Way back in the 80’s there were books written about field repairs on vehicles. Of course trucks were simpler back then, but I was wondering if anyone has come across anything that would cover newer vehicles. Things like repair of a cv joint or tie rod, etc.
Ron W.
I haven’t seen written instructions recently however I was just looking at a couple of YouTube videos that covered cv repair specifically. I would say that most or the most convenient way to get information like this is YouTube or other media platform. If you’re comfortable searching YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, there’s tons of information out there that may even be specific to your vehicle
I hope this helps.
also unsure of any written instructions. However on the subject of CVs, one thing I do that’s saved me a couple of times. I disassembled an old broken CV and I keep the stub shafts in the truck so incase of breakage I can swap those 2 pieces in to keep fluid in the front diff and to still be able to hold my hub together. Still gets me home without the bulk of carrying a complete spare.
Other things I like to have… Spare serpentine belt is always something good to keep on hand without taking too much space. A good set of locking hose clamps also comes in handy incase of brake line damage. Carrying bailing wire(uses are endless) different sizes of zip ties, a multi meter and a small electrical kit with stripper/crimpers butt connectors and fuses and electrical tape are all also staples for trail remedies to make sure you get home.
I believe that a Starlink unit for accessing YouTube videos is today’s version of a field repair book. I don’t think that manufacturers even make easily accessible shop manuals anymore as for almost the past 20 years you now need to subscribe to some sort of on-line library for a lot of money for a short period of time.
Back in the 80’s, yes I know I am old, there were several books written on this subject that gave great ideas to do a temp fix that you might not have considered. Such as using bar soap to stop a leaking gas tank. Many uses for the foil in a cigarette pack. One that I remember, and think I still have somewhere, is Off-Road Emergency Repair and Survival by James Ristow. However, books like these were for vehicles of the day. I don’t think I can get Youtube way out there.
Appreciate the dialog and question! I wonder if I can dig something up – will add this. I’ve got a huge offroad recovery book I’ve got to re-read, as well as a YouTube playlist with first aid dynamics to re-visit from time-to-time… adding this to the list to better share here!
Tried the soap to fix the leaking tank. Sort of worked. Now I keep fuel tank epoxy.
Spent a lifetime driving around and tried most of those old fix’s. I still keep odd and end fixs in the tool kit. One thing we didn’t have was the ability to seriously upgrade things. Now I bomb proof most of my gear and use the trail fix stuff on other people.
At one time I kept spare brake lines, axles fluids, belts, hose repair, extra fuel pump……….
Tool box is lighter now.
Didn’t do the fuel tank one, but did the “fuel pump don’t work no more”.