Tools of the Trade

[jhumphrey]

Hey all,

So I recently made the leap from a Jeep to the 4Runner. So far, I'm glad I made the swap. With that said, I need to get my hands on more metric tools and that's where you come in. What larger size metrics do I need to swap out ball joints, tie rods, axles, etc?

I'm going to be doing the tie rods and LBJs this weekend and want to make sure I have all the needed sizes. I've read a couple of threads on various sites about the swap and came across one that somewhat laid out the sizes for the tie rod (LBJ seem like "standard" MM size, nothing "large"):

19MM (for the tie rod nut)
27
28
30
42

Also I remember reading somewhere that the axle nuts were in that same area as well. I don't recall ever having wrench/sockets having to be that large (or so many) on the Jeep, sans the axle nut.

Anyway, all help is appreciated.

 

[downpour11]

Toyota's use 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 22, 35 (OEM CV) and 36 (Aftermarket CV). Just grab a crescent wrench for the rest.

 

[jhumphrey]

Thanks, downpour. I have a basic tool set that stops around 17mm in size. Just reading that post, it seemed like a large amount of "larger" sized wrenches/sockets. Sounds like I need to invest in a couple of 19, 22, & 35MM wrenches to be sure I have the right tool(s) for the job.

Normally I'd be doing this in a fully stocked shop, but I may not have access to it this weekend. I just don't want to get everything off only to find out that I didn't have the right MM on hand. I live to far from the parts store to simply run and get one.

Thanks again!

 

[downpour11]

Thanks, downpour. I have a basic tool set that stops around 17mm in size. Just reading that post, it seemed like a large amount of "larger" sized wrenches/sockets. Sounds like I need to invest in a couple of 19, 22, & 35MM wrenches to be sure I have the right tool(s) for the job.

Normally I'd be doing this in a fully stocked shop, but I may not have access to it this weekend. I just don't want to get everything off only to find out that I didn't have the right MM on hand. I live to far from the parts store to simply run and get one.

Thanks again!

No problem. Make sure you have some extensions, some deep sockets, a breaker bar, and some sort of liquid wrench as well. You might want to grab some Lock-tite too. And beer… don't forget to buy beer.

 

[jhumphrey]

When I bought the LBJs, I also bought new flange bolts. I read somewhere they needed to be locktited in. I can't remember where I read that and cant find the post again on it.

Beer would be nice, but since I may be doing this in a barn with poor weather, I want to get through it as quickly as I can. It's my first time working on the 4runner, I'm hoping it is as easy as my jeep was. I'd prefer to use the shop (concrete floors, heat, fully stocked with tools, etc.), but that may not be in the cards. Fingers crossed...

 

[Nelsonmd]

Don't forget 21mm for the lug nuts if you don't want to use the tire iron.

It won't be as easy as your jeep.

 

[nevada]

Thanks, downpour. I have a basic tool set that stops around 17mm in size. Just reading that post, it seemed like a large amount of "larger" sized wrenches/sockets. Sounds like I need to invest in a couple of19, 22, & 35MM wrenches to be sure I have the right tool(s) for the job.

Normally I'd be doing this in a fully stocked shop, but I may not have access to it this weekend. I just don't want to get everything off only to find out that I didn't have the right MM on hand. I live to far from the parts store to simply run and get one.

Thanks again!

not wrenches for the big stuff. sockets.

 

[jhumphrey]

Don't forget 21mm for the lug nuts if you don't want to use the tire iron.

It won't be as easy as your jeep.

Looking at the procedure, the LBJs look a little easier actually. That's mainly due to the lack of them needing to be pressed out/in. The uppers look like a pain (but I'm not doing them). The outer tie rod looks like the jeep. Jeep doesn't have an inner, so that'll be a new experience for me. It over all doesn't look to complicated, just learning the "inner" procedure seems like a learning job.

As far as I can tell, those items are all original. My runner has 171k on it, so Im hoping that after the weekend its another 100k before I have to think about it again

 

[jhumphrey]

Thanks, Nevada. I've never dealt with CV's, so I haven't looked into what's required to remove/replace them. So is the 22mm a socket or wrench?

 

[Nelsonmd]

Looking at the procedure, the LBJs look a little easier actually. That's mainly due to the lack of them needing to be pressed out/in. The uppers look like a pain (but I'm not doing them). The outer tie rod looks like the jeep. Jeep doesn't have an inner, so that'll be a new experience for me. It over all doesn't look to complicated, just learning the "inner" procedure seems like a learning job.

As far as I can tell, those items are all original. My runner has 171k on it, so Im hoping that after the weekend its another 100k before I have to think about it again

Yeah, LBJ's aren't bad as long as you have pitman pullers, should come right off. The only other hitch will be if the 4 smaller bolts are frozen on. If you don't have an impact driver and a compressor, then pick up one of these:

Amazon.com: OTC 4607 1/2" Impact Driver: Automotive

Hand impact driver. I haven't used mine on any big bolts yet, but they popped some stuck and stripping screws out of my motorcycle engine easy-peasy; I really wish I bought one of these 5 years ago when I first bought my 4runner; it might have saved me alot of cursing, grey hairs, and bloody knuckles.

You shouldnt' need to do the uppers as they see WAY less stress, but if you do, pick up one of these from harbor freight:

8" Three-Jaw Gear Puller

I was able to press out my front wheel hubs with it (albeit after replacing the weak-ass links with homebrew ones made of 3/16" steel and the bolts with grade 8 shoulder bolts, see the link in my sig); and I then did my buddy's tundra uppers with it too and they went in like butter.

The ITRE's aren't bad, just kind of a pain due to their location. I wasn't really able to bend over the retaining washer very well because I couldn't get a hammer back behind the rack, but other than that they are not difficult.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Thanks, Nevada. I've never dealt with CV's, so I haven't looked into what's required to remove/replace them. So is the 22mm a socket or wrench?

IIRC the 22 is for the LBJ castle nut, so you can go with either a socket or a wrench, but I'd recommend a socket so that you can put it on a torque wrench and do the job properly.

Check out the tutorial and reference sticky (in the master thread sticky), there's a link to a great walkthrough for the CV. It's pretty easy, they recommend you have a crow bar, though I think you can get away without that. I did my first super easy from that walkthrough.