Tools

[citilivin]

I would stay away from Made in China. Be careful, read the tools, even craftsman makes tool in China today!

 

[bgenlvtex]

Not so.

Differentials (including the covers), tie rod ends and ball joints are SAE. So too are many of the nuts bolts once you start to get into the engine. Keep in mind the age of the original designs for these components. The axles and engine block go back several decades when everything was SAE in this country. Chrysler didn't re-tool everything just to make it metric. The fun comes in when dealing with accessories mounted to the block. The threads into the block are SAE, but the brackets added on have metric threads.

Plan on needing both standard and metric. That is the joy of a '90s era vehicle (and yes, up to 2001 for the XJ).

In my defense I did say LATE model Jeep, not 2 decades old.

Most of the SAE found are easily interchangeable (from a tool standpoint) with metric.

 

[Downs]

The XJ is a hodgepodge of metric and SAE fastners so just buy a set of each and accept that fact. Daily driving I keep one of those flat pack tool kits that folds open. It doens't take a lot of space and has nearly everything I need. At home I have a pile of other stuff. It'd be easier to take a picture of it haha. When traveling I bump that up to include a tool bag with extensions, 3lb mini sledge, safety wire, multiple types of pliers, soldering iron, blah blah blah.

In another smallish tackle type box I got from Atwoods (they're stack able Stanley boxes with interior dividers) I keep electrical connectors, crimpers stuff like that.

In a 7.62mm ammo can I keep a full set of spare sensors plus a 1510x and 760x u-joint.

All this stuff doesn't ride with me daily. My daily carry stuff as far as tools go is just the flatpack toolbox, box of electrical doodads, multimeter, JB weld or something similar, and a multitool I always have on me. Then a few other non tool related items I like to have on hand. It all fits in a military parachute bag in the back and leaves me plenty of cargo space for work stuff.

Edited to add- At home I keep a lot of more specfic tools that IMO are essential to working on our XJs Especially if you use it on a daily or semi regular basis. These don't cost a lot of money on their own, I try to buy something like this once a payday if it's cost isn't more than 20 to 40 dollars.

Ball Joint Press
Vacuum Gauge
Fuel pressure Gauge
Manual Vacuum pump
Krikit 2 Belt tension gauge
Hose Clamp pliers. The ones with an extension on it to get to the harder to reach ones.
Bench Vice
Plus some other stuff I can't think of off the top of my head and other stuff that's not really needed for the Jeep specifically just stuff I like to do on my own like change my own tires and weld stuff together and what not.

 

[Anak]

In my defense I did say LATE model Jeep, not 2 decades old.

Most of the SAE found are easily interchangeable (from a tool standpoint) with metric.

No problem. Just have to make sure the OP knows what he is getting into.

And you may not know this, but the '97-'01 XJs are commonly referred to as the "late models". Jeep did a cosmetic redesign in '97. And this is what the OP has.

And when you are dealing with a couple of decades worth of rust an interchange between 9/16" and 14mm is the only interchange I would trust. 5/8" and 16mm is sometimes close enough, but if you have to worry about rounding off corners it is best to have the right size. 8mm can also be substituted for 5/16", but I can't recall a single use of a 5/16" or 8mm on an XJ.

The Devil is in the details.

 

[M Rose]

No problem. Just have to make sure the OP knows what he is getting into.

And you may not know this, but the '97-'01 XJs are commonly referred to as the "late models". Jeep did a cosmetic redesign in '97. And this is what the OP has.

And when you are dealing with a couple of decades worth of rust an interchange between 9/16" and 14mm is the only interchange I would trust. 5/8" and 16mm is sometimes close enough, but if you have to worry about rounding off corners it is best to have the right size. 8mm can also be substituted for 5/16", but I can't recall a single use of a 5/16" or 8mm on an XJ.

The Devil is in the details.

Isn't the rear u joint straps 5/16, or are the even smaller

 

[Anak]

You are right.

Those should be.

