What constitutes a standard tool set for the CTD?

[Crunch]

Aside from the basic set of screw drivers, ratchet drivers, pliers, wrenches, etc. Are there specific-use tools that are essential for maintenance and emergency road repairs on the Cummins?



I'd like to put together a set, roll them up in some rags and store them in the built-in "tool stash" (the tube that is located just in front of the rear axle and spans the width of the bed). It looks to be about 3" - 3. 5" in diameter so all that is necessary is a way to plug the openings and seal it from water. That and include a flexible mechanical claw to fish out anything that works it's way inward.



The standard list of tools that I believe will fit in the tubes are:



2 different sizes of slotted and Phillips screw drivers, 3/8" drive ratchet, 1/2" drive ratchet, AS and metric sockets, socket for fuel filter, 2 sizes of Crescent wrench, small slip-lock pliers, small vise-grips, small hammer, AA Maglite, length of wire with clips for emergency electrical jumpers.



Is there anything I left off or is necessary for working on a CTD? I don't mean to drop an transmission on the side of the road, just emergency repairs.

 

[csevers]

I don't carry tools for use on my truck it is the other brands I carry tools for Emergency repairs are getting harder and harder to do along side the road with more electronic involved but you have a good list going so far, maybe a small miror to inspect places you can't get your head, small file and or wire brush to clean up connections, cheap test light to check for current. Small bag of common bolts nuts washers.



Craig

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Use caution, please!

Originally posted by csevers

Emergency repairs are getting harder and harder to do...

Just a heads up for you guys with the HPCR engines... Don't mess with the fuel system. Leave that to qualified personnel. This system can kill, trust me. I have completed the Bosch training for the HPCR system, and there was much attention given to safety when it comes to the extreme pressures involved. Yeah, there's lots of stuff you CAN do yourself on this engine, but PLEASE don't try to service the high pressure componets yourself. Leave it to the pros!!! Any mistake with a high pressure fitting can kill you within minutes. That warning on the side of the valve cover is there for a reason.



Don't get me worng, I am not trying to say don't work on your truck! I am just saying use some caution. These engines are much more sensitive and dangerous than the older ones. The days of injector changes in your driveway are over. It's not like the old 24V where you can do it in 45 minutes and not pay close attention to torque specs. Too loose or too tight can cause a leak, and/or serious injury to you.



Labor rates to work on the new HPCR system can be expensive, but can you really put a price on your life? Saving a few hundred bucks is not worth the risk of getting killed by one of the things you love most--your truck.



Sorry for being a PITA, but I had to say it!

 

[Big MAK]

Always carry a spare oil filter and spare fuel filter. I like having atleast a gallon of oil.



One time a mechanic at a dealership that will go unmentioned didn't re-tighten an oil return line and I stopped at a rest area and stepped out of the truck --- was wondering where the puddle was since there was something dripping out under the entire under carriage --- of-course it was all oil. Tailgate was all oil film. Thank goodness I'd stopped; oil was only a couple quarts low. Went through two gallons getting back to dealer.



Point of story; carry more oil then you need if you can make the room.



... and zip ties. Next to Duct Tape; the best stuff on earth. The throttle linkage on my '95 stayed zip tied longer then the ball joints in the linkage would last!!

 

[Crunch]

Thanks for the responses...

All the items listed are good suggestions that will probably fit the stash tubes, as well. The toughest part will be finding a plug that both seals and is easy to remove. If I find something and can get hold of a digital camera I'll post some pictures. And if I get stopped by the police I'll pass along whether or not they thought I was one of them drug smugglers, though I've never been hassled while on the road and have never been asked to consent to a search.

 

[y-knot]

I don't know how much I could get in a 3-3 1/2" tube, that is the width of the bed? It would have to be packed tight, or it would bug the helf out of me rattling around. I carry alot when I go places, I carry a 20 ton bottle jack, 3/8" socket set, couple of vise grips, channel locks, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, flashlights, Allen wrenches, ect. Also a 1/2" breaker bar, ratchet, and sockets for the wheels. When we take the trailer, I have a full tool chest, with every socket std and metric, from deep to shallow in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". Also all the wrenches, hammer, ect. We also carry about 24 quarts of oil for the truck, 24 for the car, and another 24 for the atv's all are of the AMSOIL brand. About 2-3 oil and fuel filters, and a few belts and hoses. Along with a case or two of fuel conditioner, and cetane boost. I kept the truck serviced and don't expect any problems, but you never know, and besides we might run into someone else that could use some help?

