Full Time off road tool kit.

[Rezarf]

I am working on putting together a tool kit to stay in the 100/40 full time that can be swapped from truck to truck. I don't want to buy and compile two sets so one dedicated set is what I am after.

I have used the Trail Boss tool rolls before and I have an extra laying around giving me two rolls, and I have a soft sided tool bag I'd like everything to fit into. I'd like to upgrade to the Adventure Gear Rolls as they are made here in Colorado and are cruiser heads, but for now I'm gonna run what I have. I might make it all fit into a Pelican 1500 case, but for now I'll run a soft sided tool bag.

I'm hoping I can tap into the collective knowledge of the RS community to put together a solid tool kit. I will start shopping at my favorite Pawn shops over the next month or two to get the tools together I need. This is separate than what will stay in the truck like a FAK, blankets, jumper cales, paperwork, ratchet straps etc.

I don't want to bore anyone with the basics, I am looking for Cruiser specific tools that would help with trail repairs/trouble shooting. This is also a list that is separate from spares, which I will start a separate thread.

Basic Hard Tools:
3/8" Metric Ratchet and Socket Set
Metric wrench Set
Biggest pry bar that fits in the bag
Biggest hammer that fits 3#
Ball Peen hammer
Brass drift
Cheater bar
Adjustable Cresent Wrench
Vice grips, needle and blunt nose
Regular pliers
Wire cutters
Screw Driver and assorted bits
Snap ring pliers
Lug wrench

Vehicle specific hard tools:
Hub socket
?
?
?

Miscellaneous Kit:
Bailing Wire
Zip ties
Self sealing silicone tape
Duct tape
Electrical tape

Electrical Kit:
Multimeter
Primary wire
Fuses both the blade and tube style
Test light

Haynes manual for both rigs.

Thoughts? I will add to this when I know I am going wheeling but I am hoping for one bag/case that covers most of my bases and can be easily swapped between cruisers.

 

[DaveInDenver]

A small hacksaw handle has been invaluable to me.

Otherwise, a set of deep 1/2" metric sockets (you can adapt down to a 3/8" drive but will blow 3/8" sockets quick if you have to use a cheater), a 3 lbs drilling hammer, drift, typical set of screwdrivers and pliers, full set of combination wrenches (I hate Crescents) and a multi-meter.

FWIW, you already have a cheater/pry bar - the Hi-Lift handle.

 

[AimCOTaco]

^^Hacksaw is key for sure^^

I also like to have an old school hammer operated impact driver (popular motorcycle mechanics tool). It's great is confined spaces and unparalleled for any stubborn conventional head screws. The cheapo I carry has a 3/8 drive and all the bit heads to boot.

You whack it with a hammer which drives it inward on axis while turning... just like a big gun only manual with many fewer blows-per-minute. Has definitely saved me when few other tools would do. I've also added a big Makita 18v impact gun but the little guys can get places it can not and the little one cost about 95% less give or take.

 

[MDH33]

Tool list and suggestions so far look pretty good. I carry a few ziplock freezer bags full of various nuts/bolts/hardware/diff/trans plugs, etc. in my tool bag. You might consider that as "spares" but I always keep them with the tools.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Tool list and suggestions so far look pretty good. I carry a few ziplock freezer bags full of various nuts/bolts/hardware/diff/trans plugs, etc. in my tool bag. You might consider that as "spares" but I always keep them with the tools.

Interesting you mention this as it's something I noticed when I was moving my tools from Imelda to Donna. Not sure if it was a decade plus of hot/cold, the dry air, exposure to grease/oil/Kroil or abrasion from bouncing around, but the bottom of my bag was a mess of washers and stuff and split open Ziplocks bags. I replaced with new Ziplocks but I'm keeping an eye out for something that might work better.

 

[Corbet]

tie rod end puller

I think there is a OTC tool for pulling a CV axle out of the front diff. Probably a good idea for the 100

I've been looking for a deal on the Blue Point service set: https://store.snapon.com/GENERAL-SE...ation-1-4-and-3-8-drive-155-pcs--P645026.aspx

More sockets than are probably needed but this is the most compact case I have found for a quality set of hand tools. Of course you'd have to add a 1/2" set. They offer a few different sets with slight differences. There is an all metric set but not available in USA. I have not found it on any international ebay sites yet. But if I do I'll pull the trigger for sure.

 

[AxleIke]

One quick thing to consider is torx and 12pt bolts on the newer stuff. I never used to carry those until I got my 99 and found there were a surprising number of these on the truck. Don't know about 100s but those would likely be 100 specific (i.e., not needed for the 40). If you don't have the tool, they are damn near impossible to get out. For smallish stuff I went to Depot and got one of their 5 buck combo ones (had like 10 that all fold away somewhat like a Swiss Army knife).

