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Is 3/8" drive size sufficient for all wrenching on Tacomas?

Discussion in 'Garage / Workshop' started by 5efvz, Oct 8, 2022.

  1. Oct 8, 2022 at 4:56 AM
    #1
    5efvz

    5efvz [OP] Well-Known Member

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    My sockets are all over the place. I often haul full sets of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 in both normal and deep when working on the truck.

    Thinking of streamlining it to just one drive size. Provided all nuts and bolts are properly prepped with enough penetrating fluid before hand, is 3/8" good enough for everything?
     
  2. Oct 8, 2022 at 4:57 AM
    #2
    Pablo8

    Pablo8 Here!

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  3. Oct 8, 2022 at 5:00 AM
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    5efvz

    5efvz [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Okay.
     
  4. Oct 8, 2022 at 5:08 AM
    #4
    rnish

    rnish Well-Known Member

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    It depends on what jobs you are planning to tackle.
     
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  5. Oct 13, 2022 at 3:04 AM
    #5
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    It comes down to just what sort of work you get on to
     
  6. Oct 13, 2022 at 6:50 AM
    #6
    EdgemanVA

    EdgemanVA Well-Known Member

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    Nope. It will handle the vast majority of your tasks, but there are some jobs you'll need to move up to 1/2", or down to 1/4" sockets. If you want to do as much as possible with 3/8" drives, recommend buying a 3/8" torque wrench.
     
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  7. Oct 19, 2022 at 5:17 AM
    #7
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    It will handle every thing but that one piece of hardware you really need to break loose!!
     
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  8. Oct 19, 2022 at 5:25 AM
    #8
    ToyoTaco25

    ToyoTaco25 Well-Known Member

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    As said above, just depends on what you're doing. All the drive sizes have their time and place. Search for the thread that tells you all the common socket sizes needed, then you can just organize a tray with those socket sizes instead of having all the full set.
     
  9. Oct 19, 2022 at 5:27 AM
    #9
    atc250r

    atc250r Recovering Ram Owner

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    Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
     
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  10. Oct 19, 2022 at 5:29 AM
    #10
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    It's rare for me to use the 1/4" drive, but I do use it on occasion. On the other hand, It seems like I've had to get out the 1/2" breaker bar on a regular basis.

    Rather than try to one-size-fits-all the situation, have you tried organizing your tools? Because a clean tool box is a much better solution.
     
  11. Oct 19, 2022 at 5:50 AM
    #11
    atc250r

    atc250r Recovering Ram Owner

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    I bought Pittsburgh set that comes in a blow-molded case with 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 inch drive sockets, a screwdriver with a bunch of different bits, SAE & metric alllen keys, and a few wrenches. It's compact and relatively complete, my only complaint is the very limited sizes of wrenches. It's was like $120 and I find myself just grabbing that case out of my commuter car 90% of the times I need to do a repair rather than walk back and forth to my Snap-On toolbox in the shed.
     
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  12. Oct 19, 2022 at 6:06 AM
    #12
    TacoTuesday603

    TacoTuesday603 Well-Known Member

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    I havent had any issues using all 1/2" drive stuff. It shouldnt break and hasnt had any problems fitting into where it needs to be.
     
  13. Oct 19, 2022 at 6:14 AM
    #13
    Rock Lobster

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    Same. I have a craftsman set and a HF roll-up bag of box wrenches. Not only can I grab instantly what I need, but I immediately know if a socket is missing before I close the hood.
     
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  14. Oct 19, 2022 at 6:19 AM
    #14
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    I'll agree with others and say nope. 3/8 would be fine on anything interior or accessories you're adding, but doing any sort of suspension work and some under the hood work you'll need 1/2". When I finally got a proper toolbox I went a bit nuts on my socket drawer but damn it is nice having it all organized as well as 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive in every size.

    IMG_0006.jpg
     
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  15. Oct 19, 2022 at 6:29 AM
    #15
    tacoWithstickyrice

    tacoWithstickyrice Well-Known Member

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    Is this something you are carrying for work related stuff? Or just to have to incase something happens and you need to wrench on the truck? If using for work, I think you would need to carry a lot. If for the other reason, I usually just carry 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 and 21 (for the wheels) along with some swivels and extensions. That should pretty much be everything that is needed for the majority of the Tacoma (along with most if not all of the Asian imports). Then I slowly add or take things out that is not needed or hardly ever used. Currently I carry a simple Milwaukee 3/8 socket set, a 3/8 stubby electric impact for the wheels.
     
  16. Nov 22, 2022 at 7:23 AM
    #16
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    Your vehicle your tools what ever works for you!!
     
  17. Nov 22, 2022 at 7:34 AM
    #17
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A Toyota Gigolo

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    Large sockets like those for the axle nut, driveshaft yoke, pinion flange and diff drain plugs don't commonly come in 3/8" drive. I have been able to loosen them with a 3/8" Milfuckee impact with 3/8-1/2 adapter.

    Some long bolts like the leaf spring U-bolts and shackle bolts flex too much for an impact, so you'll need a 20"+ breaker bar, and those are usually 1/2" drive.
     
  18. Nov 22, 2022 at 7:38 AM
    #18
    EdgemanVA

    EdgemanVA Well-Known Member

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    3/8 will be able to handle the majority of your jobs, but you will need half inch tools for big stuff like suspension work. You might be able to replace your 1/4" tools with deep 3/8 sockets, but I wouldn't toss them.

    What I would do is to pack up your SAE tools to get them out of the way, but I wouldn't toss them. Just have them in case you may need them.

    I have a 3/8" "travel tool box" with only 3/8" tools...both shallow and deep 6-point sockets. I also have a few screwdrivers and combo wrenches. Frankly I take that tool box out when I'm doing minor work in the driveway. I'll go to my big tool box when I need something like spark plug sockets...
     

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