Here's a thread with a few tools in it. Some of then don't require welding.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...on-1992-1996-1997-2001/357040-home-made-tool-tighten-camshaft-sprocket-nut.html

 

I use the pipe flange and it works like a charm! I also use the bump start method to loosed the nut.
W95c

 

i dunno bout the camshaft nut but this girl has taken off every other nut i've tried so far.
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-heavy-duty-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html
i call her big bertha cause she's pretty heavy but takes 30mm wheel retaining nuts off like nuthin.
tony

 

Soooooo much easier if you have an impact wrench. I have a Klutch air impact wrench that hasn't failed me yet. I also still have Big Bertha from Harbor Freight (got that before I had an air compressor). Big Bertha has worked successfully on everything except a very tight bolt on the rear suspension of a Camry.

 

John, how about that camshaft bolt? My plans are to replace that camshaft seal when I get that far into it.

Is one able to get an impact socket on the camshaft bolt to spin it off and back on too - I know it is so very close to that shock tower but maybe there is a way?

 

Guys,

I have no qualms buying Big Bertha (BB) for $50. 4th July is going to have 25% off sale, so BB is going to be mine for $40.88 w/Tax! I love tools

That said, I had two questions:

1. I have heard horror stories about Chicago Electric Power Tools. Most of my friends in this circle are mechanics and they are so opinionated that I would have to buy this alone and keep this out of their sight (they do buy some tools from HF so we often go together but there are some purchases they really disagree with)
How frequently do you use BB, and how long can it be expected to last? I baby all my tools, so maintenance is not a problem.
2. Then, the club is not necessary, if I have BB at all?

My friends all have air tools, so this is not necessary much, but for $40, if this is good and recommended buy, I won't mind keeping one with me.
I hoard so much tools, that adding one will have any effect!

If this works on getting exhaust manifolds off, I will be a devotee of BB for life.

Thanks again for your inputs so far. TBH, I was looking to meet atleast one of you from SoCAL, but oh well :grin:

 

If you can get an air compressor, you will thank yourself. I bought a 32 gallon used air compressor off of Craigs List for $125 from a seller who was only a few miles away. He even delivered it to my house. That was maybe 3 years ago and it still runs fine. One of the best tools I've ever purchased.

Big Bertha has been fine and I think it'll be fine for you if you're not using it everyday. I can see why a pro mechanic would not like it, because it would not last if you used it all day everyday. For an occasional use by a DIY guy, it should be fine. It is not VERY powerful, but it's been powerful enough for a majority of the uses I had for it. I didn't use it on an exhaust bolt, though. Now that I have the air impact, I don't really use Big Bertha anymore.

To answer your 2nd question, no you don't need a crank pulley holder if you have an impact wrench. Much easier and much faster with the impact. It's a no brainer.