basic tools to keep in truck

[Bobby Pootz]

Hey folks,

I'm planning my road trip to SF to drive my new to me 1984 C10, it's already had a tune up and inspection from a local shop that fixed every major issue, starter, heating, headlights, etc. But I want to have some basic tools or parts (high temp self sealing tape, duct tape) on board for the trip home just in case.

Any recommendations for basic tools/parts to keep in the truck? I'm coming from a Toyota so I know I'll need SAE mostly ,I'm assuming.

Also, what's the approximate space both under and behind a standard bench seat?

Thanks in advance!



Rob

[Dead Parrot]

You will likely have a mix of metric and sae fasteners. Body tends to metric while the drive train tends to sae. But exceptions are plenty. You may also have some of the torx screws in and around the lights. A quart of oil, transmission fluid and a gallon of water/used coolant just in case. A few spare bulbs for tail/signal lights.

A combo metric/sae 3/8" socket set with extensions and u-joint, an adjustable wrench, basic pliers, a few screwdrivers, hammer, large screwdriver or something to use as a roadside belt tension adjuster. Make sure you have what you need to change a tire. OEM stuff often goes missing. Known good tire pressure gauge.

[Bobby Pootz]

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

You will likely have a mix of metric and sae fasteners. Body tends to metric while the drive train tends to sae. But exceptions are plenty. You may also have some of the torx screws in and around the lights. A quart of oil, transmission fluid and a gallon of water/used coolant just in case. A few spare bulbs for tail/signal lights.

A combo metric/sae 3/8" socket set with extensions and u-joint, an adjustable wrench, basic pliers, a few screwdrivers, hammer, large screwdriver or something to use as a roadside belt tension adjuster. Make sure you have what you need to change a tire. OEM stuff often goes missing. Known good tire pressure gauge.

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such a detailed response!

Rob
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[BossHogg69]

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

You will likely have a mix of metric and sae fasteners. Body tends to metric while the drive train tends to sae. But exceptions are plenty. You may also have some of the torx screws in and around the lights. A quart of oil, transmission fluid and a gallon of water/used coolant just in case. A few spare bulbs for tail/signal lights.

A combo metric/sae 3/8" socket set with extensions and u-joint, an adjustable wrench, basic pliers, a few screwdrivers, hammer, large screwdriver or something to use as a roadside belt tension adjuster. Make sure you have what you need to change a tire. OEM stuff often goes missing. Known good tire pressure gauge.

Great advice, and that is pretty much exactly what I carry in my DD, with the addition of a set of jumper cables, an assortment of hose clamps, a few zip ties a good flashlight and my Mossberg Maverick 88 .

[In The Ten Ring]

Since the original poster is driving to California ("SF" is San Francisco right), we can probably forget about him bringing a gun, even a shotgun.

Brother, I carry so many tools and spares you probably wouldn't believe it but that's in my car. Our trucks have no space under seat or behind it, not with gas tank back there. I am going to build myself a tool box for my truck bed to give me some gear space.

[ranger danger]

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

You will likely have a mix of metric and sae fasteners. Body tends to metric while the drive train tends to sae. But exceptions are plenty. You may also have some of the torx screws in and around the lights. A quart of oil, transmission fluid and a gallon of water/used coolant just in case. A few spare bulbs for tail/signal lights.

A combo metric/sae 3/8" socket set with extensions and u-joint, an adjustable wrench, basic pliers, a few screwdrivers, hammer, large screwdriver or something to use as a roadside belt tension adjuster. Make sure you have what you need to change a tire. OEM stuff often goes missing. Known good tire pressure gauge.

Stop at a walmart when you get here and pick up the spare fluids along with a Styrofoam ice chest and some drinks and snacks, paper towels etc. I shipped a box of stuff fedex to the guy I bought it from and he had it waiting for me. That way I didnt have to mess with checked baggage. Interestingly enough, I got my Suburban in Yakima Wa and drove back very close to SF. Have fun!!

[Bobby Pootz]

Thanks for all the replies. My wife and I flew to SF and the very first night the headlights didn't work so we got new lights and I was able to zip tie one of the leads to have them stay put. The PO put some dumb none proper lights in it.

I did have a bunch of tools and supplies and luckily did not need them. Now I can see how much tools and spare parts I can stuff under the bench seat!

Rob

[Grumpus Monkus]

Hey Rob, I know your back or on your way back home. Just thought I'd chime in with what we carry:
A couple of cans of "fix-a-flat", an air compressor that runs of the cigarette lighter, and a tire repair kit that we got from O'rielly's, this particular one to be exact.

I also keep a small floor jack so should I have a need for a jack. It's a lot better than a bottle jack or scissor jacks IMHO.

All the best.