Recommended Tool Kit(s)?

Is there a recommended "basic" tool kit to have on hand for most mods when working on the Tundra? Metric? I am new to working on the truck on my own and would love any advice on what to have handy to do most mods.

My goal is to do every modification(within reason) on my own BUT I need tools. lol.

Any recs?

TIA!

 

So are you starting from scratch with NO tools looking to build a decent set, or already have the basics and looking for specialty stuff you’ll need for more advanced tasks?

 

Good question.

I have zero tools to work on a tundra. I have the basic household tools to do minor repairs around my humble abode.

 

I would suggest a decent electric drill/impact and a socket/ratchet set. If you're going to be working on the interior of your truck, I would suggest getting a plastic trim panel removal kit and some pick tools for all those plastic tabs u don't wanna break. Not sure what household tools you already have, but this will get you started.

 

And don't take on a project without doing your research and making sure you have the right tool for the job.

 

I agree with all of the above (socket set, driver and assorted bits, and plastic pry tools for interior panels)

If you plan on any suspension related stuff or doing brake maintenance, a 2.5 ton floor jack and some jack stands (make sure they are tall enough) will be very helpful. You'll want a breaker bar (1/2" drive) for any bigger bolts. I even use one to torque the lugnuts properly.

There are a whole collection of fairly special tools for doing something as simple as an oil change...

I guess my point is, there are some general tools that will get you a ways, but a lot of tools will depend upon the task at hand. This site is a great resource to see what is involved with most mods before you get started.

 

Good suggestion. I didnt think of plastic pry tools for interior.

Do the tools need to be metric?

 

I use a metric socket set for the Tacoma and Tundra. It's gotten me through everything I need to get done.

About these trim tool kits. I get it. I bought a set and went years without using them. Maybe just me, but I can pull door and dash panels and more with my hands. Used glasses flat heads for those tight space. They are pretty inexpensive so not out a lot of money. You will find a use for them though but doable without if just using household tools

 

Go buy a generic "mechanics" tool set. Home Depot has a 200+ piece set for $100 that'll cover a lot of shit. Yes Toyota is all metric, but never hurts to have imperial tools too and some of them cross over (like 9/16 and 14mm). Get a breaker bar also. That will cover 99% of the items you'll need.

If you do oil changes you'll need an oil filter wrench for the tundra which is like $25 off of Amazon. If you want to do any suspension work get some Harbor Freight Jack stands (I always get the largest they make since you want the travel, load rating doesn't matter really) and get a harbor freight floor jack (again, usually get a 3 ton due to having the most travel). Besides the oil filter wrench there's not really any speciality tools for the tundra unless you're getting really deep into something odd.

Other tools you'll acquire as you realize you need them. But you can change your shocks, brakes, oil, ATF, diff fluid, sensors, spark plugs, etc. Etc. With those 5 purchases. And if you're strapped for cash, buy the $100 tool box and a breaker bar at harbor freight and then buy more stuff as you need it.

 

A decent torque wrench is a must if you will be doing any suspension work.

 

Any suggestions on brand and price range to be looking for?

 

Any decently priced one should work fine. Don't buy a 20 dollar one and you don't need a 500 dollar one either. I've had mine for so long not sure what's good these days

 

Here is a list to get you started. I use all of these tools when modding or maintaining my truck.

1. Impact driver. Get the $100 DeWalt at Home Depot. It’ll run on 20v or their 60v max batteries. Or, if you like tools and aspire to the level of GrandMaster Homeowner DIY Guy, get a tool kit that comes with a couple batteries and a good charger. There are several options for toolkits.

1a. For use with sockets, you’ll need an impact socket adapter set.

…other DeWalt stuff I use:
portable jobsite table saw
miter saw
20v Max work light LED (great for camping, too)
33” folding workbench (also great for camping)

2. 200 piece toolkit like @snivilous mentioned

3. USA made

$95 Lisle 97102 Black Plastic Creeper

mechanic’s creeper

4.

$11 Moker Upgraded for Toyota Oil Filter Wrench, 64mm 14 Flute Aluminum Tool for Easy Oil Filter Removal, Compatible with Toyota, Lexus, and Scion Vehicles Equipped with 2.5L to 5.7L engines

64mm oil filter wrench

5. FloTools oil drain pan

6.

$16 APSG Locking Oil Funnel | Compatible with Select Toyota Lexus Scion | No-Spill Tool Screws Directly INTO Filler | Fast & Easy Oil Change/Fill with No Mess !

No mess oil funnel

7.

$37 Original Fumoto F103N with LC-10 lever clip FN-Series Engine Oil Drain Valve, 1 Pack

Fumoto valve

8. GearWrench ratcheting box end wrenches

Look at all your money I just spent! That was fun!

 

I forgot one of the most important tools: from Harbor Freight, which is actually pretty fantastic. 3-ton rated. One of the few things I've bought from Harbor Freight that is legit quality.

 

I'd say you need one (or multiple) even if you don't do suspension work. After using some HF torque wrenches for a few years, I moved on to Tekton, which are pretty affordable and accurate. You might not need all 3 in the set I linked to right away, but at least the big one for lug nuts.

 

need 2 torque wrenches min, one 3/8 drive digital 5-50 ft/lbs for engine work. cause those click type have faint click on low torque setting, and one 1/2" drive click type 25-150ft/lbs for everything else.

 

I have a small tekton one I got recently for 1 to 15 ft lbs specifically for smaller sensor bolts like wheel sensors and for my diamondback bolts which are 6 ft lbs. If you want to be totally complete I would get 3 range of torque wrenches. 1 to 15, 15 to 100 and 100 to 200. The smaller the incremental range the more accurate the tool, generally speaking. Being a quality engineer I tend to over think stuff, I don't like to use a tool in the first or last 15% of its range.

 

To tag on this, any brand to suggest or to avoid for impact wrench? I know DeWalt is good, what of others?

 

Milwaukee tools are good, I switched from Makita/Dewault to Milwaukee for all my tools. Warranty and service are great by them.

 

I had the old 12V DeWalt and they were pretty much useless, then I got the Ryobi set, much better but left much to be desired, so am also looking to see what else I can upgrade to.

 

Get one of those Craftsman mechanics tool set 400-500 piece. Bought one years ago and it has had every basic tool I've needed.
Impact wrench along with impact sockets metric and SAE, torque wrench, C-clamps, universal joint socket adapters, breaker bars.

Assuming you already have a jack and jack stands.

This situation is fluid buddy, there will always be a reason to acquire another tool.

 

https://youtu.be/HP4uECoH8cc

 

Gearwrench makes some pretty good tools
https://youtu.be/kay3z8qSEok

 

https://youtu.be/8E_QYdan-p0
if you got some ryobi battery already

 

https://speedtoolsinc.com/product/speed-tools-mobile-tool-case/

 

Buy once, cry once.

 

Semi smart-ass response. You need all of these plus what's in my roadside and recovery kits.

 

More serious response, a good metric kit. 200 to 300 pieces. But watch out for brands that add useless bits to the count. There are a good amount of Torx drive fasteners so Torx bits and drivers are a must.
As has been said, it depends on what you're planning on doing. If you're pulling interior panels a collection of panel clips should be on hand.

One really serious recommendation, if you're doing electrical, suspension or brake mods or maintenance, consult with someone who is knowledgeable. Burning your truck to the ground or a wreck will decrease the satisfaction value.