What tools do I need

[brian903]

I've got the idler arm brace and steering stabilizer to put on, plus I'll be ordering the SLR shackles soon. I don't currently have any tools, (got left at my parents when we moved). What do I need at a minimum to put these on. I'm figuring a set of wrenches, a socket set, what else? Time for a run to Sears...

[Schludwiller]

Might as well bite the bullet and get a good set of Craftsman 6-sided sockets. If you're going to work on your truck, don't skimp on tools.

You'll also need either two scissor jacks, or a jack stand to support your truck while you work on the shackles and a scissor jack to position the leafs. Again if you're going to work on your truck a lot, get a good floor jack. Sears has a bundle with their floor jack and two jack stands.

[Schludwiller]

BTW. Do you get to see the Northern Lights up where you are?

[brian903]

I'm debating paying to have them put on, cause it's colder then heck outside, but I hate paying for something I can do myself. As for the northern lights, you're supposed to be able to see them here, but I haven't seen them yet. I check every night, and we've gone out on the nights the computer says it's supposed to be active, but...nothing. Everyone says we will, but it's kind of a joke now. Up in Fairbanks, your supposed to be able to see them 250 nights a year or something like that, if it's clear. Here's a couple of cool websites http://www.spacew.com/www/aurora.html and http://www.gi.alaska.edu/cgi-bin/predict.cgi.

[FSRBIKER]

Sears makes all metric sets, these are real nice since they include alot of sizes you normally don't get and plenty of the ones you use most without standard sockets you would never use. Sears also has a combo(220+ pieces) set in a decent 3 drawer hard plastic case that's on closeout right now for under $150. Whatever you get I agree with Schlud buy good tools, you can always borrow something you don't have.

[xoc]

Originally posted by FSRBIKER
Sears also has a combo(220+ pieces) set in a decent 3 drawer hard plastic case that's on closeout right now for under $150.

This one ?



I have one of those. Nice set at a great price.

[FSRBIKER]

Originally posted by xoc


This one ?



I have one of those. Nice set at a great price.

That's it...FYI: if any Sears price ends in $xx.88 then it's on a closeout and is being discontinued.

[Schludwiller]

One thing to consider about cases is you'll probably want to bring tools with you on your offroading trips. If you only have one set, make sure it's what you'll want in your truck.

[OffroadX]

I hate it how they call it a 226-piece set when about 50 of the pieces are the hex keys which are a dime a dozen.

Brent

[xoc]

Originally posted by Schludwiller
If you only have one set, make sure it's what you'll want in your truck.

And if you have more than one set, try to work on your truck with the tools in the truck. Nothing like breaking down on the trail, and realize the tools you use most often are at home.

[Mosi]

I snagged the above mentioned set from Sears last week. It will sit on my work bench while at home and act as the main tool set since it's nice and tidy. When it's time to wheel, grab it by the handle, throw it in the truck and secure it with a ratchet strap... Presto! I did a shake test on it to make sure everything stayed in it's home and only a couple of the little 1/4" sockets got loose.

[Xcanuk]

I get anal about space, so I rely on multi-tools more, haven't been stranded yet.. (copy&paste) http://www.geocities.com/x_canuk/rbin91.JPG
Inside the wallet is a 90+ socket std/metric set from Sears (not counting allen keys).. I've added a few more tools, and fit everything back into saddle bags