Must have tool list for working on 80's (1 Viewer)

[culturedredneck]

I've searched and posted on here for many years. It's usually been some form of holy-crap-what-happened-please-help-sos situation, to which I've received nothing but selfless help from many people on this forum. Living in an apartment in a large city, having no garage and lots of work travel doesn't leave much time for lengthy testing or tear downs. Since recently purchasing a home, NOT in a city and having a decent workspace, I'd love to set myself up with some of the more valuable tools and equipment y'all find crucial to working on 80's. I've got a basic socket/ wrench/ screwdriver kit and most of what I need for working on old Japanese motorcycles, but thats about it at this point. If it helps.... I probably wont be pulling motors or transmissions or machining anything.

So, what do you guys recommend? What are some of your must have's or couldn't do without's?

(P.S. I searched and looked at the FAQ and couldn't find a tool list for working on 80's. Please point me in the right direction if it exists already though.)

 

[mingles]

17mm offset box wrench for on-the-road checking the tightness of nuts on bottom of steering knuckle.
17mm x 19mm 12 Point Offset Double Box End Wrench Polished Finish, Cr-V - - Amazon.com

set of 3/8" drive "wobble" extensions for getting to bolts that are not quite accessible from straight above.
Capri Tools 3/8-Inch Drive Wobble Impact Extension Bar Set, CrMo, 3-Piece - - Amazon.com

set of 3/8" drive "locking" extensions for removing stubborn spark plugs without having socket fall off in spark plug well.
Neiko 00295A 3/8" Drive Locking Extension Bars for Removing Sockets and Sparkplugs, 3 Piece | 3", 6", 10", Cr-V - - Amazon.com

54mm axle locknut socket for adjusting preload on wheel bearings.
Amazon.com: ATD Tools 11229.0 54mm 6 Point Axle Nut Socket: Gateway


The list can be nearly endless. How deep is your wallet ?

 

[george_tlc]

It's a safe bet that whatever job you need to do next will require a tool you don't yet have

Other that what you have, I'd add some decent jack stands and a hydraulic floor jack and some wheel chocks. The rest purchase as you need.

6 point sockets are a good thing.

cheers,
george.

 

[Rusty Marlin]

Hub wrench.
Timing light.
1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 torque wrenches.
Hacksaw with lenox blades.
Sense of humor (hard to buy, must be developed over time, but invaluable asset when working on old machines)
Extensions for socket set, 1" long to 36" long.
Impact driver (funny though, haven't needed this since I stopped working on Jap motor cycles)
Air or electric 1/2" Impact wrench.
Grease gun with needle tip.
I guess that's about it.
OH one more thing:
If you live in the Great Frozen North, you'll need a blue tip wrench too.

 

[cahill]

In no particular order. Impact driver. JIS screw head set. Set of gear wrench wrenches has made my life a lot easier. 54mm socket for hub nut, brass hammer, snap ring pliers for front axle maintenance. long reach plier - 45 and 90 degree for hose clamps. Torque wrench. Plastic pry bar set for interior panel removal. Voltmeter. Tall jack stands, jack. Grease gun. I am sure there is more.

 

[ewillis]

Visa Black card...

 

[40TUDE]

In no particular order. Impact driver. JIS screw head set. Set of gear wrench wrenches has made my life a lot easier. 54mm socket for hub nut, brass hammer, snap ring pliers for front axle maintenance. long reach plier - 45 and 90 degree for hose clamps. Torque wrench. Plastic pry bar set for interior panel removal. Voltmeter. Tall jack stands, jack. Grease gun. I am sure there is more.

Yes JIS screwdrivers are a game changer!

 

[BILT4ME]

10 mm combination ratchet wrench
10mm combination wrench
10mm shallow socket, 6 point, 1/4" drive
10mm deep well socket, 6 point, 1/4" drive
10mm deep well socket, 6 point, 3/8" drive
10mm shallow socket, 12 point, 1/4" drive
10mm deep well socket, 12 point, 1/4" drive
10mm deep well socket, 12 point, 3/8" drive

12 mm combination ratchet wrench
12mm combination wrench
12mm shallow socket, 6 point, 1/4" drive
12mm deep well socket, 6 point, 1/4" drive
12mm deep well socket, 6 point, 3/8" drive
12mm shallow socket, 12 point, 1/4" drive
12mm deep well socket, 12 point, 1/4" drive
12mm deep well socket, 12 point, 3/8" drive

