What socket sizes for a 2nd gen?

[toobladink]

Finally got myself my own space to work on my car which means I need to fill it with tools. I'm looking at two 1/2" drive socket sets (already got a nice 1/4" and 3/8" drive set) and one goes up to 32mm and 1-5/16" for size, and the other goes up to 24mm and 1-1/8".

I already have a socket for the axle nut. Do I need to go higher than 24mm for anything on a second gen explorer, other than the axle nut? If so, what sizes, and what would it be for? I think I would rather buy single sockets as I need. I also just want to be prepared and not have to run to the store. So do I need anything bigger than 24mm?

 

[donalds]

Sounds like you got it covered
Soon you will need specialty tools like a smoke machine

 

[410Fortune]

Sounds like you got it covered
Soon you will need specialty tools like a smoke machine

Gen ii uses 5.5, 7, 8, 10, 11 mm sockets all over the place good to have 1/4”
Drive metric set of these

You will need 13, 14, 15, 17, 19 and 21 all the time

32mm 34mm and 36mm hub sockets for the different cv axles out there


So good job so far you have it handled!

You will need torx 27, 30, 50 and 55 for various fasteners and seat belt screws

The tools I use the absolute most are my electric
Impact ratchet, Electric impact guns (12v Milwaukee) and my big impact 20v dewalt does anything large
My dewalt 20v flashlight and a good rechargeable led headlamp get tons of use.. the more
Light you have the better

Extensions are good to have all the way up to 24” or so… for underneath worth they come in really handy

Good floor jack some jack stands, pickle fork (tie rods and ball joints) decent scanner and fuel pressure tester are also things I use all the time

We can keep going hahaha

 

[toobladink]

yeah really just looking for 1/2" drive sockets right now! my axle nut was 32mm. my 3/8" goes up to 22mm, but only shallow. it goes up to 19mm for deep sockets. here's the set i got if you guys want to take a look: 80944 232 Piece Mechanics Tool Set in 3 Drawer Storage Box - Gearwrench

I mostly bought this since I already had nice wrenches and this was their only combo set with ratcheting wrenches.

So just need a 1/2" drive to compliment it. Gearwrench makes the one I was referring to that only goes up to 24mm. I'd basically be buying it for deep 19mm+ sockets, breaker bar (don't own one yet), extensions, and universal joint (don't have one). I also want the sockets to use with a 1/2" drive torque wrench since I need that wrench to replace wheel hubs.

The other set (in my budget) is the harbor freight Quinn. They just had a 40% off sale on this set a month ago or so, and I'm thinking maybe I can wait til later this year and snag it on sale. It'd actually be less (if I got it on sale) and give me way more sockets, but I just wasn't sure if I really needed anything bigger than 24mm. It's just a lot bigger to store and I am trying to be mindful about tool storage (for now, I know I will get a second toolbox later on). Man.. as I write this it seems like it's overkill just to get either 1/2" drive set since I have so many of those sizes in 3/8" drive already.

Should I take a step back and maybe not buy a set, and just buy 1/2" drive metric sockets, ratchet, breaker bar separately? It seems like I have it handled unless I need to be torquing anything higher than 100 ft/lb since that seems where most 3/8" torque wrenches top out at. That kinda seems like the best idea right now.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

Sorry Im late to the party! The stuff I have at least of the sockets and wrenches, that hasnt already been mentioned is wobble extensions. I dont use them as often on the explorer, but they come in handy. HF had them for cheap enough, so I bit. Ratcheting wrenches are a big help, as are the stubby ones IMO. Other than that, seems like youve covered all the major points! Although I do reccomend a 1/2" set, in a pinch, I have used a 3/8" ratchet with a pipe/jack handle for some more force. Oh and sometimes adapters come in handy, since some sizes I only have in a 3/8, but it needs the force of a 1/2 to git er done. If you have room, I love a floor jack, but if not a bottle with an axle adapter also works IMO. Lately, the X has become a rolling shop, since Ive been fixing alot of my buddies cars, so I take everything in the garage but the mini fridge with me!

 

[gmanpaint]

Lots of great suggestions guys!! Here is a few I can add to the list. Not all by no means. Ask anyone who has been on a trail with me.

I would add a set of crows feet wrenches in there for the steering rack lines. 2 sizes, 5/8" &......... awe crap, can't remember off hand. LOL

Fan Wrench set is a specialty item as well. That thing can be a booger to remove if doing a road repair.

A strong magnet wand for dropped hardware, C-clip removal, etc...

Reverse drill bit kit for a broken Carrier bolt. That thing lives in the rig.

I always have a 2lb & 5lb maul hammer at the ready, but 10 lb Dead blow hammers are for more than crime fighting. They can be more helpful with persuasion than cuss words.

