I put together a “must have” tool list for new and future TJ owners. I am old and own damn near every tool ever made include the first two pieces of flint ever struck together. That said, I live in two places and have had to duplicate or triplicate many of my tools since I got a TJ. Additionally, I am not a TJ expert so there may be some that do not make sense. First being, every type of fastener ever conceived seems to be engineered into the TJ as a cruel joke. I will add preferred by me brands where relevant, but understand choice of brands is a personal journey. If you are young, never buy cheap tools. Good ones will last forever and pay for themselves in more ways than longevity. I have not touched every component as of yet and there are vast gaps in my TJ education. Remember, if you have to borrow a tool once and need one again, buy it. Buddies hate loaning tools, especially twice. Very few times in my long life that I have borrowed a tool. There is something grossly obscene about tool loaning and borrowing. Like sharing a tooth brush. I have not ventured into the air tool realm. Please copy this list and add to it and re-post as a living document for member’s consideration. Here goes in no special order of importance.
- 3-Ton jack Hein-Werner
- Four 6 ton jack stands Hein-Werner
- Complete metric box end set Wright Tool
- Complete standard box end set Wright tool
- Complete metric 3/8 drive and ½ drive socket sets Wright, Snap-On, SK, or US forged Williams
- Ratchets of every size, 3/8 flex head imperative. SK, Wright, Williams or Snap-On
- 3/8 and ½ drive extensions SK, Wright, Williams or Snap-On
- 3/8 drive swivel sockets metric and standard SK, Wright, Williams or Snap-On
- Small and larger torque wrenches. CDI
- Pry Bar set Mayhew
- Chisel set Mayhew
- Punch set Mayhew
- Brass drift set Mayhew
- Seal/bearing race driver set
- Pliers, dykes, side cutter, needle nose, large slip joints, etc etc, Klein, Channel Lock, Wilde, Knipex
- Dead blow mallet and ball peens, Trusty-Cook
- Small Sledge Estwing
- Ball Joint tool Snap-On BJP1 or OTC
- Test light
- Multimeter
- Complete crew driver set Wright, Snap-On, SK, or US forged Williams
- 18 Volt or larger impact and drill
- US made cobalt drill bits Huot
- Spring compressor
- Pickle forks and tie-rod separators
- Complete torx bit set
- Male Hex head set
- Good 4 way lug wrench
- Soldering iron
- Dial indicator (cheap one might suffice if for minor tasks)
- Measuring Tape Stanley
- Magnetic angle finder
- Hand held torx and allen wrenches Eklind
- Fluid suction gun OTC
- Grease gun
- Small blutooth speaker for your music while wrenching
- Multiple rechargeable drop lights
- Drip pans
- Oil filter wrench
- Wire brush
- Sand paper
- Gasket scraper set Mayhew or Wilde
- Snap ring plier set Lang
- Pick set
- Beer Bottle opener Klein
- 1/2 in drive 36mm
- 28mm socket
- 55T short shank
- 50T Torx bit sockets
- Full Torx set actually
- Tap & die set
- Easy outs
- Thread chasers
- ½ breaker bar
- Penetrating oil (recommend 50/50 acetone with tranny fluid)
- Big vise Wilton
But just the basics are all that you will ever need for 95% of the time.