17 mm combination ratchet wrench
17mm combination wrench
17mm shallow socket, 6 point, 1/4" drive
17mm deep well socket, 6 point, 1/4" drive
17mm deep well socket, 6 point, 3/8" drive
17mm shallow socket, 12 point, 1/4" drive
17mm deep well socket, 12 point, 1/4" drive
17mm deep well socket, 12 point, 3/8" drive
17mm shallow socket, 6 point, 1/2" drive
17mm deep well socket, 6 point, 1/2" drive
17mm shallow socket, 12 point, 1/2" drive
17mm deep well socket, 12 point, 1/2" drive

Large pliers
Open end adjustable metric wrench
SFH
MFH
BFH
RBFH
DBBFH

 

[culturedredneck]

This list is already INCREDIBLY helpful. I don't have a bottomless wallet, but I see tools as a worthwhile investment and I hate not having the right tool when I need it.

 

[iptman]

3 Pc. 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" Drive 84 Tooth Teardrop Ratchet Set
1/4" Drive Extension 2"
3/8" Drive Extension 3"
3/8" Drive Extension 10"
3/8" Drive Wobble Extension 6"
1/2" Drive Extension 5"
1/4" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 10mm
1/4" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 12mm
1/4" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 10mm
1/4" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 12mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 10mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 12mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 14mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 17mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 10mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 12mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 14mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 17mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Metric Flex Socket 14mm
3/8" Drive 2-1/2" Spark Plug Socket 13/16"
3/8" Drive Hex Bit Metric Socket 10mm
1/2" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 14mm
1/2" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 17mm
1/2" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 24mm
1/2" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 19mm
1/2" Drive 6 pt 21mm deep Impact Socket
1/2" Drive Impact Extension 5"
10mm 12 Point Ratcheting Combination Wrench
12mm 12 Point Ratcheting Combination Wrench
14mm 12 Point Ratcheting Combination Wrench
17mm 12 Point Ratcheting Combination Wrench
12mm 6 Point Combination Wrench
14mm 6 Point Combination Wrench
17mm 6 Point Combination Wrench
10mm x 12mm Flex Head Flare Nut Wrench
15mm x 17mm Flex Head Flare Nut Wrench
4 Pc. Mixed Dual Material Plier Set
Fixed Tip External Lock Ring Pliers
1/4" x 11" Long Taper Punch
1/2" x 6" Cold Chisel
Oil and Grease Seal Puller
1/2" x 7" Brass Drift Punch
16 oz. Ball Pein Hammer with Fiberglass Handle
1 lb. Brass Hammer with Hickory Handle
Vessel JIS cross head screwdrivers
54mm hub socket
(All of the above will fit nicely in a large @AdventureToolCompany tool roll)
Factory Service Manual
6 ton jack stands
@LandCruiserPhil factory jack adapter
Grease gun

 

[ewillis]

3 Pc. 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" Drive 84 Tooth Teardrop Ratchet Set
1/4" Drive Extension 2"
3/8" Drive Extension 3"
3/8" Drive Extension 10"
3/8" Drive Wobble Extension 6"
1/2" Drive Extension 5"
1/4" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 10mm
1/4" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 12mm
1/4" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 10mm
1/4" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 12mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 10mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 12mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 14mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 17mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 10mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 12mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 14mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 17mm
3/8" Drive 6 Point Metric Flex Socket 14mm
3/8" Drive 2-1/2" Spark Plug Socket 13/16"
3/8" Drive Hex Bit Metric Socket 10mm
1/2" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 14mm
1/2" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 17mm
1/2" Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket 24mm
1/2" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket 19mm
1/2" Drive 6 pt 21mm deep Impact Socket
1/2" Drive Impact Extension 5"
10mm 12 Point Ratcheting Combination Wrench
12mm 12 Point Ratcheting Combination Wrench
14mm 12 Point Ratcheting Combination Wrench
17mm 12 Point Ratcheting Combination Wrench
12mm 6 Point Combination Wrench
14mm 6 Point Combination Wrench
17mm 6 Point Combination Wrench
10mm x 12mm Flex Head Flare Nut Wrench
15mm x 17mm Flex Head Flare Nut Wrench
4 Pc. Mixed Dual Material Plier Set
Fixed Tip External Lock Ring Pliers
1/4" x 11" Long Taper Punch
1/2" x 6" Cold Chisel
Oil and Grease Seal Puller
1/2" x 7" Brass Drift Punch
16 oz. Ball Pein Hammer with Fiberglass Handle
1 lb. Brass Hammer with Hickory Handle
Vessel JIS cross head screwdrivers
54mm hub socket
Factory Service Manual
6 ton jack stands
Grease gun

Very solid list here...

