3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I am going to be putting in some massive wrench time on a 94 5s-fe, but need some tools first. I do construction, so I have all the basic tools, and I have a Haynes FSM that recommends TMK most of the special tools, etc. but doesn't mention anything about for example an engine hoist or stand...how heavy is the block? what would I need for a stand? I will be hopefully using this for more than just this car, so I will be getting something more than necessary, but dont even know where to start for this, lol!
Also, if I were to be working on everything on the car (exterior, interior, speakers, suspension, engine overhaul, transmission, etc.) are there any tools that Haynes may not mention that are useful or necessary?
What do you guys use?
Oh, one BIG thing for this car I have searched and found misleading decisions on it, but is the 94 100% OBD II compliant? or is it OBD 1, or something else? I have heard all sorts of crap with this, that it is OBD1, it IS 100% OBD2, etc. help? lol!
Sorry, I haven't worked on cars much, this is my learning experience, but I am having fun! and I can tell the car LOVES me for it, hahaha...
I have a 3 ton engine hoist I got from Craigslist. The gentlman was even nice enough to deliver it. $100 and I've used it dozens of times. I've never used an engine stand, just tires.
Depends on what you're doing to tell you what you really need tool-wise. I've got a pretty basic Craftsman tool set, and have swapped engines and transmissions about 4 times now.
Yep, and you likely need a deep socket a standard socket will probably not work.
Also get yourself a nice long pipe to use along with your breaker bar or 1/2" drive ratchet, it makes the heavily torqued bolts a breeze to remove. If you're going to use a ratchet with a big pipe, use a quality one. I've exploded cheap ratchets doing this. The problem with most breaker bars is they tend to flex, making something like an axle nut much harder to remove.
I have a Craftsman 1/2" made about 50 years ago, it's indestructible and doesn't flex at all. I wish tools made now were that kind of quality.
The Following User Says Thank You to 71Corolla For This Useful Post:
^^^ what 71Corolla said...Craftsman of yore was pretty good. At the risk of sounding like a risk taking stock broker I suggest checkout the Harbor Freight tools too. Their breaker bars (1/2" $10 with coupon) are good and pretty sturdy. Ditto for their metric wrenches (8mm to 32mm for $15) thats a pretty good deal. I regularly stand nay jump on their breaker bars to torque/untorque my axle nut.
Also check your local craigslist for a mechanic parting out. Look for Matco, Craftsman and of course the God of All Things SNAP-ON! I have a 30 year old 3/8 flex head ratchet and I havent been able to break it yet :-)
All the best for your efforts.
__________________ 1995 Camry DX L4 178,6XX miles and counting each mile.... acquired 05/25/2007 at 129K miles
2004 Mazda6 I4 5-Speed Manual 115,500 miles acquired 01/21/2011 at 109,XXX miles
The Following User Says Thank You to peshwa For This Useful Post:
Also, if I were to be working on everything on the car (exterior, interior, speakers, suspension, engine overhaul, transmission, etc.) are there any tools that Haynes may not mention that are useful or necessary?
I can't remember exactly, but it wasn't too much, maybe $20-$25 for the 4'x8' sheet. They have a couple of styles, get the heaviest, 1/4" holes, 1/4" thick hardboard. The plastic and thinner stuff won't cut it.
You'll have to build a pretty sturdy frame for it as well. I used furring strips, and then screwed an 8 foot furring strip to the wall, into the studs, and hung the whole thing like a picture. A very heavy picture....
Makes the tools easy to find, no drawer shuffle, and more importantly after you finish a project you can glance on the wall, see everything is there before you drive off and have a wrench that you forgot in the engine compartment cause some damage. And you don't have to spend the money for a toolbox either.
I have a 3 ton engine hoist I got from Craigslist. The gentlman was even nice enough to deliver it. $100 and I've used it dozens of times. I've never used an engine stand, just tires.
Depends on what you're doing to tell you what you really need tool-wise. I've got a pretty basic Craftsman tool set, and have swapped engines and transmissions about 4 times now.
Well, obv a 3 ton will work, lol! my jack and stands are only I think 1 1/2 ton...hahaha!
one other question, how much would a transmission jack/hoist help? I am going to be doing basically ALL the work in a dirt-floor back yard...
