Did a search and really didn't come up with a thread like this so here goes.

If you are or are planning on wrenching and/or wheeling your rig, or even just coming on here for help with your issues here is a list of tools that you should really have either on the trails or especially in your tool box even if you don't wheel your truck.

First and foremost: "FSM is the single most important tool you can have."

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Listed in no particular order:

Multimeter: I have this one It's nice because if you don't have a tach in your dash it has one built in. Very useful if trying to set timing based on your idle rpm with is the only correct way to do it. FYI, I don't know why, but I had to put mine on 6cyl for it to work correctly.

Vacuum Gauge: I have this one Also good for fuel pressure on carbed trucks up to 10psi. This is also useful when trying to diagnose valve problems and vacuum leaks.

Compression Tester: I am going to be getting this one It's good to have one with standard and metric adapters as you can use it on anything not just your yota.

Tie Rod/Ball Joint Separator aka "Pickle Fork": I have two of these and one of this The second one is nice because if you are re-installing your parts, they are less destructive to the rubber boots. They also take less effort to separate the joints.

Axle Hub Socket: I have one from NAPA that I paid less than $20 for. Sorry no link on their site. This is a must have if you ever plan on changing your brakes and rotors.

Pitman Arm Puller: I have this one but have had to rent this one from Autozone to get mine off due to the arms separating on my tool.

Torque Wrench(s): Very important tool. I have this one and this one. Almost everything you are going to take apart on your vehicle is going to have a torque spec for it. Whether it be Head Bolts, Crank Pulley or simply a brake caliper. The reason why I do not have a 3/8" one is that the 1/4in will go from 1.5ft-lbs(20in-lb) to 16ft-lbs (200in-lbs) and the 1/2" will go from 20ft-lbs to 150ft-lbs. Not too many things get torqued between 16-20ft-lbs.

Impact sockets: I have this set. Even if you don't have an impact gun like I do not, they are good to have especially for 20 year old hardware. Without them you risk breaking regular sockets.

Pry Bar Set: I do not currently have a set of these, but I find myself more and more requiring them. I will most likely one of these days picking up this set.

Rubber Mallet: I have this one. A must if your rebuilding your engine to install the freeze plugs, but has other uses as well.

Brass Hammer: Haven't needed one of these myself, but as you can see below has been recommended.

Socket Extensions: As many as you can get a hold of. I also recommend a set of impact extensions as well. For the same reason as the Impact Sockets.

1/2" Breaker Bar: I have this one. Another must have if you do not have an impact gun. Please do not use your torque wrenches as a breaker bar !!!

Paint Marker: No need to put a link up for this as I use various different ones. Usually available from a hardware store. This is needed to properly install/re-install things like distributors, driveshafts etc etc. Can also be used to mark your crankshaft pulley for timing as I have done. That little groove is hard to see without a white line on it.

Feeler Gauges: I have this set. A must for setting valve lash among other things like backslash on gear sets.

Snap Ring Pliers: One of those tools I do not have but will definitely pick this set up next time I have to take my hubs apart and to replace the CV joints. These are needed to take out the c-clip on the CV shaft.

Hook and Pic Set: I have this set. Usefull for removing and installing rubber o-rings. And cleaning gasket grooves.

 

lots of extensions

large breaker bar

crow bars

hammers - rubber, brass, and steel

 

Don't forget jack stands of different sizes and a good floor jack.

 

that's what my cinder blocks and hi-lift is for.

 

Valve lash set
Magnet on a stick
Pick

 

always forget about the feeler gauges. I keep loosing mine. hahaha.

 

I keep this 4lb hammer in my tool bag, has a very short handle. Great for tight spaces.

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-lb-sl...mer-98258.html

 

I'm going to second "torque wrench". Engineers make torque specifications for a reason. Torquing things to spec is a sign of doing things right.

 

wd-40 and duct tape.

 

 

Bailing wire

 

welder, grinder, air compressor & air tools.

 

those are all good, but trying to keep it simple for the noobs who don't have tools and come here looking to fix their stuff.

 

OK, sorry I missed the point.

FSM is the single most important tool you can have.
Cheater pipe
Pry bar

 

haha forgot FSM, note to self, must think like noob, must think like noob.

 

PB Blaster
Vise Grips

 

How about a good flashlight. Dont know how many times ive needed a good LED flashlight. I also try to keep tire pugs in my glove box.

 

Agreed. Pretty tough to beat a MagLite with the LED bulb (every Home Depot has both) for both light and protection. There's a reason the police carry them-actually there are two.

I also echo the cheater bar. Get a few different lengths of scrap pipe or tubing that will fit over your breaker bar or ratchets.

Go to Kano Labs' website http://kanolabs.com , and pick up some Kroil. It's the best penetrating oil I've ever used.

Propane blow torches are useful for lots of things, too.

 

Different types of vice grips and tie wraps.

 

here is a few other things i keep in my truck besides all of the things mentioned above

electrical connections/wire strippers/crimpers/wire
brake cleaner/ gear oil/ oil/ atf/ brake fluid
spare belts (with the 4cyl a alt/water pump belt for sure)
ULTRA GREY RTV gasket maker
golf Ts (for plugging vacuum lines)
anti-seize
spare spark plug (for testing spark in the field)
spare bulbs
LOTS of fuses
fuel line/ vacuum line/ heater hose
hose clamps
small grease gun
tool wrap and socket set other hand tools
WATER
etc....
also if you can find the "serengeti" led flashlights they are the BEST flashlight i have ever found. they were at sams club 2 for $15. they are very bright and i would rather have one than a surefire. also they take AAA batteries
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/pr...oductId=190708