What impact socket set to get?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
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What impact socket set to get?
Going to be pulling the engine soon & redoing the suspension in the '72 (never done either job). I just got a 1/2" impact wrench, 3/8" & 1/4 air ratchets - but no sockets. Do I need SAE or metric or both? Standard or deep sockets? How log an extension bar? I flipped through the Craftsman catalog just now...prices are all over the map. I'd like to get something with a lifetime warranty, but not pay an arm and a leg. Any suggestions?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
and make sure that you get 6 point sockets for one of those sets.....3/8 drive should be fine, you need impact sockets for the impact wrench and they are 6 point with a slight recessed lip that some times can slip off.....get these as deep sockets...its hard to argue with craftsman tools but they are expensive
i can vouch for this set its cheap and i bought it for my son and we have used the snot out of it, its not an impact set though....i'm not kidding since its all together we just grab that when we are working on the car.....we do not use this with the air tools though just by hand...
the 204 piece set for $99
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...156&pricetype=
i can vouch for this set its cheap and i bought it for my son and we have used the snot out of it, its not an impact set though....i'm not kidding since its all together we just grab that when we are working on the car.....we do not use this with the air tools though just by hand...
the 204 piece set for $99
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...156&pricetype=
Last edited by bobs77vet; Mar 6, 2006 at 09:45 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Inside the woods living my passion
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
Go with craftsman you cant beat the $$ plus they are way cheaper than Snap-On, Mac,Matco or even cornwell.. You will not need 3/8 impact sockets for a air ratchet 
chrome will do plus those have a thiner wall for tight place app. Just dont get 12 point sockets what ever you do 
chrome will do plus those have a thiner wall for tight place app. Just dont get 12 point sockets what ever you do
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,375
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From: Redondo Beach, California
A 1/2 inch air driven impact wrench and matching sockets is really necessary for suspension work. Also, for the front suspension an air driven impact hammer with a pickle fork attachment can work wonders with tie rods.
For standard sockets and wrenches I've bought bought several sets of the common sizes just to make it easier to find a particular socket when I want it.
Also, some of suspension bolts are much larger than you commonly use. Make sure you've got some of the uncommon larger sizes. The largest nut you might have to remove is probably the nut that holds the Pitman arm onto the steering box shaft. If you're going to remove this nut, you may have to special order this socket. (My local well equipped Sears store has them.) The front spindle/ball joint bolts are pretty large. and there's a big bolt in the front spindle that attaches the dust shield, etc.
For standard sockets and wrenches I've bought bought several sets of the common sizes just to make it easier to find a particular socket when I want it.
Also, some of suspension bolts are much larger than you commonly use. Make sure you've got some of the uncommon larger sizes. The largest nut you might have to remove is probably the nut that holds the Pitman arm onto the steering box shaft. If you're going to remove this nut, you may have to special order this socket. (My local well equipped Sears store has them.) The front spindle/ball joint bolts are pretty large. and there's a big bolt in the front spindle that attaches the dust shield, etc.
