Large Cheap plastic tool box is what I use. took the insert out. Holds my tow straps and all the goodies I need. If you get on with top compartments it will also hold gloves and what have you.

 

i don't know if this obvious to some people or not...but i would suggest not getting a clear box due to theft.

 

That's a good thought...I was going to go with clear but I didn't really want everybody being able to see what I had in there.

Fink

 

ive been wanting to build this https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...t=cargo+drawer but i hope to try it this spring..

 

The CARQUEST Distribution Center I work at has these awesome 'totes' (their word, not mine) about 4ft by 2ft by 2ft deep. Probably large for a runner, but perfect for a pickup bed. They're made of an indestructible red plastic, with 2 lid halves that fold over the top and interlock with each other. I'm in the process of outfitting mine with a tool set, fire extinguisher,and eventually a mini air compressor. It'll sit in the bed of the Taco, held in place with a ratcheting tie-down. These totes are indestructible! When we move a CARQUEST store to a new building, we fill the totes with everything...any auto part that will fit in it. They'll hold 100+lb of brake rotors or suspension parts. We throw them around, drop them, kick them off the high lift truck, curse at them. They seem to be a feat of engineering; I've never seen one break in all but the most extreme situations. I got mine at the Distribution Center for free but a store will probably sell one for $15. That's a bargain.

 

I have a plastic toolbox/tote that I like for several reasons. It's waterproof so if any of the water, oil, PS fluid, etc. that I carry breaks open it will be contained. If I need to clean it I can just wipe or hose it out. And most importantly, it is easier to secure since it is solid. I would not want a bag full of tools and shackles flying around my cab in the event of an accident or rollover!

 

I have three bags to hold my stuff.

1 bag for the heavy tools
1 bag for the recovery equipment; 2 snatchblocks, strap, tape, winch control, shovel and the FSM manual
1 bag for oily stuff, bearings, grease, gloves, meter

I have a Craftsman bag and two Autozone bags. All of these have been holding up very well. I usually put the tool bag (heavest) in the middle of the other two, and put them right behind the seats, situated in the center of the rig, and then strap them down. Nothing like being hit in the head by a heavy tool bag in a roll over.

 

Good call, I will definitely have them strapped down with a tie-down or those really tough rubber straps. It seems that the anchors that they put in the back are too far forward. It doesn't look like I'd be able to do a straight shot across them and be able to secure all of the bags...I'll take a look at it when I get all my stuff together. Going to Lowe's in a little bit to round up some more stuff.

Thanks guys!

Fink

 

This is what i use, it might be a little much to carpet it, but it keeps things from sliding around and making noise, and i can lock the box if i am worried.

 

Heh, where did you find a mortar box? I want one.

 

Or you could go the super bling route and get the "Outback" storage unit for $1800

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/...ers_detail.htm

 

Hijack:
In that pic they show a red gas can in the storage box.
Is that safe? Keeping gas in the vehicle, even tho it's in a plastic container inside another container? Would you still smell the gas?

 

Boxes are popular Mr. Fink.
Here is mine.
http://www.pnw4runners.com/index.php?dir=cargobox/

It holds a lot of gear/tools, ect, and the added benefit is you can organize stuff in them too.

I also have a Warn bag behind the drivers seat that holds shackles, the Warn wired remote control, chains and more, ect.
It comes with the stuff in the picture too.
http://www.warn.com/truck/accessories/kit_redbag.shtml
Camo too.
http://www.warn.com/truck/accessorie...mouflage.shtml

And if you do go with a box, secure it.
You can see the rachet strap on mine in this pic.
It utilizes two stock D rings built into the floor back there.
There are also two up front with another rachet strap over the sub woofer.

If you use bags, you can run some type of cable through the straps and D rings to secure them back there.

 

I would love to build a nice storage system in the back but I'm not sure confident enough of my carpentry skills, my dads an amazing carpenter/do-everything'er but he's so busy with work. I'd like something that would fit snug in the back that I could still lay all my crap on. For now I think I am going to have my Rubbermaid storage bin, tool bag and last week I ordered a Camo Warn bag for all the straps and chains and shackles and stuff...being heavy doesn't really bother me, I'm not a small guy and if I'm stuck, I'll be motivated, lol.

Maybe I will look into trying to design something this Spring. Does Lowe's/Home Depot sell those pre-made drawers that most of you guys are using? That would make it really easy, I could lay those out and then take measurements from there.

Thanks for all the help guys, keep the ideas coming.

Fink

 

Alright here's whats going on.

I've gathered most of the tools that I can possibly think of carrying in the Runner:

Large(HUGE) and small adjustable/Crescent wrenches
Metric/SAE allen wrench set
Universal screwdriver (several different bits in one driver)
Duct tape
Flashlight
Hammer
Hatchet; had it laying around and just tossed it in
Tin snips/Cut-anything-snips
Utility knife

Only things left to get are:

PB blaster
Full metric socket set (look below for my questions)
Electrical tape (completely forgot)
Assorted oils/greases (going to auto parts store in a few)
Breaker bar (waiting to see what kind of socket set I get)

Alright...here's my dilemma on the socket set, I don't mind paying for a good one, as long as I'm sure its got everything I need.