 

[bruce285]

I like everything previous and I would add an assortment stake ons (crimp connectors) a small pair of strippers and a good set of crimpers. Not the usual Checker store set but real ones. Light Blue handles at HD.

 

[CardinalFJ60]

screwdriver for tight spots

I have two different 90degree screwdrivers and both have some in handy. one is a ratcheting style for very tight spaces, the other is your basic one that comes in your classic Craftsman screwdriver set.

Also - stainless steel zip ties and the tightening tool (fits 1/4 ratchet). they can be found at McGuckin and Jax in Lafayette.

 

[Hulk]

After dealing with a PS leak on the trail, I carry a set of Metric Flare Nut Wrenches. This S-K set is similar to the set I carry:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...metric-flare-nut-wrench-set-skt376/22980154-P

Also, I always carry a set of stubby metric Gear Wrenches. For tight spaces, they are wonderful.

Don't forget a couple of flashlights with extra batteries.

Finally, it seems like we always need a cordless drill with drill bits for something on the trail. I haven't been carrying these, but I'm always thankful when someone has them and we need 'em.

 

[nakman]

I don't see channel locks on your list. good for removing hub dust caps, holding tie rods, snugging control arms bolts you should have tacked, etc.

edit: also a 32mm socket? I think that's the one for your torsion bars, also fits pinion nuts IIRC...

 

[Rezarf]

Awesome guys thanks, and keep them coming. I hit a few pawn shops to pick up the basics and started consolidating. I'll post up a final pic when I gather the right stuff.

 

[DaveInDenver]

After dealing with a PS leak on the trail, I carry a set of Metric Flare Nut Wrenches. This S-K set is similar to the set I carry:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...metric-flare-nut-wrench-set-skt376/22980154-P

Also, I always carry a set of stubby metric Gear Wrenches. For tight spaces, they are wonderful.

Don't forget a couple of flashlights with extra batteries.

Finally, it seems like we always need a cordless drill with drill bits for something on the trail. I haven't been carrying these, but I'm always thankful when someone has them and we need 'em.

These thing are very useful but are they really full time tools? Especially the drill. To me that's something that I'd consider bringing along on a trip but not leaving in my truck all the time. And Gear Wrenches, I love those, but doubling up on something I have in my tool chest would start to get expensive. I dunno about others, but I have a set of tools that are always in my truck which are a core of things that I might need and have a tool bag of specialty tools that will come along when I'm packing for a trip that are more "maybe" to prevent a 15 mile hike back to pavement. It's kind of a balance since I also don't want to keep 200 lbs and $1K worth of tools in my truck all the time, either.

 

[aprosise]

Pack combination wrenches in pairs.... I always seem to need two of the same size at one time to free up a jam nut or remove driveshaft bolts... etc.

 

[nakman]

Just to fuel a friendly debate here, a couple other opinions. Where do you guys lean on your "good" tools vs. your cheap ones? My attitude is I put my best tools in the truck. The HF stuff stays in the toolbox at home. The risk is I might lose or loan a more expensive tool. But my logic has always been when I need a tool on the trail, I don't want a cheap tool to come into the equation. there are enough variables going on- like wind, dirt, snow, sun, kids, dogs, quads... give me the best tool possible to get moving again.

And agreed on the drill thing, I used to carry one, but no more- I can wait 60 more second to get a tire off. And when putting stuff on, they're just a stripping liability.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Just to fuel a friendly debate here, a couple other opinions. Where do you guys lean on your "good" tools vs. your cheap ones? My attitude is I put my best tools in the truck. The HF stuff stays in the toolbox at home. The risk is I might lose or loan a more expensive tool. But my logic has always been when I need a tool on the trail, I don't want a cheap tool to come into the equation. there are enough variables going on- like wind, dirt, snow, sun, kids, dogs, quads... give me the best tool possible to get moving again.

And agreed on the drill thing, I used to carry one, but no more- I can wait 60 more second to get a tire off. And when putting stuff on, they're just a stripping liability.

Not that they're "good" but all my truck hand tools are Craftsman. I agree, having a combo that fits wrong or a socket wrench break when you're trying to get off a trail would suck.

 

[Rezarf]

How about this for inspiration?

 

[Rezarf]

All spread out...

 

[Rezarf]

All closed up...

 

[simps80]

Holy crap that's awesome!!
That fits my OCD nicely