Base Kit — All Vehicles
These tools belong in every rig regardless of platform. If you're on the trail without them, you're relying on the kindness of strangers.
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 (lug nuts, axle bolts), 1/2" through 1-1/4" SAE
- Breaker bar (18" or 24") — lug nuts and stubborn fasteners
- 3/8" drive ratchet + extensions — 3" and 6" extensions
- 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, both L-key and T-handle
Hand Tools
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers — multiple sizes of each
- 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) — radiator cracks, threaded boss repairs
- 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
XJ-Specific Additions
Beyond the base kit, these tools address the XJ's specific fastener sizes, failure points, and field-repair needs.
XJ-Specific Additions
- 10mm socket (×2) — The XJ devours them. Keep a spare or two.
- Cam bolt tool — For caster/alignment adjustment after a hard hit
- Oxygen sensor socket (22mm, 7/8") — The O2 sensor is a common pull-and-replace
- Slip-joint pliers — For cooling hose clamps on the 4.0L
- Spare 4.0L thermostat housing bolts (2) — They strip easily; carry replacements pre-threaded
Pack Strategy
Keep the 10mm sockets, fuses, electrical tape, and penetrating oil in the center console or glove box — these are the items you'll reach for first. Ratchets, sockets, and wrenches go in a tool roll. The Hi-Lift, tow strap, and compressor go in the cargo area secured so they don't shift.
The cam bolt tool and O2 sensor socket can live at the bottom of the bag — they're for when you're really in it.