Best Tool Kit Recs 2022 JLU Rubicon 4xe: New to Jeep

[KWC]

So I’m completely new to Jeep and have near zero mechanical knowledge/skill (guess I should have paid attention when my military shop foreman father was working on vehicles!).

I’m wondering if anyone has advice on what are the best tools to have around both at home or on light trail to work on my Jeep. I’m thinking small things like changing tires, removing/replacing bumpers, maybe installing winch, and simple maintenance. Torque wrench, cordless impact driver/ratchet, etc. basically starting from scratch and looking to stick to essentials as likely will take to shop for most other things.

Also, I can tell there are some super organized people out there. Anyone put together an excel with nut/bolt types/sizes for various JL Rubicon (4xe) parts?

I’ve been looking at different posts with scattered info. Seems like Tekton products are liked and some split opinions on Dewalt/Milwaukee drivers.

Any help or recommendations much appreciated.

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[Philly_]

I recently went down this rabbit hole while planning for a mobile tool kit. Metric is your friend as nearly every factory bolt on the Jeep (or at least that I’ve come across) is metric, so if you can only buy one go that route. Or, if you want to keep a mobile kit light weight, you might be able to get away with only metric.

Aftermarket parts are a different story as they will often use imperial/SAE units, but you can usually swap out hardware if you want to stay consistent t.

You can skim through my build thread to see my mods, but I’ve done everything except my suspension with a 3/8” or 1/2” ratchet. Maximum socket size anywhere besides driveline components should be 24mm. I needed a bigger one for the driveshaft, but I don’t remember the size off hand. 32 maybe? You will also need another larger size for axle shafts (I believe 36 or 37mm), but that may be more than you plan to tackle yourself.

At a bare minimum, I would have:

• A 3/8” ratchet set up to 24mm if you can find it
• Combination wrenches up to 24mm if you can find them
• A breaker bar
• Universal joints (wobblers) for sockets
• Set of extensions
• A decent set of pry bars
• Side cutters
• Few different types of pliers
• Razor knife
• Adjustable wrenches (couple different sizes)
• Couple different sized and type screwdrivers (large flat heads make good pry bars in a pinch)
• Torx bit set up to T55 (not sure I’ve needed bigger)
• Black sharpie
• Silver sharpie (shows up well on black)
• Dead-blow hammer
• ZIP TIES
• Ratchet straps (helps move axles around)
• Allen wrenches and/or Allen head bits
• Decent headlamp or work light of sorts
• Vice grips
• Nylon panel tools
• Steel trim removal tool
• Tape measure

Those tools will get you through every project I’ve done on my Jeep (aside from electrical) and a really good place to start.

As for power tools, I never used them until I got into my suspension on this Jeep. Always used hand tools, but it slows things down, so I picked up a 3/8” Milwaukee M12 impact wrench and a set of Tekton deep well impact sockets and it made everything a breeze! You definitely don’t need the power from the M18 for lighter work, but may be nice for rusty bolts, or anywhere you need the extra torque.

For a mobile kit, stick to the basics. Weight and space are not on your side with Jeeps and keep in mind, many of us just need to get off the trail so a tow truck can pick the Jeep up. Major repairs will also require carrying spare parts… the rabbit hole never ends!

Oh and I plan on putting my mobile tool kit in the Step 22 Pangolin tool roll. I’m a big fan of how organized it is and how well it packs up.

 

[Philly_]

I recently went down this rabbit hole while planning for a mobile tool kit. Metric is your friend as nearly every factory bolt on the Jeep (or at least that I’ve come across) is metric, so if you can only buy one go that route. Or, if you want to keep a mobile kit light weight, you might be able to get away with only metric.

Aftermarket parts are a different story as they will often use imperial/SAE units, but you can usually swap out hardware if you want to stay consistent t.

You can skim through my build thread to see my mods, but I’ve done everything except my suspension with a 3/8” or 1/2” ratchet. Maximum socket size anywhere besides driveline components should be 24mm. I needed a bigger one for the driveshaft, but I don’t remember the size off hand. 32 maybe? You will also need another larger size for axle shafts (I believe 36 or 37mm), but that may be more than you plan to tackle yourself.

