of the parts them as used. Engines get a total rebuild every 150-200k miles depending on how much oil it is starting to use as well as new axle shafts u joints, steering components, etc. Of course I always end up traveling solo so the add confidence is good.

I don't see why tearing the AC out is not an option? I have a black CJ in Arizona where it can hit 48-50C in the shade and don't have AC. It is an option which I guess you aren't willing to do. Not knowing what you are driving it is hard to say but some vehicles are set up where you can bypass the AC with just a shorter belt.