Vehicle Specific Tool Setup
- Thread starter PaintRock
- Start date
Caleb Long
Go for the adventure!
I have one of those CLC tool rolls. They run a length of elastic cord down the middle to keep the tools contained but doesn't seem to line up properly with some of the slots and sometimes gets in the way. Overall it is well made and I like CLC products but I have nothing else to compare it to.
PaintRock
Adventurer
Socket wise, I went with 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, and 24. The 21 mm with a breaker bar will work in a pinch on the lug nuts. Your lug nuts might be 19mm, which is the lug nut size of my work Explorer (actually 3/4", I'm sure, but those two sizes are interchangeable). Unlike some, I always carry the factory lug wrench, since I'd prefer not to stand on my breaker bar and socket just to change a tire.
Don't forget a spark plug socket, and if you're the kind of guy who likes to carry a front cv axle, you'll need a big 12 point socket (the early Tundras are 36mm, the new Tundras are 39mm). I'm not sure about your FJ, but I'd strongly suspect it's 36mm. I don't own one of those sized sockets (you can rent them or borrow them at parts stores), but if I do buy one, I'm going to get one for an impact wrench.
That's what I've come up with so far, I'm still tweaking my setup. I've bought a few more tools recently.
By the way, these are just the hand tools. I also keep a recovery kit, jumper cables, a 48" hi-lift, an axe, a Wyoming saw, an MV-50 air compressor, and several flashlights stashed within various parts of the rig.
Don't forget a spark plug socket, and if you're the kind of guy who likes to carry a front cv axle, you'll need a big 12 point socket (the early Tundras are 36mm, the new Tundras are 39mm). I'm not sure about your FJ, but I'd strongly suspect it's 36mm. I don't own one of those sized sockets (you can rent them or borrow them at parts stores), but if I do buy one, I'm going to get one for an impact wrench.
That's what I've come up with so far, I'm still tweaking my setup. I've bought a few more tools recently.
By the way, these are just the hand tools. I also keep a recovery kit, jumper cables, a 48" hi-lift, an axe, a Wyoming saw, an MV-50 air compressor, and several flashlights stashed within various parts of the rig.
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Stumpalump
Expedition Leader
I like the small zip up canvas bags you get at Home Depot in the electrical isle. Kline makes them as we'll as Greenlee. As far as what I carry....I try and use the tools that are on board to do all work. That way I find out what's missing and what works best. It sure is a good feeling to know you have everything you may need. One more trick is to use a carabiner to hook all of the combination end wrenches too. The big ones and odd ones lay in the bag but the majority are all on the carabiner.
BigSwede
The Credible Hulk
Yeah I use a D-rings, one for the combination wrenches and one for the gear wrenches. I use a traditional tool box (Contico 8200 Tuff Box if anybody cares, had it for years, VERY durable) so it is nice to be able to grab the D-ring and have all the wrenches at your disposal, especially the small ones that would otherwise filter to the bottom of the jumble.
keoni004
Observer
Here's the roll I use: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KKUTCY/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Set of metric/SAE wrenches, in addition to a few larger ones for the oil plug and various nuts on my Land Rover. Also threw in a small hammer, some zip-ties, various pliers/wrenches. Haven't added in sockets yet, as I haven't figured out which ones I want to include...in the meantime I just toss my mini-mechanic's set from Craftsman in the trunk when I roll out.
Dennx
Adventurer
Thanks! I actually carry the factory lug wrench also.
PaintRock
Adventurer
So, I have a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter and a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter in my kit. Those, along with a 3/8" ratchet and a 1/2" breaker bar make me want to leave my big, heavy 1/2" ratchet in the garage. The 3/8" ratchet will fit in tighter spaces and the 1/2" breaker bar will handle the hard stuff. Can anyone tell me a good reason to bring along the 1/2" ratchet? If not, it is getting left behind...
BigSwede
The Credible Hulk
The breaker bar will get the job done...you might be cussing it all the while, but it will do it,which is the bottom line.
It is a personal choice as to how much aggravation versus hauling around weight you are willing to stand. I choose to bring along gear wrenches in addition to box end wrenches, even though the box ends would do the job, because I feel the time they save wrenching is worth the weight.
It is also a question of how likely you are to need that capability. I drive older off-road vehicles, and over the years while on the road I have replaced (off the top of my head) alternators twice, shocks, a transfer case, a power steering hose, timing belt tensioner, upper ball joint...and that was just my vehicle, my tools have been used many times for other peoples vehicles as well. If you are driving a newer vehicle on dirt roads, you are less likely to break something.
It is a personal choice as to how much aggravation versus hauling around weight you are willing to stand. I choose to bring along gear wrenches in addition to box end wrenches, even though the box ends would do the job, because I feel the time they save wrenching is worth the weight.
It is also a question of how likely you are to need that capability. I drive older off-road vehicles, and over the years while on the road I have replaced (off the top of my head) alternators twice, shocks, a transfer case, a power steering hose, timing belt tensioner, upper ball joint...and that was just my vehicle, my tools have been used many times for other peoples vehicles as well. If you are driving a newer vehicle on dirt roads, you are less likely to break something.
subytoy
Observer
I carry both SAE and metric tools when on trails. I have helped a lot of people with all kinds of rigs. I've never actually used my tools on my own vehicle while on the trail.
For day to day use, I carry just a few tools in a document bag from The Home Depot. It was only $2.97! http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/cat...=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All
Craig
For day to day use, I carry just a few tools in a document bag from The Home Depot. It was only $2.97! http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/cat...=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All
Craig
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summerprophet
Adventurer
Like yourself, I wanted to make a kit specific to my vehicle. And, like yourself, I looked into CLC roll-up tool kit. CLC makes a good product. Tough material, good stitching, works like to should. The only complaint I might have is that the socket pockets are too deep for standard sockets, and too shallow for deep sockets. I think I am going to cut foam to fill the bottom of the pockets.
I have a 99 4runner, and the rear storage cubby fits a CLC tool bag (with tow strap, gloves and Maglight as well as the roll-up with the following:
Metric Socket set, extensions, ratchet
9 metric wrenches
Knife
10" pipe (cheater bar)
2 pr pliers
wire cutters/crimpers
elec wire, elec tape
Hex wrench multitool
2 crescent wrenches
vice grips
Multi-screwdriver (w. TORX!!)
small roll of steel wire
I have a 99 4runner, and the rear storage cubby fits a CLC tool bag (with tow strap, gloves and Maglight as well as the roll-up with the following:
Metric Socket set, extensions, ratchet
9 metric wrenches
Knife
10" pipe (cheater bar)
2 pr pliers
wire cutters/crimpers
elec wire, elec tape
Hex wrench multitool
2 crescent wrenches
vice grips
Multi-screwdriver (w. TORX!!)
small roll of steel wire
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