s7ven

Okay, so I've been saving some $$ for a while and I'm about to pull the trigger on some decent tools for this project and potential future ones. After reading on this forum and other articles for about 3 months+ I'm planning on installing founders panhard bar and relocation kit, MWC driveshaft loop, Poly motor mounts, Kooks 1-7/8" headers with Kooks True Duals.
Before I start buying actual parts I want to make sure I have all the right tools for the job. So far I've bought two good torque wrenches: CDI 1/2" Drive 30 to 250ft-lbs and CDI 3/8" 10-100ft-lbs, 40 piece set of various SAE/Metric sockets from 3/8" to 32mm. I've also already got two good 1/4" and 3/8" socket wrenches and socket sets with extensions and deep wells. So that leaves the following things I still think I need to buy and was hoping that someone could recommend a good brand:

• Special sockets…universal joint/swivels?
• Dremel – Maybe? I have a cheap knock-off brand from Wal-mart but it seems pretty useful
• Impact Wrench – Probably 120V AC electric since pneumatic is so expensive, I plan on doing a lot more suspension upgrades down the road.
• Ratcheting wrenches – I know these are just useful in general but especially for motor mounts from what I’ve read.
• Ramps/Jack Stands – I was definitely going to get some Rhino ramps but wanted to get jack stands for extra lift.
• Propane Torch – For heating bolts if they are stubborn…?

If anyone else can think of some tools I forgot I would greatly appreciate it…I’m trying to make sure that I have the right tools before I get under the car. I’ve also got some pretty good miscellaneous tools such as pliers, vice grips, a few jacks, tons of screw drivers, lots of PB blaster…

SilverSS07

iTrader: (1)

It's been a while since I did mine but a few things I remember using were

- stubby wrenches- or cut a cheap one in half. Good for header bolts, especially the ones by the firewall
- drill and bits- drilling out motor mount rivets
- breaker bar for when the impact can't break things loose
- alignment tool- help line up motor mounts, suspension pieces

Universal's are always good to have around and I also use wobble's quite a bit. Give you a little bit of play but not as much of a pita. Impact isn't necessary but they are nice. If you get an impact most are 1/2" drive- then you'd have to get 1/2" socket sets, extensions, etc. Get some of the larger jackstands- 6 ton I think. The little ones won't get the car up high enough. That's all I can think of at the moment.

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

You'll want some retrieval tools, a retractable/extendable one with a strong magnet, and also one with three small metal claws. I'd also get a good LED drop light. Finally get a retractable/extendable small inspection mirror. Buy at least a 3hp reversible shop vac a really good wet/dry filter. Get some pliers too, wire cutters, needle nose, channel lock. I'd also get some swivel head ratchet wrenches in the smaller sizes (1/2" on down, an 15mm on down).

s7ven

Thanks for the replies, I took your advice and have added what you suggested. Looks like I'm going to end up spending around $630 starting out. I went for the middle point on most tools so as I'm not buying junk but I'm not buying the best either.

Here is what I went with but haven't actually bought anything yet:

• Mibro 871570 17-Piece Titanium Extra Life Metal Master Drill Bit Set
• Dremel 4000-2/30 120-Volt Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit- Dremel
• RhinoGear 11909 RhinoRamps Vehicle Ramps (Pair, 12,000lb. GVW Capacity)
• Torin T46002A 6 Ton Double Locking Jack Stands (Sold in Pairs)- X2**
• Sunex 2300 1/2-Inch Drive Universal Joint Impact Socket
• Sunex 3301 3/8-Inch Drive Impact Universal Joint
• Stanley STST70574 12-Inch Soft Sided Tool Bag
• GearWrench 9901 12 Piece Metric Flex-Head Combination Ratcheting Wrench Set
• GearWrench 9700 7 Piece Flex-Head Combination Ratcheting Wrench Set SAE
• SE 15Lb Magnet Pick-up Tool, 7 1/2" - 30" Long, Stainless Steel
• SE 8014TM Thick Handle 27-Inch Extension Tube with 2-Inch Round Mirror
• MAXCRAFT 60184 3-in-1 Flex Lighted Magnetic/Claw Pick-Up Tool
• Milwaukee 9072-20 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
• TEKTON 1695 3/8-Inch Drive x 12-Inch Flex Breaker Bar
• TEKTON 1702 1/2-Inch Drive x 16-Inch Flex Breaker Bar

I have some of the basic pliers, screw drivers, needle nose pliers and stuff like that already. As for the wobble/universal sockets...they were ungodly expensive so I just went with the sunex 1/2" & 3/8" universal adapter instead.

Once I get a few projects completed I'll probably buy some more tools but if anybody can think of anything I missed, please let me know.

I'm not sure which alignment tool you are referring to, could you please elaborate on this? Also, I've already got a 30 piece SAE/Metric impact socket set for my electric impact.

One other question I have is....are there any major issues with using impact type sockets on regular socket wrenches?

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

I'd skip the 3/8" breaker bar and just get a 1/2" dr to 3/8" socket adapter, and
a dremel 3000 series kits are good to, and it'll save you money. Get some funnels to in a couple of different sizes.

The alignment tool might also be called a line up punch

PM sent

s7ven

Thanks man, the 3/8 breaker bar was only $9 but that's a good point, I don't really need both. I'll probably stick with the 4000 series dremel simply because it's only $5 more though.

There are a lot of line-up punches to choose from, I found a 16" long 5/16" width extra-long taper for $15 so I might go with it. I'm kinda guessing this tool will serve a purpose similar to what I've read in other motor mount install articles where people have ground a pointed tip onto their bolts so that they can get it started?

Also, thanks for the PM, I will check that out.

One other question, when/where is it okay to use an impact wrench to loosen a bolt? Can I use it on everything or only suspension? Are aluminum bolts off limits? I just don't want to break a bolt or cause any sort of damage. As for tightening, I plan on only using it to snug up bolts (when practical) on the low speed setting and then using my torque wrench for the rest of the way.