Like I said, I do construction (HVAC duct install) so I do have a fair bit of the general tools, I bought a small socket set...yada yada...I also did PC repair and build speakers and fiddle with lots of electronics, so I have a small bit of the electronic stuff too...I am just kinda trying to see what all this will cost before I get into it, as I am expecting to spend $5-10k on the car already...
as far as brand, I LOVE craftsman, I have used their stuff from 50+ years ago to now and although I have to admit their quality has dropped, they still stand behind the product! I have taken numerous screwdrivers, etc in snapped in half and they replace it np...I would rather have a brand I KNOW will stand behind a pretty good product than an "indestructible" product the brand half-assedly stands behind any day! but, on that note...I know craftsman is sears, husky is another big one, Home Depot...does snap-on have a lifetime warranty as good as craftsman? if so, where do you take it?
Well, obv a 3 ton will work, lol! my jack and stands are only I think 1 1/2 ton...hahaha!
one other question, how much would a transmission jack/hoist help? I am going to be doing basically ALL the work in a dirt-floor back yard...
Like I said, I do construction (HVAC duct install) so I do have a fair bit of the general tools, I bought a small socket set...yada yada...I also did PC repair and build speakers and fiddle with lots of electronics, so I have a small bit of the electronic stuff too...I am just kinda trying to see what all this will cost before I get into it, as I am expecting to spend $5-10k on the car already...
as far as brand, I LOVE craftsman, I have used their stuff from 50+ years ago to now and although I have to admit their quality has dropped, they still stand behind the product! I have taken numerous screwdrivers, etc in snapped in half and they replace it np...I would rather have a brand I KNOW will stand behind a pretty good product than an "indestructible" product the brand half-assedly stands behind any day! but, on that note...I know craftsman is sears, husky is another big one, Home Depot...does snap-on have a lifetime warranty as good as craftsman? if so, where do you take it?
I think it's easier t o remove the trans and engine together, so a trans jack is not needed.
And major props for doing the work in the dirt! I've got a gravel driveway and have done an engine swap in the snow, another swap in the summer, and three clutches in the hottest summer week (last week)
It takes a lot of patience in my opinion to work without a lift or air tools, glad to see someone who's got the spirit of DIY in him!
All my tools are craftsman. And I've broken a lot of them and replaced for free. The only thing I hate is the drive to sears... about 25 minutes away to replace a socket.
But don't cheap out on tools. Get something quality. If not, you'll spend more replacing them. I did.
Kobalt (sold at Lowes) is snap-on brand, essentially. My dad's tools are kobalt and haven't broken a single one yet! I don't know about a warranty though....
Pretty much your choices are Crafstman, Kobalt, Husky, or Snap-on. I would pick craftsman or Kobalt personally. Snap-on is too expensive for the DIYer.
EDIT: Took some pics for you.
It's not a whole lot, but I think it's a pretty decent set for a 19 year old. These are the only tools I have used doing engine swaps, tranny swaps, brakes, clutches, really...everything on these cars has been done with this small set of tools.
I think it's easier t o remove the trans and engine together, so a trans jack is not needed.
And major props for doing the work in the dirt! I've got a gravel driveway and have done an engine swap in the snow, another swap in the summer, and three clutches in the hottest summer week (last week)
It takes a lot of patience in my opinion to work without a lift or air tools, glad to see someone who's got the spirit of DIY in him!
All my tools are craftsman. And I've broken a lot of them and replaced for free. The only thing I hate is the drive to sears... about 25 minutes away to replace a socket.
All of mine so far as Craftsman as well, but I have a Sears a few blocks from my house...so nbd for me to replace, why I LOVE them!
But don't cheap out on tools. Get something quality. If not, you'll spend more replacing them. I did.
Kobalt (sold at Lowes) is snap-on brand, essentially. My dad's tools are kobalt and haven't broken a single one yet! I don't know about a warranty though....
Pretty much your choices are Crafstman, Kobalt, Husky, or Snap-on. I would pick craftsman or Kobalt personally. Snap-on is too expensive for the DIYer.
EDIT: Took some pics for you.
It's not a whole lot, but I think it's a pretty decent set for a 19 year old. These are the only tools I have used doing engine swaps, tranny swaps, brakes, clutches, really...everything on these cars has been done with this small set of tools.
Thanks for the pics! I have similar tools...you have more wrenches/sockets tho, lol! I just started my collection of those as we don't really use them in my field...P.S. I am 20, hahaha...
I am running out the door ATM, but I cam up with a pretty extensive list of stff I am considering, as well as the jobs I am expecting to need to perform, I will post that up later [probably some time monday as I will be with my gf]
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
acquired 05/25/2007 at 129K miles
I4 5-Speed Manual 115,500 miles acquired 01/21/2011 at 109,XXX miles
Linear Mode
