What basic tools should I buy to start working on my 80? I would like to change oil, replace brakes, perform other basic maintenance. Any input would be much appreciated.
Basic Tools
- Thread starter Atlanta Cruiser
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
I was on the same boat last year and here is what I bought.
Sockets 3/8 set deep and shallow
Sockets 1/2 set deep and shallow
socket wrench 3/8
socket wrench 1/2
Breaker bar 1/2
Basic screwdriver set
Adjustable wrench 2-3 sizes
Nice brass hammer
Oil filter wrench(or toyota has a SST for this)
Large oil pan
Channel lock pliers
A torque wrench(good deals on ebay for snap on then get it calibrated)
Jack stands(6 ton minimum)
Wheel chokes
A good floor jack
Gear wrench set
I think this is it, im sure i forgot some
Sockets 3/8 set deep and shallow
Sockets 1/2 set deep and shallow
socket wrench 3/8
socket wrench 1/2
Breaker bar 1/2
Basic screwdriver set
Adjustable wrench 2-3 sizes
Nice brass hammer
Oil filter wrench(or toyota has a SST for this)
Large oil pan
Channel lock pliers
A torque wrench(good deals on ebay for snap on then get it calibrated)
Jack stands(6 ton minimum)
Wheel chokes
A good floor jack
Gear wrench set
I think this is it, im sure i forgot some
Metric 6pt sockets 10, 12, 14, & 17mm - matching box wrenches.
Heavy duty jack & stands.
OBDII scanner
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
quality screwdrivers, pliers, cutters.
BFH - Big (Feelin') Hammer
... many more ...
Heavy duty jack & stands.
OBDII scanner
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
quality screwdrivers, pliers, cutters.
BFH - Big (Feelin') Hammer
... many more ...
I typically look for socket sets that include ALL sizes, many companies will drop out the odd sizes... and sure enough that's the one you need for some reason.
The only thing I would add the list above a couple various 3/8 socket extensions.
Im still learning, but there is 6 point and 12point sockets for various applications. Haven't found a diffenitive <sp> on which to use... prolly cause Im a .5
The only thing I would add the list above a couple various 3/8 socket extensions.
Im still learning, but there is 6 point and 12point sockets for various applications. Haven't found a diffenitive <sp> on which to use... prolly cause Im a .5
- Thread starter
- #5
What companies include all sizes in the socket set??
6 point sockets cause less wear and tear on the nuts, but a 12 point is easier to fit on in a tight spot. Generally speaking, if you really have to reef on something to break it free, choose a 6 point socket if you can. It distributes the load over a larger surface area on the nut or bolt.
This is my favorite breaker bar, a Snap-On that telescopes from 12 to 18 to 24 inches. Really nice for working in tight spots.
BLPBB1224, Breaker Bar, Adjustable, 12" to 24", Blue-Point
I think I saw this somewhere before - but does anyone have a definitive 'short list' of tools to carry on the road? Not "tools to cross the outback with" but an essential short list. I always seem to carry too many... and usually need none.
This is my favorite breaker bar, a Snap-On that telescopes from 12 to 18 to 24 inches. Really nice for working in tight spots.
BLPBB1224, Breaker Bar, Adjustable, 12" to 24", Blue-Point
I think I saw this somewhere before - but does anyone have a definitive 'short list' of tools to carry on the road? Not "tools to cross the outback with" but an essential short list. I always seem to carry too many... and usually need none.
I typically look for socket sets that include ALL sizes, many companies will drop out the odd sizes... and sure enough that's the one you need for some reason.
The only thing I would add the list above a couple various 3/8 socket extensions.
Im still learning, but there is 6 point and 12point sockets for various applications. Haven't found a diffenitive <sp> on which to use... prolly cause Im a .5
The point of 6 sided sockets is that they are far less likely to strip the bolt/nut than the 12 point counterpart. The 12 point sockets can come in handy as they will fit on the bolt/nut in three different angular positions which can come in handy in really tight spots - however they are best avoided when you can due to the stress on the gripping edges of the bolts/nuts.
The manufacturers if cheap sockets often include 13mm but not 12mm sockets - worthless for us as probably 25% of thebolts/nuts on the 80 require a 12mm socket.