 

[Crunch]

Originally posted by y-knot

I don't know how much I could get in a 3-3 1/2" tube, that is the width of the bed? It would have to be packed tight, or it would bug the helf out of me rattling around.

I plan on rolling it up in rags to keep it from rattling around, and putting some things in old socks. I tend to view trucks the same way other people view boats and RVs--every inch of space should be functional, even if only for storage. I'll probably also run some stout twine with a pig made of hard foam packing material on the end so I can pull out anything that might work its way toward the center. Come to think of it, that foam might make an end plug that seals decently well, too--cut a round plug that's 3. 5" in diameter and glue a cap on it. A few years from now I might have tools scattered all over the cab, but for now while the truck is shiney and new I'm going to try to maintain and improve it as long as I can. It's strange that manufacturers don't stage out tool and equipment storage boxes in the open areas of the truck, considering the type of people who drive and buy them. A 2" thick storage compartment in a set of running boards could store several years worth of belts, not to mention wrenches and other tools.

 

[Dean Upson]

Re: Use caution, please!

Originally posted by Evan A. Beck

Just a heads up for you guys with the HPCR engines... Don't mess with the fuel system. Leave that to qualified personnel. Sorry for being a PITA, but I had to say it!

Very good advice, Evan. Thanks for being a PITA .



Dean

 

[Grayhackle]

Might add the 1 1/8" wrench to change the fuel filter if you get a bad tank of diesel.

 

[Pugster]

We carry a cell phone, and an AAA card.

 

[JLockhart]

tool storage

Originally posted by Crunch

It's strange that manufacturers don't stage out tool and equipment storage boxes in the open areas of the truck, considering the type of people who drive and buy them. A 2" thick storage compartment in a set of running boards could store several years worth of belts, not to mention wrenches and other tools.

Have you seen the fender on the new Nissan Titan? I haven't seen it in person but it looks to have a useable toolbox built in. If you're not using the rear underseat area for anything else, tools will fit there. I use a nice HD mini duffle bag I got from Eddie Bauer for my tow strap and emergency shovel. It was small enough to go under the drivers seat of my 97. Not sure where I'll put it in my 04.

 

[d90boy]

I recommend this as the standard tool set:

#ad


Git 'er done!

 

[kbarlow]

Originally posted by Fred1

We carry a cell phone, and an AAA card.

And don't forget your wifes VISA card



Ken

 

[ttreibel]

I would focus on having the tools needed for a fuel filter replacement and a spare fuel filter also a brake bar and a socket for the lugs plus most of the above.



I would use black ABS 4" and have a clean-out fitting with caps on both ends and I would stencil the words emergency and tools on it for the occasional border crossing just in case.



You don't want them to think your a wise guy or they will tear your truck apart.

 

[Phrogger57]

Originally posted by d90boy

I recommend this as the standard tool set:

#ad


Git 'er done!

I agree with you, but it's he__ on mileage (not to mention keeping it upright)!

 

[curatchko]

Re: Use caution, please!

Originally posted by Evan A. Beck

Just a heads up for you guys with the HPCR engines... Don't mess with the fuel system. Leave that to qualified personnel. This system can kill, trust me. I have completed the Bosch training for the HPCR system, and there was much attention given to safety when it comes to the extreme pressures involved. Yeah, there's lots of stuff you CAN do yourself on this engine, but PLEASE don't try to service the high pressure componets yourself. Leave it to the pros!!! Any mistake with a high pressure fitting can kill you within minutes. That warning on the side of the valve cover is there for a reason.



Don't get me worng, I am not trying to say don't work on your truck! I am just saying use some caution. These engines are much more sensitive and dangerous than the older ones. The days of injector changes in your driveway are over. It's not like the old 24V where you can do it in 45 minutes and not pay close attention to torque specs. Too loose or too tight can cause a leak, and/or serious injury to you.



Labor rates to work on the new HPCR system can be expensive, but can you really put a price on your life? Saving a few hundred bucks is not worth the risk of getting killed by one of the things you love most--your truck.



Sorry for being a PITA, but I had to say it!

Good advice for some I suppose... . for others like myself, it's in one ear and out the other.