At a bare minimum, I would have:

• A 3/8” ratchet set up to 24mm if you can find it
• Combination wrenches up to 24mm if you can find them
• A breaker bar
• Universal joints (wobblers) for sockets
• Set of extensions
• A decent set of pry bars
• Side cutters
• Few different types of pliers
• Razor knife
• Adjustable wrenches (couple different sizes)
• Couple different sized and type screwdrivers (large flat heads make good pry bars in a pinch)
• Torx bit set up to T55 (not sure I’ve needed bigger)
• Black sharpie
• Silver sharpie (shows up well on black)
• Dead-blow hammer
• ZIP TIES
• Ratchet straps (helps move axles around)
• Allen wrenches and/or Allen head bits
• Decent headlamp or work light of sorts
• Vice grips
• Nylon panel tools
• Steel trim removal tool
• Tape measure

Those tools will get you through every project I’ve done on my Jeep (aside from electrical) and a really good place to start.

As for power tools, I never used them until I got into my suspension on this Jeep. Always used hand tools, but it slows things down, so I picked up a 3/8” Milwaukee M12 impact wrench and a set of Tekton deep well impact sockets and it made everything a breeze! You definitely don’t need the power from the M18 for lighter work, but may be nice for rusty bolts, or anywhere you need the extra torque.

For a mobile kit, stick to the basics. Weight and space are not on your side with Jeeps and keep in mind, many of us just need to get off the trail so a tow truck can pick the Jeep up. Major repairs will also require carrying spare parts… the rabbit hole never ends!

Oh and I plan on putting my mobile tool kit in the Step 22 Pangolin tool roll. I’m a big fan of how organized it is and how well it packs up.

I also want to add that I am also a fan of Tekton. Great bang for your buck for sure, and they don’t skip sizes!!

 

[TreyJK]

The above list is pretty spot on to what I carry. I think the only things I would add are a roll of baling wire, a tire plug kit, and some big black trash bags so you don’t have to lay in the mud to fix something on the trail! When my axle side track bar bracket sheared off on the trail, I was able to limp it back to civilization with duct tape, wire, and ratchet straps!

 

[BDinTX]

I recently went down this rabbit hole while planning for a mobile tool kit. Metric is your friend as nearly every factory bolt on the Jeep (or at least that I’ve come across) is metric, so if you can only buy one go that route. Or, if you want to keep a mobile kit light weight, you might be able to get away with only metric.

Aftermarket parts are a different story as they will often use imperial/SAE units, but you can usually swap out hardware if you want to stay consistent t.

You can skim through my build thread to see my mods, but I’ve done everything except my suspension with a 3/8” or 1/2” ratchet. Maximum socket size anywhere besides driveline components should be 24mm. I needed a bigger one for the driveshaft, but I don’t remember the size off hand. 32 maybe? You will also need another larger size for axle shafts (I believe 36 or 37mm), but that may be more than you plan to tackle yourself.

At a bare minimum, I would have:

• A 3/8” ratchet set up to 24mm if you can find it
• Combination wrenches up to 24mm if you can find them
• A breaker bar
• Universal joints (wobblers) for sockets
• Set of extensions
• A decent set of pry bars
• Side cutters
• Few different types of pliers
• Razor knife
• Adjustable wrenches (couple different sizes)
• Couple different sized and type screwdrivers (large flat heads make good pry bars in a pinch)
• Torx bit set up to T55 (not sure I’ve needed bigger)
• Black sharpie
• Silver sharpie (shows up well on black)
• Dead-blow hammer
• ZIP TIES
• Ratchet straps (helps move axles around)
• Allen wrenches and/or Allen head bits
• Decent headlamp or work light of sorts
• Vice grips
• Nylon panel tools
• Steel trim removal tool
• Tape measure

Those tools will get you through every project I’ve done on my Jeep (aside from electrical) and a really good place to start.

As for power tools, I never used them until I got into my suspension on this Jeep. Always used hand tools, but it slows things down, so I picked up a 3/8” Milwaukee M12 impact wrench and a set of Tekton deep well impact sockets and it made everything a breeze! You definitely don’t need the power from the M18 for lighter work, but may be nice for rusty bolts, or anywhere you need the extra torque.

For a mobile kit, stick to the basics. Weight and space are not on your side with Jeeps and keep in mind, many of us just need to get off the trail so a tow truck can pick the Jeep up. Major repairs will also require carrying spare parts… the rabbit hole never ends!

Oh and I plan on putting my mobile tool kit in the Step 22 Pangolin tool roll. I’m a big fan of how organized it is and how well it packs up.

