What Lives in the Van
The Astro Tool Kit
If it broke on Harrison FSR at 4 pm on a Sunday, could we fix it? This is the kit we built to answer yes as often as possible.
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Diagnostic
Recommended
Bluetooth OBD-II Scanner
Our everyday code reader and live-data logger. Pairs to a phone app, reads and clears codes, graphs live PIDs.
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Recommended
Digital Multimeter
Auto-ranging DMM for O2 signal checks, ground checks, and 12V diagnostics on the road.
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Recommended
Infrared Thermometer
Non-contact temp reads on brake rotors, exhaust manifolds, and coolant hoses. Fast triage tool.
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Mechanical
Recommended
1/2" Drive Socket Set (Metric + SAE)
GM stuff is mostly metric with SAE stragglers. Carry both.
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Recommended
22mm O2 Sensor Socket
Slotted socket for the wire — required for the [O2 spacer install](/blog/o2-sensor-spacer-install-astro).
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Recommended
Torque Wrench (1/2" drive, 20–150 ft-lb)
Wheel torque, suspension bolts, brake calipers. Non-negotiable for wheel-off work in the field.
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Recovery
Recommended
Traction Boards
Sand/mud/snow recovery — the number one recovery tool on a 2WD rig.
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Recommended
Kinetic Recovery Rope
7/8" × 30 ft kinetic rope with soft shackles. Stretches instead of snapping.
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Recommended
Soft Shackles (×2)
Lighter, quieter, safer than steel D-rings. Rated 30,000+ lb.
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Camp
Recommended
Folding Shovel
Fire pits, wheel wells, latrine. Under the passenger seat.
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