Every one out there of course! You can never have too many tools, it's comparable to my wife with her shoes but much more practical.

 

 

Mostly what I have found that I needed, that I didn't already have was a good set of Torx Bits for my socket wrenches (specifically in the 45 - 55 range) . The other thing I'm contemplating getting is a set of security star bits they seem to use them in places as well, the one place I have noted is on the MAF sensor. I also picked up a new breaker bar but that was just because it was on sale. Oh and I got a code reader as well.

 

 

3/8" drive socket set, year of the Ranger matters because body parts are SAE, i.e. 1/2", 5/8", and engine parts are metric, i.e. 10mm, 12mm, or is that reversed, lol, anyway if its 2000 or newer it should be all metric
But the socket wrenches still come in 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4" drive designations, weird, lol.

10mm to 18mm are usual spread offered in a kit

Spark plug socket

Extensions for sockets, you will collect more of these as time goes on, lol, many socket KITS come with a medium extension, 3 or 4" which is fine to start with

Open end/box end combo wrenches, again metric sizes unless you know you need SAE as well
8mm to 14mm(6 piece) or larger set will be 7mm to 21mm(15 piece)



Torx sockets in both male and female, male first they are more common to need

Screw drivers

Adjustable wrench, cresent wrench

Channel lock pliers, often called "water pump" pliers

Visegrip pliers

 

 

Good plan

The socket/ratchet wrenches can break with too much force so getting lifetime warranty(no questions asked...lol) can be a good investment for those.......IF(big if) replacement is close by, if you have to wait then just get an extra cheaper socket wrench so you don't have to stop half way thru your project

Forgot to mention torque wrench, these come in two types, gauge type where a needle points to pounds of pressure being applied as you apply it, they work fine but you do need to SEE the needle as you apply the torque.
Then there are the Click versions, they have an adjuster wheel that you turn to the Pounds you want to apply then tighten wheel up, as you apply pressure to torque wrench will CLICK when you get to the Set Pounds, these can be easier to use but YOU MUST RESET THEM to 0 Pounds when you put them away or the springs inside will come out of calibration

Most regular sockets(not wrenches) won't take more than 50 pounds of force, they will crack on the edge, so if you will be removing bolts/nuts that have a high torque then you should get correct impact socket in that size
A set is not really worth it but your money, and when you need one you need one

Some high torque nuts and bolts are lug nuts, front end parts, head bolts, EXHAUST bolts and nuts(these are only high torque to REMOVE), bed bolts are the same and they are torx 55(t-55)

 

 

3/8" and 1/2". 1/4" won't be used much but still good to have a set of small sockets, get a set that comes with 1/4" Handle, so you can use small sockets screwdriver style, these smaller size nuts and bolts are not that tight so Handle makes things easier

This $15 set from harbor looks like a good deal: https://www.harborfreight.com/51-pc-...set-63013.html

Has 3/8 and 1/2 ratchet, SAE and metric sockets 1/4" handle for 1/4" sockets and converter to use 3/8 ratchet with 1/4" socket if needed
2 spark plug sockets and a short 3/8s extension

Not high end tools but great backup and getting started set

 

I bought this craftsman 167 piece set over 25 years ago (I think it was like 125 bucks) and although I now have an entire shop worth of expensive tools this is usually the only box I grab when I'm doing basic work on my vehicles at home. I added a set of pliers and some larger screw drivers to it but that's about it. I do have a large tool box at home with a ton more stuff but out of there I'd say the only stuff I grab often are my multi meter, vacuum gauge, breaker bar, c-clamps, and when doing brakes my drum multi pliers.

start with a basic kit like this and you will learn quickly what you need to add. Off topic but anyone know if Sears still exchanges broken craftsman stuff for free? I haven't even seen a Sears in a decade lol.

 

Buy the harbor freight stuff - skip the now made in china craftsman junk.

Harbor freights policy is great - no questions asked walk in with broken thing walk out with non broken thing. Used many times. Ive yet to bust one of thier sockets - busted many old craftsman sockets tho.

I also recomend a 1/4" drive set - alot of your interior screws and smaller torx bits are 1/4 drive.

Not to mention they always have a 20% off coupon somewhere and gain free stuff along the way. Those blue magnetic LED pill shaped lights are great.

 

Good info I have a harbor freight literally across the street from my shop but only buy ​​random one time use stuff I tack on a customer's bill like a noid light set. (if you even know what that is you get bonus points). Never knew they did lifetime warantee cause they always ask me to buy an extended warrantee for 5 bucks! I have one of their drill bit sharpeners too but it sits in box filled with broken drill bits because I'd sooner use my teeth to sharpen bits...
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might go grab some wrenches and sockets tomorrow. Obviously I can't return old craftsmen stuff to sears with no sears!

​​​​​​ I wish harbor freight was around when I was in the army. Every crew chief had a loaded set of SK and Williams tools (snap-on of the day) because we had to check out every single socket, wrench, screwdriver etc. But didn't matter what brand... So we bought crap tools to turn in and kept the good stuff. Ill guarantee F-35's are being fixed with harbor freight wrenches lol.
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Yea harbor freight has a no questions asked lifetime warranty on all hand tools for free (hammers, sockets, extensions, wrenches, rachets, screwdrivers, pliers, cutters, prybars, etc). Stuff that is electric or air tools they ask if you want an additional warranty. I usually pass. I did buy one for my ultrasonic cleaner i bought from there as per reviews from others suggested it.

Ive never really been unsatisfied with stuff Ive bought there. Sure the quality isnt there on some specialty items but the handful of times in my life id use it its just fine. Their hand tools are actually pretty nice - they seem to carry 2 different levels of quality on some items so you have to watch it like wrenches. Theres a very cheap set rough cast, cheap plating etc. Then theres the sanded and polished smooth chrome set thats a bit more money - buy those. Same with sockets and ratchets - theres the ones hanging up which are really nice then there is the plastic grey rectangle down below by your knees thats incredibly cheap but low quality. Same goes for pliers and cutters - they can be hit or miss so you may have to grab a few and really pay attention to how they close and how flat the jaws come together. Most of the time they are good - Ive seen a few duds tho.