Ok, so a couple friends and I are looking into getting a couple different things to make installs much easier, so I wanted some opinions on what you think would be sufficient, and what type of thing would be needed....Now to the particular tools...

First a compressor. The one we currently have in mind is, I believe, a 33 Gal., 150 Max PSI tank. It's a Craftsman and is $330 at Sears. I wanted to know if you think this would be sufficient for the tools needed, and on that note, what air tools could you suggest to go along with that purchase?

Next is a Torque Wrench. What I wanted to know here is what you think would be a good socket size and a good range(X n/m - Y n/m) for a car like ours?

Now a jack + jackstands...I use a freinds set now but am looking to invest in my own and was wondering what you think would be good to use or if you had a good experience of your own, if you could share?

Any other tools you can think of that would be handy to have around, mention them too!

Thanks as always fellas!
Scott.

 

Can't go too wrong at Sears for tools. I just bought a compressor there earlier this year, 15 gal vertical tank (can't recall the rest of the specs), the one you are looking at should be sufficient for air tools. You will want at least an impact wrench, the drive size will depend upon what your current sockets are (for really hard jobs you will want to get impact sockets, they have thicker walls and will hold up better). I bought mine at Lowe's ($40) 'cause the only ones my local Sears had were over my budget, as a plus it came with a cushioned handle. Be sure to buy some air tool oil and follow the directions. Otherwise the moisture in the air will cause your tools to stop working (usually just when you need it the most).

I have a Sears torque wrench, 3/8" drive and I think the range is 20-80 ftlbs (I am about 8,000 miles from home right now so can't run down and check it). This is the micrometer style (it clicks when you hit the setting), some people prefer the pointer type but you have to have your face right there to read the thing and that isn't always convenient. One thing to remember if you buy the micrometer style, ALWAYS back it off to the minimum setting when you are done using it. It will last longer. You can buy adapters to go from 3/8" drive to 1/2" for larger sockets.

I also recently bought a 3 ton hydraulic floor jack from Sears which included a couple of stands. I love this thing, it's huge and pumps things up fast. Only problem is it sits high so doesn't fit under everything. I would look at what you want to raise and measure how much room you have to get under it, then go shopping. For the stands, you can get them cheap just about anywhere, but if you spend the extra money for quality they will last you. Have fun buying!!

 

Went to sears today, and this was on sale....

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00950188000

You guys think that looks good? I hope to get it this week so I can do the exhaust hangers this weekend!

Also, I did some searching, but just so I get the right answer...What is a good place to put the jack and jackstands when jacking up the car?

Thanks.

 

That's the jack and stands that I got, but instead of the creeper I got a mechanic's seat. Can't recall just what I spent but it was a good deal. One thing to watch for, it's hard to release the pressure at first (you twist the handle to do it) and if you take off too much the jack will drop fast. I would practice until you get the hang of it.

If you have an service manual they will show you the recommended locations with pictures. I usually can't get the car high enough to use their locations for the jackstands I have so I use the ones listed here. When jacking the front you want to place it on the fore/aft (sorry, front to rear) engine crossmember that runs under the engine. You will notice that it isn't centered, so when you jack the car up one side lifts before the other. Just keep an eye on things and you will be okay. I usually put the jackstands under the spot where the big bolt at the rear of the lower control arms passes through.

In the rear you place the jack under the square piece in the middle that your side to side locating arms bolt to (darn brain, can't remember the correct name). I place my rear jackstands under the attachment point for the control arms (located towards the front of the car).

 

if you dont already have one, a creeper, air impact wrench or a muscle builder, and an ASE certified technician. also you'll need a case of beer or 2 to keep the technician & muscle builder around while you figure out what happens when you cross the blue wire with the shiny thing on the left. ^_^ j/k after the short shifter install i dont believe i will work on my car ever again unless its car audio related. i've never been so confused & frustrated on my back looking up with 2 tons of metal above me. i'll just stick to computers.

oh an this is where to jack the car on a 90-98 protege, should be similar to the 2000-2003 models. hope the link works: http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d80143d9a.jsp

 

I wanted to bring out a point I made in my first reply, about the 3 ton jack sitting up high. I have a Tokico suspension kit in my car (approx 1.25" drop) and I have to raise the front slightly with the tire jack to get the big boy under it. I have a smaller older hydraulic jack that slides right in. You can work around the height of the bigger jack, but if you are planning on working on a lot of lowered cars you might want to get something a little smaller.

meGrimlock makes some good points about the help of friends. If you haven't done much mechanical work before it can seem intimidating. And it's not everyone's cup of tea. If you have good instructions most things aren't too bad. It may help to read up on things first and then look the job over to visualize what is involved. Next thing you know people will be coming over to get you to help them!

 

That set of jack, jackstands, and creeper is only a $100, which is a great deal in my mind becasue jacks alone are anwhere from $60-$200 and I know creepers at Sears are another $60, so I'll probably get that set along with (most likely) this torque wrench this week!

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...orque+Wrenches

Thanks guys!