Was mentioned already, but I carry at least 3 diff sized bottle jacks along with the safe jack adapters when traveling.

Thin wall 1/4" deep well sockets and nut drivers do come in handy. The dash has all kinds of goofy sizes, same as the head liner.

 

[toobladink]

Oh nice! Harbor freight has a sale right now and I was going to finally pick up a heavier dead blow hammer. They also have all their pliers on sale, but I only need snap ring at this point and i have yet to see one. I'm pretty sure you need one for the rear wheel bearing though? Can anyone comment on that?

Was mentioned already, but I carry at least 3 diff sized bottle jacks along with the safe jack adapters when traveling.

Why three different sized ones? And what sizes and adapters?

I was thinking about getting a bigger one since the one that came with my car was too small for something I needed to do and I had to wait for a family member to bring their floor jack.

Your comment on the reverse drill bit/extractor kit living in the vehicle really resonates right now. All this feedback makes me tempted to try and curate the perfect toolbox to carry around while camping or on a road trip, just in case!

 

[gmanpaint]

Snap ring pliers are a must have for the more heavier mechanical jobs. Ball joints need them for sure. I can't recall needing one for the rear axle bearing, if that's what you mean.

I carry a 4 ton, 6 ton, and an 8 ton in the spare tool kit. I can use these to pretty much do everything, but I also have a farm jack on the adventure rig too. The safe jack kit comes with different stuff for the 6 ton jack. Flat plate, tube, and axle adapters, along with extensions, and even an adapter for smaller jacks. Good company with a lot of other stuff that can be helpful, like a flat base mount for the bottle jacks.

Safe Jack - 4WD, Outdoor,Off road, 4X4 accessories and products.

Safe Jack offers accessories for Hi-Lift, farm style jacks. We also offer many bottle jack kits as well as jack stands.

safejacks.com

One thing I forgot to add is a good solid rubber wheel chock. That gets used a ton!!

 

[toobladink]

Do you happen to know what size snap ring pliers I should need for those? I know there isn't a "standard" but like do I need one with angled tips? That's actually on my list for this year.

I'll look into those jacks! They look great.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

I usually keep a 12ton since it fits perfectly in my hi lift base, but thats just me. Rhe others are more compact absolutely and get the job done.

 

[gmanpaint]

Do you happen to know what size snap ring pliers I should need for those? I know there isn't a "standard" but like do I need one with angled tips? That's actually on my list for this year.

I'll look into those jacks! They look great.

I have been using Channel Lock Brand reversible snap ring pliers, that has interchangeable tips. I do have solid tip sets for the shop, but for the rig, the multi set is perfect.

You don't have to buy Safe Jacks bottle jack if you have your own. You can purchase just the adapters too. They tell you the size of the jacks ram head you need that will work, so you can measure yours to see if it will fit their stuff, or if you want to find one cheaper elsewhere.

 

[DintDobbs]

@toobladink Not to be "that" guy, but I strongly advise against sourcing tools from Harbor Freight. Much more a fan of companies that know their products are worth the costs associated with quality craftsmanship.

I destroyed multiple pieces from a cheap set of tools sourced from Harbor Freight within a month of buying it, turned around and bought a like 200-piece Kobalt kit at Lowe's Home Improvements, and cracked one of the sockets within a year. If you're going to buy specifically what you need one piece at a time, pay the cost for a good tool the first time, or pay for a cheap one and then still pay for a good one. Your choice.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

@toobladink Not to be "that" guy, but I strongly advise against sourcing tools from Harbor Freight. Much more a fan of companies that know their products are worth the costs associated with quality craftsmanship.

I destroyed multiple pieces from a cheap set of tools sourced from Harbor Freight within a month of buying it, turned around and bought a like 200-piece Kobalt kit at Lowe's Home Improvements, and cracked one of the sockets within a year. If you're going to buy specifically what you need one piece at a time, pay the cost for a good tool the first time, or pay for a cheap one and then still pay for a good one. Your choice.

Interesting, the Icon stuff has always been really good to me. Now that said, most of my daily use things like sockets are craftsman, but the things I use slightly less often like snap ring pliers dykes etc are all HF and I use them somewhay regularlynwith no issue... Maybe Ill have to put them through their paces more

 

[toobladink]

See that's how I feel - I don't mind buying cheap for some things. I also like their icon line, the pliers seem super nice. I got a set of pistol grip long reach for fishing so i can get those hooks out more consistently. Tools are funny because you can have such varying experiences, like borderline risk your life because a cutting wheel exploded or your jackstands failed. I just watch ProjectFarm and Torque Test Channel on YouTube as guides on what I should buy. My Harbor Freight experience has been a lot better since then.