- Thread starter
- #8
Can anybody recommend a specific socket set that would be a good starting point? It seems most don't have everything or they are simply overkill. I have always liked craftsman tools.
Thanks for the clarification on the 6 vs 12 point 
. That makes sense.
Ive found Craftsman from Sears has most complete sets and good quality IMO.
I just purchased 10mm - 20mm (Or close to that range, would have to go look) 6 point, 3/8" shallow set from Sears. Relatively cheap ($20). Good start.
. That makes sense.Ive found Craftsman from Sears has most complete sets and good quality IMO.
I just purchased 10mm - 20mm (Or close to that range, would have to go look) 6 point, 3/8" shallow set from Sears. Relatively cheap ($20). Good start.
94SRUNNER
GOLD Star
A good set of pliers in addition to Channel locks.
The Channel lock brand makes a really nice oil filter wrench
In addition to the 3/8 extensions I would pick up a universal adapter (not sure of the exact name), it allows for good flexibility.
And the list will grow........
The Channel lock brand makes a really nice oil filter wrench
In addition to the 3/8 extensions I would pick up a universal adapter (not sure of the exact name), it allows for good flexibility.
And the list will grow........
A basic set from Sears or Lowes is fine to get started. Don't worry about finding a set with "all" the sockets, just pick the missing ones up individually. It seems a lot of them are packaged in plastic containers with a molded space for each socket, which may work out OK, but eventually you need to repackage them in a way that suits your needs. The giant sets Craftsman sells (like 250 pieces) are usually a waste because you buy a lot of stuff you don't need. You can join the Craftsman Club on-line and get a decent discount, they have been aggressive about on-line sales.
You'll want extensions, flex knuckles, a few extras like that and you'll be pretty well set. As you wrench you'll find situations where a particular deepwell is needed, and you can just buy that one (although a full set of deepwells is nice). The ratcheting GearWrench type of open-ends are really helpful too. If you think mods are an expensive addiction, beware of the tool catalog!
I consider Sears and Lowes type of tools an OK weekender wrench. Unfortunately they are all kinda crappy these days, but unless you can justify it with bloody knuckles or extra cash the Snap-On stuff adds up fast. I selectively buy Snap-On when I can justify it. The tools at a place like AutoZone, IMO, I consider total junk.
You'll want extensions, flex knuckles, a few extras like that and you'll be pretty well set. As you wrench you'll find situations where a particular deepwell is needed, and you can just buy that one (although a full set of deepwells is nice). The ratcheting GearWrench type of open-ends are really helpful too. If you think mods are an expensive addiction, beware of the tool catalog!
I consider Sears and Lowes type of tools an OK weekender wrench. Unfortunately they are all kinda crappy these days, but unless you can justify it with bloody knuckles or extra cash the Snap-On stuff adds up fast. I selectively buy Snap-On when I can justify it. The tools at a place like AutoZone, IMO, I consider total junk.
I did read a thread here with that list too.
- Thread starter
- #13
Thanks!! That helps a lot! I'm sorry to keep asking questions but I have yet another one. Would a 3 ton floor jack be enough??
NLXTACY
Wits' End
- Thread starter
- #15
Maybe a dumb question but - do i need two 3 ton jack stands or two 6 ton jack stands??
As with most things having to do with the 80, bigger is better. If you are lifting up one side of one axle, to pull a single wheel, a single 3-ton will do. If I'm lifting the entire front or rear to pull both wheels, I'd rather have a bigger jackstand. If I'm crawling around underneath the truck, I prefer a bigger stand.
There is a difference in the quality of various stands, shop around and look at them and find one you like. AutoZone carries a beefy one as a housebrand, NAPA does to. Some of the Sears/Homer Depot are thin with crappy tack welds. I prefer the wider footprint of the larger stands, plus the 80 sits tall anyway, on some of the smaller stands you are really extending the arm, which gets tippy.
There is a difference in the quality of various stands, shop around and look at them and find one you like. AutoZone carries a beefy one as a housebrand, NAPA does to. Some of the Sears/Homer Depot are thin with crappy tack welds. I prefer the wider footprint of the larger stands, plus the 80 sits tall anyway, on some of the smaller stands you are really extending the arm, which gets tippy.
