Base Kit — All Vehicles
These tools belong in every rig. If you’re missing them, you’re working with your hands tied.
Drive Tools
- 3/8" drive socket set — 8mm through 19mm metric, 5/16" through 3/4" SAE
- 1/2" drive socket set — 17mm through 36mm metric, 1/2" through 1-1/4" SAE
- Breaker bar (18" or 24")
- 3/8" drive ratchet + extensions — 3", 6"
- Torque wrench, 1/2" drive — 20–150 ft-lb range
- Combination wrenches — 8mm through 19mm metric, 3/8" through 3/4" SAE
- Allen/hex key set — metric + SAE, L-key and T-handle
Hand Tools
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers — multiple sizes
- Needle-nose pliers, standard pliers, channel-lock pliers
- Diagonal cutters
- Pry bar (18")
- Dead-blow hammer
- Utility knife + extra blades
- Wire strippers/crimpers
Electrical & Repair
- Multimeter
- Assorted fuses — blade style, 5A through 40A
- Electrical tape + self-fusing silicone tape
- Crimp connectors assortment + spare wire — 14 AWG, 12 AWG
- Zip ties — assorted sizes
- JB Weld — two-part epoxy
- Hose clamps — assorted sizes, 4–8 pack
- Duct tape
Recovery & Safety
- Hi-Lift jack (48" minimum) + Hi-Lift base plate
- Tow strap — 20', 20,000 lb rated
- D-shackles — 2×, 3/4" rated
- Tire plug kit — string plugs + insertion tool + rasp
- Portable air compressor — 12V, capable of 35+ PSI
- Tire pressure gauge
- Jumper cables (20') or lithium jump starter pack
- Fire extinguisher — ABC, 2.5 lb minimum, vehicle-mounted
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Work gloves + nitrile disposable gloves
- First aid kit
Consumables
- Penetrating oil — PB Blaster
- Anti-seize compound
- Blue Loctite (#243)
- RTV silicone sealant — Permatex Ultra Blue or Black
- Shop rags / blue shop towels
JK-Specific Additions
The JK has a few fastener sizes and failure-specific tools that the base kit doesn’t cover.
JK-Specific Additions
- T50 Torx bit — Front axle disconnect actuator bolts; you need this to service the CAD system
- 32mm axle nut socket — Hub removal on trail if a bearing goes
- Disconnect tool for CAD actuator connector — The vacuum/electrical connector on the CAD actuator is fragile; a proper disconnect tool prevents breaking the tab
- Wire terminal pick set — The JK has known harness connector corrosion issues; a pick set lets you reseat terminals without destroying the connector
- 10mm socket (×2) — Same 10mm drain as the XJ; they disappear
Pack Strategy
Pack Strategy
The TIPM bypass harness belongs in the glove box, not the back — if the fuel pump circuit fails, you’ll be reaching for it in the parking lot before you even get to the trail. Keep the Torx bits and terminal pick set in your electrical kit. Everything else follows the standard layout: tool roll for hand tools, sealed case for the high-value recovery gear.