Didn't come to mind because mine are converted to U-bolts.

 

[Jeepmedic46]

You have an excellent vehicle to learn on. There is generally plenty of room to work on an XJ, and most jobs are pretty straightforward.

Be aware that you are going to need both standard and metric sets. The engine block is an old design from when everything was standard thread, but the majority of the rest of the vehicle uses metric. It all comes down to how long ago a certain component was designed.

There are a few tools which are not going to come in a kit and which you should invest in for your particular vehicle. You should get a 36mm socket. This is the tool for the large axle nut on the front axle stub shafts. You will need this if you ever need to deal with the front bearings. It also happens to be just the right size to work as a driver for the front axle seals should you ever need to replace those. You can get that 36mm socket in either 1/2" or 3/4" drive. Make sure you have something that matches it and that will give you good leverage or allow you to add good leverage to it.

Also needed to replace those bearings is a twelve point 13mm 1/2" drive socket and a bit of leverage.

You should also get the tools required in order to change the crankshaft position sensor. And carry a spare CPS--it is not uncommon to need to replace this little illegitimate spawn of an unwed female dog. You need about 36" worth of 3/8" extensions, one of those extensions should be a wobble extension, plus a universal and a good quality six point 11mm 3/8" drive socket. I would suggest you buy a Snap-on socket for that one. If you round off the head on either of those two bolts you are going to be up the proverbial creek. Given how awkward their access is you want every possible advantage on your side.

Beyond those things your standard tool sets should take care of most needs, and what those things don't cover is probably best rented from the auto parts store as you are not likely to need it repeatedly.

However, besides the tools, do get yourself a can of Kroil and a tube of anti-seize. Use the Kroil the night before you tackle anything that isn't an oil leak, and then reassemble those bolts with anti-seize.

Some more thoughts:

You need a scan tool of some form. Most folks seem to opt for a dongle that will interface with their phone anymore. I am a dinosaur and still use a stand alone device. Pick what suits your needs, but do get something. You have OBDII, and it is very user friendly.

Youtube is also a great tool. I highly recommend BleepinJeep for an XJ. Matt is very good. He has videos for a bunch of jobs. There are others out there, but their profanity is more remarkable than their content.

I will also suggest you use your local Pick-Your-Part junkyard as a learning tool. Take a walk through the yard and see what your vehicle looks like when it is half disassembled. That will give you a better sense of what is behind the dash and so forth. It would also be a good place to practice removing the CPS. My local junkyard will let me take nuts, bolts and fuses at no charge (after paying admission). If yours does the same then you should at least find another Jeep and clear out all the fuses. That will get you an assortment of the right sizes and values of fuses (note you have two fuse blocks: One under the hood near the battery and another under the dash at the drivers left foot). Carry those spare fuses in at least a ziploc bag.

Thank you, I never thought about going to the Junkyard to practice and see what my XJ looks like dissembled and to practice what I need to come off. I do watch BleepinJeep and Outjeepin. Those 2 seem to be the most informative.

 

[Jeepmedic46]

The more I research what I need it looks like I need a entire shop.

The XJ is a hodgepodge of metric and SAE fastners so just buy a set of each and accept that fact. Daily driving I keep one of those flat pack tool kits that folds open. It doens't take a lot of space and has nearly everything I need. At home I have a pile of other stuff. It'd be easier to take a picture of it haha. When traveling I bump that up to include a tool bag with extensions, 3lb mini sledge, safety wire, multiple types of pliers, soldering iron, blah blah blah.

In another smallish tackle type box I got from Atwoods (they're stack able Stanley boxes with interior dividers) I keep electrical connectors, crimpers stuff like that.

In a 7.62mm ammo can I keep a full set of spare sensors plus a 1510x and 760x u-joint.

All this stuff doesn't ride with me daily. My daily carry stuff as far as tools go is just the flatpack toolbox, box of electrical doodads, multimeter, JB weld or something similar, and a multitool I always have on me. Then a few other non tool related items I like to have on hand. It all fits in a military parachute bag in the back and leaves me plenty of cargo space for work stuff.

