The Toolbox and How to Use It
- Thread starter BlackWorksInc
- Start date
sloppyjoes
New member
The tools you use does matter - not only from a breaking standpoint, but good tools just seem to work better. Craftsman has the reputation that it's changed quite a bit over the past few years. I think some of it is made in China now?
Maybe I missed it, but is there an actual list of a basic on the road kit that is suggested? Looking to build one out with a few basic necessities should more simple road side repairs need to be done. Primarily looking for the socket sizes that are mostly needed as I can piece together everything else pretty well.
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
It could be true I don't know, but I don't see how it would effect the quality.
The quality/durability of tools is based off of material specs, tolerances, and design features. Using the same CNC machines won't really effect quality if they use crappy materials or drawings.
wesenberg17
New member
I carry around a Mastercraft kit my parents got me way back for working on my mud truck, somewhere around 150 pcs, has everything I need just keep extra pliers and a headlamp in my truck as well.
I've been carrying some tools around since I have been having problems with my 4Runner. I seem to use 10, 12, 14, and 17mm sockets the most. You could almost take the whole engine apart with just those.
I also carry flat and phillips head screwdrivers, a few sizes of needle nose pliers, and an adjustable wrench.
del mar
New member
4th Gen SUV. I have been on this blog now for about 18 months and am very surprised about the mechanical problems with this SUV. On the one hand I hear some mighty fine stuff and on the other hand I hear some pretty rough stuff. I can't blame it on the lack of undercoating, but that certainly occupies a large share of the faults with this SUV. What good is a 300,000 mile engine when the rest of the vehicle falls apart with rust and has a host of other issues.
But now, my mind is drifting to US made SUV of similar overall size. At least the US mfr's know how to undercoat a frame. I qualify my response here from the prospective of that I own 'older' SUV's. A '93 3L Montero and a '88 full size bronco, and a 82 VW Vanagon (talk about a maintenance HOG). I am gettin too old to be even a part-time mechanic on these high tech wonders, and the dealer prices are just beyond Jupiter.
I am, to say the least, disappointed and confused.
But now, my mind is drifting to US made SUV of similar overall size. At least the US mfr's know how to undercoat a frame. I qualify my response here from the prospective of that I own 'older' SUV's. A '93 3L Montero and a '88 full size bronco, and a 82 VW Vanagon (talk about a maintenance HOG). I am gettin too old to be even a part-time mechanic on these high tech wonders, and the dealer prices are just beyond Jupiter.
I am, to say the least, disappointed and confused.
Yeah I understand that feeling. I don't think I can complain though. I got to almost 189,000 miles before the head gaskets failed on my 04 v6. That's not great, but considering a lot of trucks failed at half the mileage I'm fine with it. Not that expensive to do it myself and this forum is really helpful. I bought the truck with 148k miles and made it to almost 190k without doing anything but fluid and filter changes, an O2 sensor, and spark plugs.
Looking back I would have waited longer and bought an 05 or newer, but I'm not planning on getting rid of mine any time soon.
Mine lived in the midwest from 2004 until I moved to the PNW in 2016 and I don't seem to have the rust issues that other people have. I mean it's definitely got rust on the skid plates, but the frame seems to be in good condition. I did find one spot last weekend where the factory coating has flaked off, but it's 14 years old. Can't be mad about that.
This is by far the most helpful forum I've come across and maintenance on these trucks isn't difficult compared to other vehicles. Overall I'm not disappointed in my purchase.
