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Recommended Tool Kit(s)?

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by WarDamnTundra, Sep 6, 2022.

  1. Sep 6, 2022 at 4:02 AM
    #1
    WarDamnTundra

    WarDamnTundra [OP] New Member

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    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!
     
  2. Sep 6, 2022 at 4:18 AM
    #2
    TravisJr

    TravisJr New Member

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    Lots o’ mods
    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?
     
  3. Sep 6, 2022 at 4:20 AM
    #3
    WarDamnTundra

    WarDamnTundra [OP] New Member

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    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.
     
  4. Sep 6, 2022 at 4:30 AM
    #4
    Vic4x4

    Vic4x4 New Member

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    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.
     
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  5. Sep 6, 2022 at 4:31 AM
    #5
    Vic4x4

    Vic4x4 New Member

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    And don't take on a project without doing your research and making sure you have the right tool for the job.
     
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  6. Sep 6, 2022 at 5:53 AM
    #6
    COTundie

    COTundie Whoa Black Betty

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    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.
     
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  7. Sep 6, 2022 at 6:10 AM
    #7
    WarDamnTundra

    WarDamnTundra [OP] New Member

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

    Do the tools need to be metric?
     
  8. Sep 6, 2022 at 6:31 AM
    #8
    Taco-Spike

    Taco-Spike Gateway from Tacoma World ~ ended up here

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    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
     
  9. Sep 6, 2022 at 6:43 AM
    #9
    snivilous

    snivilous snivspeedshop.com

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    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.
     
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  10. Sep 6, 2022 at 7:15 AM
    #10
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    A decent torque wrench is a must if you will be doing any suspension work.
     
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  11. Sep 7, 2022 at 4:13 AM
    #11
    WarDamnTundra

    WarDamnTundra [OP] New Member

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    Any suggestions on brand and price range to be looking for?
     
  12. Sep 7, 2022 at 6:33 AM
    #12
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    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
     
  13. Sep 7, 2022 at 6:49 AM
    #13
    Funnyguy713

    Funnyguy713 I can't get Jiggy with this Sh!t

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    edad509dcd004320e089ff2a48cd56a8.jpg
     
  14. Sep 7, 2022 at 7:06 AM
    #14
    Terndrerrr

    Terndrerrr guzzling dealer repellent

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    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 mechanic’s creeper

    4. 64mm oil filter wrench

    5. FloTools oil drain pan

    6. No mess oil funnel

    7. Fumoto valve

    8. GearWrench ratcheting box end wrenches

    Look at all your money I just spent! That was fun! :cheers:
     
  15. Sep 7, 2022 at 7:08 AM
    #15
    WarDamnTundra

    WarDamnTundra [OP] New Member

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    :spending:
     
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  16. Sep 8, 2022 at 1:25 PM
    #16
    Terndrerrr

    Terndrerrr guzzling dealer repellent

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    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.
     
  17. Sep 8, 2022 at 1:49 PM
    #17
    PKFan

    PKFan my pronouns are (she/it) - c'mon, say it fast

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    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.
     
  18. Sep 8, 2022 at 2:44 PM
    #18
    Winning8

    Winning8 New Member

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    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.
     
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  19. Sep 8, 2022 at 2:50 PM
    #19
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    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.
     
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  20. Sep 12, 2022 at 1:56 PM
    #20
    iantung

    iantung Mods wouldn't be an issue if money wasn't.

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    To tag on this, any brand to suggest or to avoid for impact wrench? I know DeWalt is good, what of others?
     
  21. Sep 12, 2022 at 2:07 PM
    #21
    marc32

    marc32 New Member

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    Milwaukee tools are good, I switched from Makita/Dewault to Milwaukee for all my tools. Warranty and service are great by them.
     
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  22. Sep 12, 2022 at 2:17 PM
    #22
    iantung

    iantung Mods wouldn't be an issue if money wasn't.

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    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.
     
  23. Sep 12, 2022 at 2:19 PM
    #23
    JCBerb

    JCBerb Semper Fi

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    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.
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2022
  24. Sep 12, 2022 at 2:19 PM
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    omgboost

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  25. Sep 12, 2022 at 2:22 PM
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    omgboost

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  26. Sep 12, 2022 at 2:29 PM
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    Winning8

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    https://youtu.be/8E_QYdan-p0
    if you got some ryobi battery already
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2022
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  27. Sep 12, 2022 at 2:47 PM
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    reywcms

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  28. Sep 12, 2022 at 2:52 PM
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    JCBerb

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  29. Sep 12, 2022 at 3:04 PM
    #29
    JMB

    JMB Not new, just a little old.

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    Semi smart-ass response. You need all of these plus what's in my roadside and recovery kits.
    20220912_173826.jpg 20220912_173433.jpg 20220912_173358.jpg 20220912_173339.jpg 20220912_173318.jpg 20220912_173110.jpg 20220912_173103.jpg 20220912_173055.jpg 20220912_173047.jpg 20220912_173031.jpg 20220912_173019.jpg 20220912_172959.jpg
     
  30. Sep 12, 2022 at 3:15 PM
    #30
    JMB

    JMB Not new, just a little old.

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    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.
     
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