Edited to add- At home I keep a lot of more specfic tools that IMO are essential to working on our XJs Especially if you use it on a daily or semi regular basis. These don't cost a lot of money on their own, I try to buy something like this once a payday if it's cost isn't more than 20 to 40 dollars.

Ball Joint Press
Vacuum Gauge
Fuel pressure Gauge
Manual Vacuum pump
Krikit 2 Belt tension gauge
Hose Clamp pliers. The ones with an extension on it to get to the harder to reach ones.
Bench Vice
Plus some other stuff I can't think of off the top of my head and other stuff that's not really needed for the Jeep specifically just stuff I like to do on my own like change my own tires and weld stuff together and what not.

thank you, I didn’t even think about fuses and sensors. That is a good suggestion about the military parachute bag. Can you get those online? We don’t have any military stores around here. Hoping next year to buy a house or rent one with a garage. Where we rent now I have no place to keep tools at the house.

 

[Jeepmedic46]

You are right.

Those should be.

Didn't come to mind because mine are converted to U-bolts.

Should I switch to U bolts on my rear u joints? This is actually my first vehicle that I’m going to try and work on myself. My wife made the suggestion I try and take some courses at a local trade school at night or find someone who can help me.

 

[Jeepmedic46]

I forgot to put this is my daily driver.

 

[Downs]

No problem. Just have to make sure the OP knows what he is getting into.

And you may not know this, but the '97-'01 XJs are commonly referred to as the "late models". Jeep did a cosmetic redesign in '97. And this is what the OP has.

And when you are dealing with a couple of decades worth of rust an interchange between 9/16" and 14mm is the only interchange I would trust. 5/8" and 16mm is sometimes close enough, but if you have to worry about rounding off corners it is best to have the right size. 8mm can also be substituted for 5/16", but I can't recall a single use of a 5/16" or 8mm on an XJ.

The Devil is in the details.

The bolts holding on the efan and mech fan shroud. And the FPR on pre 97 XJs.

 

[Downs]

Should I switch to U bolts on my rear u joints? This is actually my first vehicle that I’m going to try and work on myself. My wife made the suggestion I try and take some courses at a local trade school at night or find someone who can help me.

The straps work fine. Where do you live?

And for the parachute bag Rothco makes A replica one thats pretty good. You can get surplus ones on ebay as well.

 

[Magic Mike]

This maybe a silly question but I’m new to working on my own vehicle. Looking for suggestions on what would be good mechanics tools and sets to start with.

One that contains wrench's and sockets for which ever fasteners that are on your particular vehicle. Also a kit that has a good warranty, so if you break something you get it replaced.

I run a lot of Husky stuff merely because it isn't super expensive and if something breaks Home Depot doesn't squabble about replacing them.

 

[Jeepmedic46]

The straps work fine. Where do you live?

And for the parachute bag Rothco makes A replica one thats pretty good. You can get surplus ones on ebay as well.

Thank you, I live in Massachusetts

 

[PCO6]

Buy multiples of the things that are likely to go missing. 10mm sockets come to mind. lol

Seriously though, I have been building my collection of tools and garage equipment for over 50 years and don't plan to stop any time soon. I don't get stumped very often. When I do I'm OK with buying or making it. One thing I said I'd never buy was a one of the ubiquitous 101 piece general tool kits (wrenches, sockets, etc.) that come, and stay, in a blow molded plastic case. I finally realized how useful these are for junk yarding and generally stripping things down when I'm away from my garage. They allow you to know what you have and where it should be plus what you might leave behind and not know about until you get home.

As for your collection at home … be organized! I hate looking for tools and when something hasn't been put away I know it.

Some of my favourite tools are the ones that I inherited from my Dad. My Brothers and I each took a small amount of the things we wanted. We barely use them (we had our own any way) but they have prominent places in our boxes. They serve as reminders of when our Dad taught us how to use them.

