What tools would I need to work on trucks myself? (for existing car hobby-mechanic)

Well its hard to say. See alot of trucks, the main wrenches you will need are 5/16, 3/8,7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 3/4 then the metrics 10,11,12,13,14mm ect all the way up <<<<<<< used the most, 1 inch and up to about 1 and 15/16 but I hardly ever use it. You can do pretty much all heavy truck work with a good craftsman (not made in china) tool set. There are a few specialty tools you might need every now and again for the engine types. Now as for lifting an engine out I don't use a 3 ton hoist due to the fact that unless its a good brand or good quality chain hoist it will crap out after a few heavy engines like CAT or other heavyweight stuff or drop the engine, crack it or kill you or someone else, I personally use a 8k ore 10k pound chain hoist. You need to figure out what kind of Engines, Trucks or tractors you will be working on. To me,the only tool I NEEDED to have was a good 900+ ft pound impact wrench with a 1 inch drive.

 

I have a full socket set up to 1.5 inch. Up to 1 inch would be fine if you have an adjustable for the big stuff. You want an assortment fo box wrenches. Everything both standard and metric. Deep socets are useful depending on what your doing. A pair of vise grips can solve a lot of trouble. Impact driver would be good, but I dont have one. I did have to take mine in the shop to get the mudflap hanger replaces since i couldn't get it off without an impact gun.

 

I have so many tools in my truck, that when I am at my shop I have to get tools out of the truck.

 

I dont have a show (YET) but when i ever i work on my house or my truck at home I have to take the tools out of my truck too lol. Why pay for 2 sets

 

I have almost all my tools in my truck. Never know when your going to need them.

 

It's all standard stuff for the most part. Just make sure you have impact sockets for your impact wrenches. Some good trouble lights. Otherwise, there are specialty tools if you decide to tear into an engine, etc. I know when my brother o/h'ed his Cat, he had to spend some dough on a handful of special tools + manuals....you know, things he'll use only once or twice, ever.

 

PM'ed ya total noob.

 

For your own shop? To carry on the road? What? Working on trucks and working on cars are very different worlds. How much do you intend to do?
1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" ratchets and sockets, as well as 3/8" and 1/2" breaker bars. Depending on make and model of your truck, you'll need five point sockets, and you might also need eight and 12 points sockets. Metric and ASE. Hex bits, Torx bits.Filter wrenches... I use a fabric band strap filter wrench I bought from Caterpillar for $16 and use it for all applications. If your truck has one of the small fuel filters encased in a clear plastic housing, you'll need a tool to take that off. Wrenches... combination and crescent both. Pliers of all shapes and sizes.. angle pliers, needlenose pliers, snap ring pliers, etc. Prybars, screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, a test light and digital multimeter, channel locks in varying sizes, impact wrenches and sockets, torque wrenches, wire strippers, wire crimpers, oxyacetylene torch, small propane torch, small butane torch......
Honestly, depending on how much you intend to do, it could range anywhere from a basic list to a whole book. But the most important thing is know-how. You can have a cabinet full of the most expensive and fancy tools from Snap-On, but they won't do you the first bit of good if you don't know what you're doing with them.

 

I am in a similar situation, i have no idea how to do anything , i started by ordering engine overhaul ,maintenance from eBay, and then i am going to see what tool i need to buy