Tools every TJ owner must have

One or more of these would come in handy....
bolts.webp
 
This is a great thread, always looking for new tool suggestions to make life easier. In keeping with the theme of this post, how about tool kits for in the jeep? I carry the basics standard and metric wrenchs, 3/8 and 1/2 sockets, Asst. screwdrivers and torx bits, pliers, pry bars. Any other suggestions?
 
As someone who recently removed the transmission, add long 3/8 socket extensions to the list. The top two bolts are impossible to remove without at least an 18" one. 24" made it even better!
 
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I was going to suggest a pair of 3/8" and 1/2" breaker bars, but i saw you slipped that in at the end of the list.

I went and bought a low end Makita impact wrench on a lark a few months back. I didn't know how much I'd use one, so I didn't want to spend a huge amount of money up front for a tool that would end up parked in my closet for years. Since then, I'm not sure how I ever lived without one, especially when it comes to tires. I have the LXT, which I've actually been pretty happy with it, for what it is. It just has the spring loaded 1/4" female socket on it (I've sheared one 3/8" socket adapter off already), but my next investment is going to be a heavier duty 1/2". I don't have a garage, and my nearest outlet is about 30 yards away, so compressed air is out of the question. I'll have to live with 18V, but for what I use it for, it's more than enough.
 
Those fuel line clip release tools are good to have. Good catch on the 24" extension. Definitely required. On the carry tools, vise grips are a must.
 
A year ago this coming weekend, Hurricane Harvey took our home and vehicles. We've been somewhat vagabonds since then, and now we are in an apartment complex. Daily I pull my tool train down a city block length hallway to a parking garage to work on the jeep. The majority of jeep fasteners require 13mm, 15mm, 18mm, and 21mm sockets in short and deep-set, standard and impact. Plus ratcheting box end wrenches in the same sizes. Wobble extensions come in handy. Long handle flex-head ratchets in 3/8ths and 1/2 drives, hydraulic jack and jack stands, transmission jack, and impact wrench. Plus a range of torque wrenches, with settings of 23 to 130 lb/ft.
Tool Train 2.webp
 
This is a great thread, always looking for new tool suggestions to make life easier. In keeping with the theme of this post, how about tool kits for in the jeep? I carry the basics standard and metric wrenchs, 3/8 and 1/2 sockets, Asst. screwdrivers and torx bits, pliers, pry bars. Any other suggestions?
A few items I carry with my onboard tools: A tire plug kit, tape designed to seal a leak in a radiator hose, large zip ties, mechanics wire, fluids, and a small kit with electrical wire and connectors.
 
Added the suggestions plus a couple more thoughts. A vise is a must have. I removed the spring compressor as suggested because I only use one on struts.

· 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

· 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 socket

· 28mm socket

· 55T short shank

· 50T Torx bit sockets

· Tap & die set

· Easy outs

· Thread chasers

· ½ breaker bar

· Penetrating oil (recommend 50/50 acetone with tranny fluid)

· Big vise Wilton
 
Short shank on the left, standard length on the right,
T55 3-8 Drive.webp

Both are 3/8ths drive. Ratchet heads are less thick than 1/2 inch drive, combined with a shorter shank, the combo will fit in tight spaces like between the trackbar mount on the rear axle and the fuel tank. Sorry, I don't remember where I picked mine up.