 

[Anak]

Don't worry about converting to U-bolts. The only way that makes sense is if you are re-gearing or replacing the pinion seal. I know some folks think drilling the existing yokes is fine, but I don't agree. The centers are different between straps and U-bolts. The yoke needs to be changed, and there is really no point to doing that unless you already have reasons to pull the yoke. I upgraded mine when I regeared.

 

[Jeepmedic46]

Buy multiples of the things that are likely to go missing. 10mm sockets come to mind. lol

Seriously though, I have been building my collection of tools and garage equipment for over 50 years and don't plan to stop any time soon. I don't get stumped very often. When I do I'm OK with buying or making it. One thing I said I'd never buy was a one of the ubiquitous 101 piece general tool kits (wrenches, sockets, etc.) that come, and stay, in a blow molded plastic case. I finally realized how useful these are for junk yarding and generally stripping things down when I'm away from my garage. They allow you to know what you have and where it should be plus what you might leave behind and not know about until you get home.

As for your collection at home … be organized! I hate looking for tools and when something hasn't been put away I know it.

Some of my favourite tools are the ones that I inherited from my Dad. My Brothers and I each took a small amount of the things we wanted. We barely use them (we had our own any way) but they have prominent places in our boxes. They serve as reminders of when our Dad taught us how to use them.

Thank you, I have a few tools from my father which will always be in a special place.

 

[M Rose]

I agree with Anak, don't convert the strap to u-bolt unless you have to. On my 2000 XJ running a pro-comp 2.5" lift, I didn' t have any problems with my rear yoke. On my 89 XJ with a 4" RC lift I wasmeating up U-Joints like crazy until I got an SYE. At the time I did the SYE I also replaced the rear yoke so I could run ubolts. After the sye I never had a problem with rear u joints again.

Jeepmedic, you sure are making me miss my jeeps lol...

 

[Jeepmedic46]

I agree with Anak, don't convert the strap to u-bolt unless you have to. On my 2000 XJ running a pro-comp 2.5" lift, I didn' t have any problems with my rear yoke. On my 89 XJ with a 4" RC lift I wasmeating up U-Joints like crazy until I got an SYE. At the time I did the SYE I also replaced the rear yoke so I could run ubolts. After the sye I never had a problem with rear u joints again.

Jeepmedic, you sure are making me miss my jeeps lol...

I’ve heard nothing but good things about the XJ. I’ve had 2 wranglers and a 04 Liberty. They were all great vehicles. This is my actual first lifted vehicle. I had a 86 F150 I put a body lift on.

 

[joshjunior]

I have been working on cars and trucks in some capacity for about 20 years, and have been a professional HD mechanic for 8 years. I started out with a Craftsman mechanics set and a 4 drawer Craftsman road box. Those tools carried me until the last 3 years, I run just about all Snap On or Blue Point now (mostly because Im making enough money to get the higher end tools. Im 100% willing to admit part of it is a status thing, but the quality is hands down much better). However I still have some Craftsman stuff and I also have a bit of Pittsburgh stuff in my tool box (all of my sockets from 1 1/8" up to 2" and my wrenches from 1 1/16 to 2 3/8" are Pittsburgh, I also have a set of hydraulic fitting wrenches). My take is for sockets and wrenches most stuff is good to go, especially for the home mechanic. I would have no problem just running Pittsburgh stuff for general maintenance if I didnt have access to professional level stuff. That said I have a basic assortment of Pittsburgh tools at home in case I need to perform unplanned repairs on the house or my cars. Honestly the biggest thing I can say is get good ratchets. The first thing I upgraded were all of my ratchets and I believe Snap On to have some of the best. For that Jeep of yours though you should only need metric tools, so I would work on getting that first. If I remember right from working on my TJ the biggest socket I ever needed was a 24MM for the axle shaft nuts. Also you will need Torx bits.

Mac has new ratchets that I traded my snap on ones in for. Love em