tools

[digglesworth]

I know everyone's got preferences on what they carry or don't carry. I'm trying to put a tool kit together and here's what I got so far....

Wrenches...... 8-22, 25
Deep sockets..... 10-19, 21
Reg sockets....... 10-19, 21, 22
1/2 ratchet, 3/8 ratchet, 1/2 breaker bar
Torque wrench
Various swivels, extensions, and adapters
Spark plug socket
36mm socket
Axle seal protectors
Heavy duty screwdriver set
8" and 10" crescent wrenches
10" and 12" channel locks
Needle nose pliers (need)
Side cutting pliers (need)
Linesman pliers (need)
Vice grip pliers (need)
Small sledge hammer
Tire guage
Jumper cables (need)
Duct tape, electrical tape
Zip ties (need)
Ratchet straps
Bungee cords
Shop towels/ hand cleaner
Maglite, 2 small led flashlights
Batteries (need)
Tire repair kit (need)
12v air compressor
Hi-lift jack
Shovel
Fire ext.
Small tarp (need)

That's pretty much what I got so far... Fluids and spare parts will be included. My plan is to get everything into a Plano 1819xxl box so everything is all together. I'll have another small case for recovery gear (straps, shackles, winch kit for hi-lift)... I understand the safest course of action is to travel in groups but I like to be self sufficient and there may be times where I will explore alone. Please let me know if there's something you carry that has helped you on the trail. Are the sizes of wrenches/sockets I have good or am I missing any key sizes? I believe I need a 24mm wrench and socket for the steering rack bolts. I don't plan on carrying a rack so they'd be for tightening loose bolts if anything. Hopefully the rack mount will add some piece of mind to not carrying a rack.
I plan on carrying 2 complete tie rods (old 14mm), cv shaft, serpentine belt, maybe a u-joint, and the stock air filter and perhaps some spark plugs. Along with a handful of fluids. I plan to head out west this summer for some extended camping trips to take my daughter to see some of the national parks and wilderness.

 

[Renagade132]

I suggest also small and large Philips and flat head screw drivers. A good heavy duty jump pack with cigarette lighter socket, and picking up an USB adapter for it, so you can plug in and charge up cell, laptop, etc if you loose complete power on the truck. Needless to say containers for gas and water (my preference are the Rotopax) first aid kit (Rotopax also offers first aid kits and tool carrying kits) blanket, extra clothes, shoes and maybe a food style bug out pack with a few days worth of survival meals,snacks, and drinks (beer is not a drink lol) some good rope, and a windup radio. I'm sure I will think of more things, but better safe then sorry, especially if your bringing your daughter with you. I would also write up a list of what's in each bag/container/storage bin, and include a copy of that list in the each storage unit. Label each one say bin 1, has so and so, bin 2 has so and so. That way you don't have to pull everything out when searching for one particular thing.

 

[digglesworth]

thanks for the input. im actually writing the lists out now. and separating it into groups to put in containers. tools, recovery gear, misc, etc... ive added a few things to the list already. first aid kit, two way radios, hatchet and a few other things I forgot I had.

 

[rsc]

The 8" & 10" crescent wrenches are too close in size. I would switch the 10" for a slightly larger one in case you need more leverage. I have found that a small set of torx wrenches or bits and allen wrenches can be handy. Other than that, the list looks pretty complete.

 

[digglesworth]

The 8" & 10" crescent wrenches are too close in size. I would switch the 10" for a slightly larger one in case you need more leverage. I have found that a small set of torx wrenches or bits and allen wrenches can be handy. Other than that, the list looks pretty complete.

Thanks. I've got a 12" in the tool box that I'll swap it out for. I was wondering if there was a real need for torx or allen wrenches...

 

[alrock]

A Leatherman multi-tool addresses a few of the items above, plus adds a knife. A few spare fuses is good too.

 

[digglesworth]

Fuses!!! How could I forget fuses.... Added to the list. Thanks.

 

[rsc]

"Fuses? What do you need fuses for when a penny will do?" Well my South American electrician friend soon found out why.

The torx are used on stuff you might not need to replace to get off the trail, but if you ever need to change out a MAF sensor...

 

[digglesworth]

I have standard hex heads on my MAF. I think the only time I've ever used a torx was to adjust the headlights. I have a small little kit with misc tips (torx, allen, etc) so it won't take up much space.