6 point vs 12 point,
unless you intend to work with 12 point bolts do not buy 12 point sockets, as far as I know there are no 12 point bolts on the 80, 12 point sockets provide no advantage in access but are more likely to round the head of a fastener, with a 6 point socket you can just rotate the ratchet to get on the head, the minimum swing is set by the tooth count and free play of the ratchet not the socket,
wrenches are another mater, with a 6 point box end wrench you need greater than 60 degree to make a swing and get another bite, a 12 point will only need slightly more than 30, that can mean the difference between being able to do a job or not in tight spaces, I would start with 6 point wrenches so you do not round off bolt heads, eventually you will need 12 point wrenches also.
I use my 1/4" drive more than any other on my 80, so I am suprised that it is not on the list above,
Don't scrimp on ratchets, you spend a lot of time with them so buy the best you can afford and collect different lengths and shapes as you go along. cheap ratchets are coarse and lock up/ break in a short time,
avoid Chinese/no name/no warranty/generic tools,
to the starter list I would add
pick set (bugger hooks)
diagonal cutters (dikes)
Allen wrenches
needle nose pliers
wire strippers/crimpers
digital multimeter
vise grips, several sizes especially the little ones,
dead blow hammer (buy a good brass hammer from the list abovce first though)
creaper
rear axle nut sst,
front axle nut sst,
if you ever work away from where you store your tools you need a "tote tray" a portable tool box with all your commonly used tools, I have 2 they hang out in the back of my 80,
a roll around box for your garage, these can get very expensive, start with a small/cheap/used one and grow later when needed
3 ton jack stands will hold up your 80 but 6 ton jack stands go higher and are nicer to work with and generally better made, go with the 6 ton.
If you are working you never stop buying tools, it is a good thing.
unless you intend to work with 12 point bolts do not buy 12 point sockets, as far as I know there are no 12 point bolts on the 80, 12 point sockets provide no advantage in access but are more likely to round the head of a fastener, with a 6 point socket you can just rotate the ratchet to get on the head, the minimum swing is set by the tooth count and free play of the ratchet not the socket,
wrenches are another mater, with a 6 point box end wrench you need greater than 60 degree to make a swing and get another bite, a 12 point will only need slightly more than 30, that can mean the difference between being able to do a job or not in tight spaces, I would start with 6 point wrenches so you do not round off bolt heads, eventually you will need 12 point wrenches also.
I use my 1/4" drive more than any other on my 80, so I am suprised that it is not on the list above,
Don't scrimp on ratchets, you spend a lot of time with them so buy the best you can afford and collect different lengths and shapes as you go along. cheap ratchets are coarse and lock up/ break in a short time,
avoid Chinese/no name/no warranty/generic tools,
to the starter list I would add
pick set (bugger hooks)
diagonal cutters (dikes)
Allen wrenches
needle nose pliers
wire strippers/crimpers
digital multimeter
vise grips, several sizes especially the little ones,
dead blow hammer (buy a good brass hammer from the list abovce first though)
creaper
rear axle nut sst,
front axle nut sst,
if you ever work away from where you store your tools you need a "tote tray" a portable tool box with all your commonly used tools, I have 2 they hang out in the back of my 80,
a roll around box for your garage, these can get very expensive, start with a small/cheap/used one and grow later when needed
3 ton jack stands will hold up your 80 but 6 ton jack stands go higher and are nicer to work with and generally better made, go with the 6 ton.
If you are working you never stop buying tools, it is a good thing.
Clutchee
I'm fun sized!
Power steering pump gear bolt
But even that item is a truly unique item to need on the trail.
x2 on 1/4" drive ratchet - I even got two of those one regular, one swivel head and extension from 1/2" to 20"
Here is a good starting set (Craftsman 260 pc. Mechanics Tool Set) on sale for fathers day. You will probably need another larger socket set to cover (21mm lug nuts, 24mm transfer/differencial). Have fun shopping!
Here is a good starting set (Craftsman 260 pc. Mechanics Tool Set) on sale for fathers day. You will probably need another larger socket set to cover (21mm lug nuts, 24mm transfer/differencial). Have fun shopping!
