Tool Kit

Lowe's sells a Kobalt tool bag combo kit which is a good start. Box wrenches...Caging Bolts are good to have...

 

Depends on how much of a mechanic you are. For the average person a quality pre made kit will suffice and save room.

 

Great minds think alike, eh?

 

Basic tool kit with metric/standard wrenches and sockets. You can save money and space by buying some large adjustable wrenches to cover the larger size bolts/fittings (12" and 15" should do the trick). Screwdriver set and pliers/vice grips ar a must as well. Wouldn't hurt to buy an oil filter strap wrench as well in case the mechanic doesn't tighten the filter properly and it vibrates loose and leaks. A 4 or 5 lb hammer is handy if you need to beat on seized pins or brake drums.

 

Get like 3 9/16 wrenches. Everything on a truck is 9/16 haha

 

A small set of combination wrenches for brakes, a medium to large crescent wrench or two for changing gladhand/airlines, slip lock pliers, scissors, pry bar, flashlights, fuses and extra 25-30a, electrical butt conectors, test light, electrical tape, rescue tape, and a pink bunny.

That's what I have used the most and probably forgetting something but that's a good minimal start.

 

Speaking of flashlights, do yourself a favour and buy a powerful LED light with a magnetic base. They're more expensive than a regular flashlight but you can stick it to the frame or axle near where you are working and free up your hands. Really nice for those midnight repairs that require 3 hands to begin with.

 

Variety is the spice of life... and the tool kit. Different size drives and adapters. Standard and metric. Regular and deep well, 6 and 12pt etc...

No need to break the bank but don't cheap out on truckstop tools.

 

So far the overpriced one on the list you get from the company store when issued your own truck has sufficed. I added a pair of vice grips, hammer, and cable cutters to break some of these cable seals.