TOOLS

General technical discussion and troubleshooting
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dunedog
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Re: TOOLS

Post by dunedog »

Inexpensive and great for camping too........an electronic ignited Mapp gas torch.
1999 LS AWD 3" Lift,4.10's,Snowplow,9500lb Ramsey winch

Rebel
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Re: TOOLS

Post by Rebel »

mig
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blacknome
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Re: TOOLS

Post by blacknome »

since you have a compressor. Good quality ( Craftsman or better ) impact sockets, some universal impact sockets. After this I have 2 BFH, Some Pry Bars, and Oxy Aceteline.

After this you really need a cabinet to keep track and store your tools in. I used to check Kijji and Craigslist as there is always something on there.

As far as cutting and welding. I have a stick welder and it handles all the fabrication I would do myself and much cheaper than a Mig IMO with better penetration. Oxy-Aceteline will heat up those rusted on nuts and bolts so you can get them off. And if you can't get them off with heat, then cut them off with the same torch. Very handy when you need it. I only fire mine up once or twice a year but I would have f-ed up a lot of stuff without them.

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chemist
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Re: TOOLS

Post by chemist »

Well, so far I got:
a complete set of metric wrenches,
a medium size set of racheting wrenches,
OBD II reader,
strut spring compressors
front end service kit,
metric set of crows foot wrenches (flare type) with set of flare wrenches,
swivel head rachet,
other small dollar miscellaneous items

Thanks for all the advise so far. I think I'm done stimulating the economy for now... :bounce:

Previous Vans: 1998 Astro, AWD, 138K mi; traded on 2003 Chevy Astro, AWD, 125K mi; traded on
2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT, 4x4, ext, long box
2007 Chevy Cobalt
1998 Maza MPV (180K mi and in need of PA inspection--only paid $500!)

Needed: a Gen 2 Astro project vehicle...
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mdmead
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Re: TOOLS

Post by mdmead »

Add me to the 'welder group'; that's what I'd throw a grand at today. (I could use more air tools, but overall my tool collection is fairly complete.)
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Selah, WA
-96 GMC Safari AWD Hi-Top Conversion -->Stalled 5.3L swap & 5" lift
-74 Ford Bronco -->Far from perfect but mine!
-99 V-10 Ford Super Duty Super Cab 4x4 -->Stock with 285 Cooper ATs
-00 Ford Focus Wagon -->The Red Turd
-95 Ford 24' Class C Motorhome -->My big block sleeper
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Re: TOOLS

Post by geezer »

No tool kit is complete without a fifth of Jack, (for after the work is done obviously).
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Re: TOOLS

Post by Cobra »

i don't know.... some of those job are so annoying it helps to take a break(and a shot) while working then take another run at it :partyman:
1998 GMC Safari AWD, BFGoodrich AllTerrain T/A
Jet performance tuner 91 octane preset, Jet under-drive pulleys
Rancho 999000 series shock, on-board controller to be installed later
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Re: TOOLS

Post by WE7X »

I know this is an old thread, but I am a new owner of an old ('98) van.
I have a very good and complete set of tools, from many years of professional (mostly import) wrenching, but the one thing I found surprising with the A/S vans is the need for 18mm sockets and wrenches. Many tool sets skip the 18mm size. Trying to remove a front seat without an 18mm socket (preferably a deep one) is pure torture, and if you have the passenger side under seat drawer, it is even difficult with a deep socket.
There are several other places where the correct metric socket is the only thing that works reasonably well.
The early (American version) Ford Escorts seemed to use a nasty combination of SAE and Metric size hardware, and to remove a cylinder head it seemed to need one of everything the the tool box. That was the first time I had ever needed ( or seen) a 16mm wrench or socket. Leave it to the US manufacturers to go down a different path with their metric conversion, instead of adopting either the Japanese or the German (DIN) standard, both of which have been well used for many years, without the need for a 16mm or a 18mm size.

Rod J
Issaquah, WA
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Issaquah, WA

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Re: TOOLS

Post by Astrophysics »

Hi,

Yes tools, tools, tools,
Now we need Torx and Torx female for some fasteners. Seat belts, etc

AP
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Re: TOOLS

Post by Herbie »

21mm and 22mm wrenches or sockets are also needed for the rear suspension (shackle bolts, etc.), IIRC - which were two that I needed to go buy specifically for the van.

For tight spaces (under seats, etc.) I've found my craftsman ratcheting combo wrenches to be key. You can do the job with regular open wrenches, but sometimes the limited space means you're re-seating that box 50 times...

I've made a habit of keeping *all* tools I need to work on the van in the bloody van. Any time I find a job that can't be done with the on-board tool set, I move the tool over then buy a 2nd one to keep in the garage.
"My minivan is cooler than your bro-truck"
2003 Astro AWD Astrolander/ZMB - GTRV Top Transplant, 4" OLV Lift, NP233 T-case, evolving interior
1995 Safari GTRV Organ donor - gutted and gone.
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WE7X
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Re: TOOLS

Post by WE7X »

Yes, I agree, that is a very good plan; particularly for those who usually try to do their own work and travel very far from their home base.
I some cases you may have to get towed to some place where parts are available, but at least if you have the correct tools, the repair can be done.
I spent a couple of days working on a dead VW in the parking lot of a cheap motel in Canada. The motel was conveniently located just a half block from a tool rental shop, who had floor jacks and jack stands. Parts house was just two blocks away. Beer and food across the street.....nice little town!
Rod J.
WE7X aka Rod Johnson
Forest Green Metallic '98 LS AWD
Issaquah, WA

WE7X
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Re: TOOLS

Post by WE7X »

Herbie and all,
Yes it is 21mm nuts/bolts on the rear spring shackles, and the 18mm shows up again on the rear spring to axle attachment bolts. I found I have no less than five copies of the Craftsman (or better) 18mm combination wrench. Some look to be unused.
I guess they will become used very soon.

Rod J
WE7X aka Rod Johnson
Forest Green Metallic '98 LS AWD
Issaquah, WA
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