tool set for vintage jeep offroading

[Duct Tape Man]

Was thinking about my CJ-3A and I want to start taking it apart and putting it back together the right way. It will be a mild resto-mod, I wanna keep it as original as I can, with a few mods like a 2-inch lift and modern lights and gauges. I wanna keep the vintage air about it intact, even when I take it offroad.

I was thinking about getting together a small tool set to have in the jeep for trail rides. I don't wanna carry a ton of stuff, this isn't a maintenance truck. Just thought a small .30 cal ammo can with a good set of hand tools to handle pretty much anything on the jeep, will get me through just about any problem I have in the woods.

Can anyone recommend a good list of basic tools that would be good for my jeep to have, that would fit in said can? No power tools or air tools, just good old fashioned hand tools.

 

[shaggymutt1]

A long 1/2 breaker bar

 

[shaggymutt1]

A 11in 3/8 matco ratchet- long for leverage and slimmer head than any other ratchet I have seen!

 

[shaggymutt1]

Always recommend the 12in Knipex Cobra!!!!!! Best tool I've ever bought!!!

 

[Flattie]

I have a 48 2a that is built like this. Small Buick swap, lockers both ends, full cage and good seats/belts. 2" lift and run 35x10.5 tires. My tool kit fits in a 20mm ammo can bolted in the bed area. Off the top of my head:

1/4 to 7/8 socket set. 3/8 drive matching ratchet
Close to same in wrenches
1/2 dr breaker. Sockets for lugs, and socket for spindle nuts
Channelock nut busters
Channelock water pump pliers
Small pick set
Multimeter, fuses, **** splices, 10ga wire
Scredriver set
3ft bailing wire, half roll duct tape, roll of good electrical tape

First aid kit is in the passenger seat tool box. Filled with desiccant packs

Another ammo can for recovery equipment.

And... A tarp folded under the driver seat. I use it if I have to get under the jeep. And to catch any spills.

That will get you started. JP Magazine just stuffed a 2a for 2 days. I think it has a great tool list. Nice thing with the flat fenders is, it seams like most of it takes a 9/16

Note my username, I bet you "get it"

Have fun

 

[383 240z]

Early CJ's are easy. That being said, I use this methodology to pick tools I carry in my CJ-7. Pull it in the shop, and change an steering u-joint. Use as few tools as you can. those go in the box. Then go over your steering, all the TRE nuts, adjuster sleeves, Bell crank parts. All those sockets and wrenches go in the box. Change a tire, in the box.

Next are supplies, Some wire and crimp connectors, electrical tape and fuses, Steering and drive line u-joints.plus all associated tools. In the box. A few feet of fuel line with hose clamps. A couple extra spark plugs, plug wires. In the box. Does that make sense? Keith

 

[Cab037]

Post a picture of your jeep. I've got an old CJ-2A I need to start a restoration on. Luckily it's not the one in my profile pic.

 

[Fretters]

Almost as important as what you carry is making sure the box is held well in place when you've stocked it. That devil will be all over the place if it isn't bolted or tethered down.

 

[Duct Tape Man]

Flattie - thanks for that list!

Everyone, thanks for your input, great stuff here. And yes, Fretters, the tool box will be either bolted down behind the seat, or inside the engine compartment out of the way.

One thing though - no ball peen hammer, or a utility knife? I mean, I'm just surprised noone mentioned it....

 

[Duct Tape Man]

On this topic, found a webpage that details the tools list for the WWII Willys Jeep. The Willys MB is very close in characteristics and mechanics with my CJ-3A, lots of parts are either the same or close in terms of the tool sizes needed to repair certain items. So I figure the tools needed to be a good "field repair set" would be similar too.

No need to find the original tools (while I do have a couple original WWII tools for this set), just where it says you need a large adjustable wrench, a more modern one will work fine, same for screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. Only thing I can think to add to the list of tools is, like you guys have mentioned, a socket set, which was not included in the original tool set. It's not NEEDED I guess, if you have a wrench set in those sizes, but it makes life easier.

http://g503.com/tools/tools_sec2.htm

 

[HairMetal]

Always recommend the 12in Knipex Cobra!!!!!! Best tool I've ever bought!!!

Yeah, you should get these.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

On a general note, i found that carrying a few double box end wrenches will cover most of the bolts on your rig. Saves some time/weight/room vs a whole set of combo wrenches. For sockets I got a gearwrench set in a case, it's very nice. I wouldn't carry more than 3/4 inch sockets, if it's bigger than that- bust out that aforementioned adjustable.

I also quit carrying electrical stuff. Just too much, never used it. I can't think of anything you can't twist together to get off the trail. If it's more than that, you need a tow from your wheeling partner anyway. The reality is, you aren't overhauling the thing in the woods.

I've got a TJ, so naturally my ammo can is plastic

If you told me here's a flattie- equip yourself in an ammo can- I would do this ( very similar to my TJ )

Ammo Can
That itty bitty ball peen hammer shorty from HF- anything bigger you can use a rock.
Leatherman- It's got a knife/pliers/cutters and screwdriver on it.
Sockets-5/16 to 3/4. Include a slightly longer handle for your lugs if possible.
DBE Wrenches ( 2 or 3 should do ya )
Adjustable
Vise Grips - Needle and Regular
Wide electrical tape, rags, pb blaster, one each 1/4-5/16-3/8 and 1/2" bolt. 2 hose clamps, zip ties and some 10w30.

For what you are describing, any more than that will add and snowball up quickly.