 

[Shoredreamer]

My kit for solo remote trips with the family. I maybe added an extra breaker bar, pry bar, and Milwaukee 18v impact and ratchet wrench now. Also have a spare starter and another box of small parts.The list is extensive ha!

 

[cowboyjack]

Most everything has been covered already.

Things that made my life easier

Costco floor jack

Two bottle jacks

Harbor freight jack stands x six

Cordless Dewalt 1/2 inch impact

3/8 Cordless Dewalt impact if you’re feeling flush

JIS screwdrivers. I admit I was dubious, but Wits End convinced me. MUCH easier to get off stubborn screws.

TWO grease guns. I like Lincoln brand, about $45 on Amazon. Last you a lifetime. One gun with Valvoline Palladium for Birf. One with Valvoline Crimson or Lucas Red n Tacky for u joints

Case of brake cleaner for cleaning parts

Can of primer and can of John Deere Blitz Black for painting parts once they’re clean

Can of liquid wrench. Better than PB Blaster. IMHO

Roll of shop towels and those red mechanic rags from harbor freight

Jug of Gojo hand cleaner in the shop, dawn dishwashing soap by the sink

Good nail brush

Beer cooler for shop

 

[LandCruisinMy93]

I know for a fact that this list exists...I contributed to it a few years ago. Search harder. I'm not trying to be douchy but if you can find it, you'll have a great idea of tools as well as being able to link the post so someone else may find it more easily.

 

[sunrk]

Most common factory bolt head sizes Toyota use are 10 mm, 12 mm, and 17 mm. 24 and 22 mm are required for stuff like radius arms, panhards, diff/gearbox drain/fill plugs, etc. Not sure if 19 mm fits anything factory.

To work on the motor, also need 14 mm.

Knipex locking pliers are magical. JIS screwdrivers too (just discovered those!). 54 mm socket for front spindle nuts.

Factory jacks I'm finding are better but there's nothing wrong with the small 5 or 7 tonne Masada bottle jacks.

It can go on forever... And if you have a well kitted out home workshop how much do you want to duplicate for mobile servicing and repairs?

Then there are basic factory spares - radiator hoses, belts, plus fluids.

 

[chap79]

This can be a real rabbit hole. On top of the recommendations above you have to ask yourself, what maintenance and/or mods are going to be going yourself?

Axle rebuilds, head gasket, re-gear?

Honestly my 20-ton press has paid for itself more than 10 fold.

Other things I use more often than some others might use.

Feeler gauges
Brass drifts
Dead blow hammer
Brass hammer
Mechanist dial and stand
Bearing spitter
Bearing pullers
Seal and race driver
Seal puller
Snap ring pliers
Retaining ring pliers
Metric Tap and die set
Micrometer
Beam style inch lbs torque wrench
Variety of torque wrenches ranging from 5-350 ft lbs
Welder
Angle grinder
Cut off wheels
die grinder
.....

And a really big toolbox

 

[2fpower]

Beer. And a pneumatic hammer for those pesky taper cone washers.

 

[DSRTRDR]

common sense would be my first choice of tool

 

[ewillis]

This can be a real rabbit hole. On top of the recommendations above you have to ask yourself, what maintenance and/or mods are going to be going yourself?

Axle rebuilds, head gasket, re-gear?

Honestly my 20-ton press has paid for itself more than 10 fold.

Other things I use more often than some others might use.

Feeler gauges
Brass drifts
Dead blow hammer
Brass hammer
Mechanist dial and stand
Bearing spitter
Bearing pullers
Seal and race driver
Seal puller
Snap ring pliers
Retaining ring pliers
Metric Tap and die set
Micrometer
Beam style inch lbs torque wrench
Variety of torque wrenches ranging from 5-350 ft lbs
Welder
Angle grinder
Cut off wheels
die grinder
.....

And a really big toolbox
View attachment 1913155

Been thinking about a 20 ton press. Do you use the Harbor Freight model?

 

[culturedredneck]

You guys are making it really easy to spend a lot of money.

@chap79 It’s definitely subjective, and it’s super helpful seeing how different people approach it. It’s hard to say exactly what I would tackle, but HG, Axles and Gears would be on the list for the future for sure.

Two items purchased last weekend were a mini fridge and a rolling tool box. Both are in need of being filled.