I am inheriting my dad's almost 20 year old Crafstman tools. This includes a very very very old 1/2" ratchet with sockets... The thing works better than the cheap one I already broke after 2 days Lesson learned. I really want to get air tools but the only compressor we have is a 1Gal and that just isn't enough.... bummer.

I also learned that RTV SEALS BIG TIME. I got the water pump on with a generous amount of RTV ... forgot to put the heater return fitting on ... that was a ***** to get off! Had to buy a new gasket too. Grr.

Gonna get the radiator back in (took it out to inspect it -- it's beginning to corrode but it doesn't seem too bad; I'll ask for a new one for Christmas if I'm lucky ), hook all the lines up and see if she runs tomorrow (assuming I can hook up the lines with no issues haha).

So far I've found that everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. I'm a beginner, really a beginner with tools in general. I'm young and I have no wisdom or experience, just a lot of frustration with my inability to do simple tasks without having to call on my experienced friend for help. However I am mechanically inclined, and that sure has saved my *** in many cases. Something as simple as a water pump has taken me hours just because I sheared bolts, was missing tools, couldn't figure out how to get sheared bolts out, etc... At least I'm learning. And it's a fun learning experience!

I'm just a little bummed about finding more broken parts in the process, finding out that certain parts I bought don't fit perfectly together (that grinds my gears for sure) and having to improvise, etc... It can get really frustrating. I now understand peoples' frustration on working with cars. Good thing I'm too damn stubborn to just give up!

Anyways that was a rather emotional post haha! Thanks again everyone for your help, these simple repairs are becoming a journey but you guys are all being patient and awesome!

EDIT:

And no, sadly I have not figured out the ticking... definitely not piston slap though as it comes and goes... gonna keep researching.

 

Don't worry - you're doing great! You're jumping in and working on it, and figuring things out as you go.

At least it didn't take you 10 hours to change a VC gasket!

 

As far as the tools go, remember that craftsman has a lifetime warranty on their tools. if it breaks you can take it to any sears and they will replace it with a new one. and trust me when i say it doesn't matter how old the tools are. I had some tools that i got from my grandfather (He only used craftsman unless they did'nt make what he needed) and a few were broken. went to sears and they replaced them with no questions asked even a 2 foot long 1/2" torque wrench. they had to order it, ut they replaced it for free.
As for the Jeep, keep at it. You seem to be doing fine. Broken bolts are gonna happen, it's an old Jeep. As long as you just expect the worst and hope for the best, you'll cut down on your frustration.

 

I'm guessing he already has Torx since he removed the front clip. I'm pretty sure that's Torx holding that on, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Andrew, did you get that broken bolt out yet? I'll agree with everyone else in regards to tool quality--get GOOD quality stuff that you'll use regularly, such as sockets and definitely the ratchets. I've wasted money on cheapo ratchets that break right away. Craftsman has been good to me.

 

Oh I got that sucker out. Torched it, got it nice n' hot, tapped it lightly, let it cool, and it came out with some persuasion from the vice grips

I also bought an EZ out kit to use on the driver's seat since I can't really torch that.

About the Torx -- I don't recall encountering any Torx fittings when I removed the front clip. Although, they are on the bumper (they hold those little fog lights in place). I also found them in the interior. Haven't really encountered any in the engine / front clip area yet. But I did go out and buy a Torx set, I think it's T20-T40 but I'm not sure. I also have a set of little Torx fittings sitting around as well.

And yeah, I got a ratchet set for 10 bucks on sale because I didn't have metric sizes or a 3/8in ratchet.... I "broke" it the day after I got it. It still works but the ratchet mechanism is very stiff instead of easy to move. Lesson learned!

Considering my father had those tools for so long and ALL of them are working like the day he bought them, I'm probably gonna stick with Crafstman. If a 20 year old ratchet can hold up from years of neglect, I think that brand deserves my business. I find that impressive, maybe I'm just crazy.

 

I've had craftsman for the last eight or nine years and I've had one one socket crack. I have some Craftsman tools from my grandfather that are 50 or so years old, my guess anyway. They have never steered me wrong.

 

I have collected alot of craftsman stuff over the years....along with other brands. About 5 years ago I was changing out the hubs on my H2 and busted/stripped a 1/2 inch ratchet and split a socket. Btw, the socket had so much pressure on it that it sounded like a gunshot when it finally busted. I took them both back to Sears and the guy just looked at it and asked what size cheater bar I had on it to break it. I looked straight at him and told him "about a four foot piece of pipe". He just laughed, went off for a minute and came back with new replacements. Well actually the replacement ratchet was a rebuilt one, but its as good as new and the socket was one of the newer ones with the big lettering that I can actually see. Point is, you can still tear their stuff up when somewhat abused, but I have never had a problem exchanging.

 

I remember when I was a kid (I am 45 now) that going to the Sears store with my dad was awesome. I looked at all those big tool boxes and tools and watched my dad pick up tools and say "I have been needing one of these for awhile". I was like a kid in a candy store and still am when I get the chance to go over to Charlottesville from time to time.

I own Snap On, Craftsman, Blue Point and Kobalt but, I also own quite a few Harbor Freight tools. Those are packed in my XJ for trail repairs so if I happen to leave one laying along the trail or if someone was to break in the XJ. I haven't lost a bundle of $$$$..

 

After torching, swearing, and throwing stuff, I was able to get the rear seat bolt out by getting a good pair of vice grips on the bolt underneath the rocker. Hope I don't have to go through that again!

 

Just be aware that some Craftsman tools are now made in China, and the quality of those has dropped. Still lifetime warranty, though. For decent quality budget tools, you might take a look at Gearwrench.

 

To be honest, what isn't made in China these days? The warranty is really the big seller now and definitely worth it.

 

I hear ya, but I've seen pics on garagejournal of USA vs Chinese Craftsman tools, and the difference is noticeable. Just something to be aware of.

 

I've had goodluck with "Master Mechanic" ratchets. They're older ones though, so i can't talk about their new ratchets that are currently being made.

Also "Proto" seems to be a nice 1/2" ratchet.

OH!!!!! If you don't have ratcheting open ends, buy this right now. Normally it's $100 (which is a good deal) but they're on sale for $50 right now. Incredible deal.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-20pc-...20000P?prdNo=1

 

GOT IT RUNNING TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so happy I got the water pump on, got the rad back in, filled with coolant, etc etc and it starts and runs!! Now I just need to get the front clip back on and wait for my bumpers. While I wait for my bumpers I am going to drill a hole in the Pass. side firewall, run my 4G amp cable through, tear out the side panels and wire up my amp! And then build a better sub box, find a way to affix it to the floor, put the seats and carpet back in... and I should be good to go... for now.

About the tools... Thank you everyone for your input, helping me a lot wiht deciding what brands to go for. And HudsonN -- great find!! I am ordering that right after I post this! Looks like a great deal.

Tonight was a great night! I missed hearing my old XJ running

 

Good to go, man!