Excellent list, the only thing I can think to add would be a bottle jack and jack stands

 

[Philly_]

Thanks folks. I also found these links from the Trail Recon youtube guy.

screwdrivers
magnetic pic up
ball peen hammer

Blue Ridge Overland Gear Tool Bag: https://amzn.to/2OXeSAe
Rolled Wrench Set: https://amzn.to/3kZmPTU
Tekton Screwdrivers: https://amzn.to/2YtT9qC
Magnetic Pick Up: https://amzn.to/38EGYsS
Socket Set: https://amzn.to/3n64ozy
Pliers Set: https://amzn.to/3zOV7zp
1/2" Bent Handle Ratchet: https://amzn.to/3kTCWCI
32mm socket: https://amzn.to/3kWwY3N
Colby Emergency Valve Stems: https://amzn.to/3BJ6wRX
Hammer: https://amzn.to/3n727Eq
6" C-clamp: https://amzn.to/2WXg1OL
Hex Key Wrench Set: https://amzn.to/3tiH7LX
Folding Hand Saw: https://amzn.to/3kY5hHL
Tire Repair Kit: https://amzn.to/3zQxXss
Long Nose Locking Pliers: https://amzn.to/3DNn8tN
Fuse Set: https://amzn.to/3BHHUJo
Gorilla Tape: https://amzn.to/2VfWDM0
Zip Ties: https://amzn.to/3n3Pr0W
Locktite: https://amzn.to/3zQy3jO
JB Weld: https://amzn.to/3jLnb15
Ammo Can: https://amzn.to/2WXKHiL

bottle jack and extensions

I love the idea of a bottle jack, but didn’t want to deal with it possibly leaking and don’t have tons of space in my two door. I stick with the factory scissor jack and got the AEV jack base to keep it usable up to a 37” tire.

AEV also has a mount to put it in the passenger side footwell, but I haven’t pulled the trigger on that yet. Right now it just sits on top of the duffel bag with all my recovery gear. None of it leaves my Jeep while the hard top and full doors are on.

 

[BDinTX]

I actually have this and keep it in a tub with the Jeep tools in the back. It gets used every 3000 miles to rotate tires. Some folks don’t like it but it works for me.

https://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-6...mzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc

 

[Philly_]

I actually have this and keep it in a tub with the Jeep tools in the back. It gets used every 3000 miles to rotate tires. Some folks don’t like it but it works for me.

https://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-620471-6000Lb-Unijack/dp/B00GJJZ5NI/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=3CM03427WGEBV&keywords=jack+jackstand+combo&qid=1666891658&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjk5IiwicXNhIjoiMC45MiIsInFzcCI6IjAuOTIifQ==&sprefix=jack+jacksta,aps,153&sr=8-2&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc

Well that’s a neat toy… might pick a couple of these up for my mustang. Total pain in the butt finding a good spot to jack from and then also finding a spot to put a jack stand.

 

[BDinTX]

Not sure if it would fit under a mustang since minimum height is 11".

 

[Philly_]

Not sure if it would fit under a mustang since minimum height is 11".

Missed that detail…. Might be nice in combination with wheel ramps?

In that case I will likely stick with my floor jack and jack stand combo and continue to complain whenever it needs to be in the air.

I suppose I could always invest in a two post lift…..

 

[Medsker]

This is the only "bolt size" list I've seen. I can't comment on it's accuracy though.

Link

Also this is what I carry. I also carry a laminated copy of the list so I know where things are. I'm old and can't remember sometimes. I carry way to much (250 pounds worth) but I like to be ready for anything.

 

[Philly_]

This is the only "bolt size" list I've seen. I can't comment on it's accuracy though.

Link

Also this is what I carry. I also carry a laminated copy of the list so I know where things are. I'm old and can't remember sometimes. I carry way to much (250 pounds worth) but I like to be ready for anything.

I’m jealous of your spread sheet… I might make one of these! I know where everything is (roughly), but my girlfriend and other passengers have no idea. This way I can tell them to reference the sheet and I can keep doing whatever is keeping me busy!

 

[cornercanyon]

This is the only "bolt size" list I've seen. I can't comment on it's accuracy though.

Link

Also this is what I carry. I also carry a laminated copy of the list so I know where things are. I'm old and can't remember sometimes. I carry way to much (250 pounds worth) but I like to be ready for anything.

Thank you for sharing your list. Great ideas here–

 

[Dyolfknip74]

This is the only "bolt size" list I've seen. I can't comment on it's accuracy though.

Link

Also this is what I carry. I also carry a laminated copy of the list so I know where things are. I'm old and can't remember sometimes. I carry way to much (250 pounds worth) but I like to be ready for anything.

Holy shit. This is incredible. What is your line of work?

 

[Medsker]

Retired engineer

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