I went to Lowe's today, they carry Kobalt and Task Force. Both are great tool manufacturers, neither of them have a METRIC ONLY socket set. I don't really have a need for any SAE sockets.

What are you all using (i.e., brand, ratchet sizes, where you got it, price)

I know that all sockets from 9mm to about 19mm are needed and then some bigger sizes.

I am thinking about just trying to piece together my own kit. I love Husky socket sets but I can't seem to find them anywhere, my dad has a monstrous complete SAE/Metric set but I can't find it anywhere and I don't really need all of that anyway.

So some help on the socket set would be appreciated! Breaker bar will follow, will probably end up getting a 3/8" and maybe a 1/2" depending on what size ratchets I get in the socket set.

Here is my list of Recovery Gear:

(2) 2"x30' ARB Snatch Straps
2"x20' OKOffroad Strap
4"x8' ARB Tree Saver/Strap
20' 5/16" tow chain with a slip hook on one end and a grab hook on the other
(2) 3' 3/8" chain lengths with a slip and grab hook on each
Extra slip hook and grab hook
Extra cotter pins
4 3/4" WARN shackles
Gloves

I think that about covers it.

If you would, go over my lists and see if you can think of anything to add to it. I'm not a hardcore wheeler or off-roader but I like being prepared, I just found a few guys around my area that are into off-roading with Runners so I think I will be starting to hit the trails more often.

Thanks guys, let me know about some socket set recommendations.

Fink

 

Do you really need to carry all of this gear every day? Sort your gear into piles that you want to carry every day and gear you want for the trail. You got more gear than you could ever use on a trip!

I carry lots of tools and gear in my 4Runner. I keep a bag of straps, shackles, air hose for tires, etc under the passenger seat. There is a first-aid kit, maglite and CB mic under the drivers seat. I keep a machete, hatchet, spare ARB air line, aftermarket bottle jack, emergency flares, breaker bar, can of fix-a-flat, PB blaster, duct tape and bungees under the rear passenger-side seat (stock bottle jack location). I keep a 3x30" stap and a 2x6" strap in the rear cargo compartment. I keep shackles and the winch controller in the rear door compartments. NONE OF THIS TAKES ANY VISIBLE SPACE.

Finally, I have a bag with wrenches, sockets, drives, spare bolts, pliers, all the regular tools, etc that I keep on the floor of the rear seats. This is the only thing that takes away from passenger/storage capacity.

Tool and gear storage in the 4Runner is plentiful. Just prioritize your needs and use the available space first. Good luck.

As far as sockets/wrenches go, here is what I carry:
(2) 3/8" drives, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm sockets/wrenches, and an adjustable wrench. I have both standard and deep sockets. Most bolts on the 4Runner are 12 and 14mm, plus a few 10 and 19mm. I have a few "custom" bolts that need these additional sizes. You can usually buy "automotive kits" from Lowes or Wal-Mart that has all these sockets, plus usually some additional useful tools. These kits are the best way to get lots of tools for cheap. I wouldnt worry too hard about splurging for great trail-tools, save your money for good shop tools.

 

I won't be taking up much space at all, just 2 bags in the back and a storage bin. I've already got my first aid kit, bag of bungees and my spotlight in the rear compartment, I keep all my dog's stuff in the rear door compartments and then front compartments are usually full of receipts (driver side) and lord knows what on the passenger side.

I don't keep much underneath the seats as most of the crap that I do try and keep under there just rolls around and bangs around and makes noise, I'm a freak about stray noises in my Runner, call me crazy, but it drives me nuts!

Also, having an apartment that is already pretty stocked with stuff I'd rather just be able to leave all my crap in the Runner that way I'm ready to go whenever, stuff with me happens pretty spontaneously so I like to be ready at any time, plus its really not all THAT much stuff. Depending on how this storage bin thing works out I may leave it back there or just stick with the bags.

Some recommendations on a good solid metric socket set?!

Thanks for the help,

Fink

 

One word, Craftsman.

 

Stick w/ bags IMO. Much easier to store in a variety of places, tied down and remove if needed.

Craftsman. SEARS has all their stuff on sale right now I think. A nice combo set of metric/standard w/ a nice assortment of stuff can be had for under $200.

 

Plus, you have the no-question guarantee. I have used the regular sockets as impact sockets, broken them, and then received a new one, with no hassle. I have broken larger sockets on the end of a breaker bar, and again, no hassle at the Sears counter.

edit: if you're on a really tight budget, you could go to Autozone for the GreatNeck, I think they also have a lifetime warranty, and much cheaper. But then again, how much is a busted knuckle worth because of a lousy ratchet.......