NEW OWNER OF CJ7, what tools do I need?

[rebeccamorrow]

I am brand new to jeeps and my 82 CJ7. My jeep is in great shape, however if something were to happen, I dont have any tools to get a project done. If I did have tools, I wouldn't know much about fixing things, but I really want to learn EVERYTHING there is to learn about fixing my Jeep if something were to break. I am posting this thread to start a "MUST HAVE LIST" of what should be my top priorities to buy/do first. Can ya'll help?

[PERK]

xmas is comming up,stores like Costco sell those large tool sets. they include sae and metric sockets both standard and deep plus ratchets,extensions and the like. would be a good starter kit

[rebeccamorrow]

Sounds perfect, thank you. Is there anything I can I buy to help me learn how to work on common repairs?

[illinicj]

Get yourself a FSM. There's a link to one on here somewhere if you search.

[rebeccamorrow]

are there any certain tools that i will be using the most? sockets/hand wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.....

[a2tripp]

PB blaster, some kind of welder, more PB blaster, BFH, and even more PB blaster - and I am not joking!

[daltonw]

zip strips, electrical tape, pliers, probly a bungee chord or two, test light, hammer, and like above- a case of pb blaster.

[buzzbrick]

Originally Posted by a2tripp

PB blaster, some kind of welder, more PB blaster, BFH, and even more PB blaster - and I am not joking!

X2! God do I wish you were joking.

[scooter]

Start reading up on gauge and electrical fixes,take everything you read problem wise with a grain of salt and dont go thinking you just bought the worlds biggest mechanical PITA which can happen if not familiar with basics and visiting a vehicle specific forum. No metric stuff needed on a CJ, the only thing off the wall uncommon to get in a basic tool set is a 12 point 1/4 open end for the bolts on the U joint yokes which your may or may not have otherwise just plain old sockets, open ends, a good screw driver set and a digital volt meter should keep you entertained for years.

[billymac4511]

I don't have a CJ but my faja does...

My experience on my TJ has been a BFH (big frigging hammer) and PB Blaster are the two most used tools in my box.

The next would be a medicore pipe wrench, vice grips, a piece of 2-3 foot long pipe (That will fit over the end of the pipe wrench) and a medium sized torx set.

All this, on top of a basic to medium-duty socket/tool set.

... and zip ties... lots and lots of zip ties...

[Mike Romain]

You will need a 'good' set of TORX bits for your socket wrench. The torx fittings are a serious pain in the butt, most are also glued in with seam sealer so you need a decent pencil tipped hot torch to go with the torx set. A plumbers torch with MAP gas or propane turbo torch work well.

They will also bite you bad if you don't clean/dig/cuss at/etc the paint out of them because the next size up fits perfect with the paint, then you turn, paint crumbles and you spin the bumps out.

Then you need a good set of drill bits....

Like mentioned, and a good BFH and penetrating oil.

WD40 has it's place too, it will dry out the insides of the distributor cap nicely, but won't touch the rusty bolts.

[cj7Sswampers]

get a grinder, and a hacksaw.

[Full Tank]

If your CJ has ever been exposed to road salt you'll need a Sawzall.

FT

[cj7ole]

One of everything...

[kappa505]

maybe some gloves and eye protection...? Just so you don't do what I did today.

Do things right the first time and save your self some grief. You can "borrow" most specialty tools from autozone or like stores.
Here is the link to the FSM. Just enter in your data and it will let you browse or print what ever you need. Jeep Service Manuals