I’m curious about the content of SAE hardware on my 93 Dakota. I guess I always thought everything was SAE. Why wouldn’t I? But I see people on some of these You Tube videos calling out a metric tool when they’re working on their 90s American trucks. Was there at least some metric content in them? Also, I’m assuming even today’s American autos have significant metric content??

Just curious. No other reason.

 

There may be some metric; for instance, my new rear wheel cylinders use 7mm bleeders.

Also, some stuff is "common" sizes - like 5/16" and 8mm.

Most will be SAE sized, though, for a 1993.

RwP

 

Starting the the early 1980's, there was a push to go metric. GM especially used metric on the bodies and SAE on mechanical parts. Imported parts tend to be metric and the metric system was used when industry started growing there. As newer vehicles come online, they are designed to be sold around the world so new stuff is pretty well all metric. Now, some metric sizes are really close to SAE sizes so either size can be used. 1/2 and 9/16 inch sockets have metric counterparts that will work. You can get by IF the bolt isn't really tight. If you have to really honk on a wrench and the socket is too loose, it will round it off. If have a mix of both systems in my ready tool box.

Just be glad you aren't dealing with a British car from the 1930's. They used a different size system altogether.

 

Think of all the tool boxes that needed updating.

 

On my 94 when I did the plenum, TC WP etc I found I needed a full set of both. It helps that I also own a Ram50 the best little truck dodge never made
I guess that random purchase I made in the early 90's at a HF store which I thought was just some local thing in Vallejo at the time and still have wasn't a bad deal at all. I think the box with a full set of each in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 drives (not all sizes larger sizes have larger drive) cost me about $20 at the time. The local HF store just replaced the 3/8 drive for free last summer.
I expected it to fall apart within short order.
Edit- It also helps to have a set of both in open end wrenches. I got a metric set (8 to 17 I think) with the closed side having a ratchet in them there last year. Otherwise I have the dual sae/metric set of regular end wrenches I am pretty sure I got there some time in the past.

 

HF is the king of crap to be sure. However, if one is willing to do even a little research, there are decent tools that can be got for half what the name brands cost. And they are close to on par with the big brands in terms of functionality and durability. For weekend warriors like me, HF serves a purpose. I never made a living as a mechanic so HF has filled the bill to find half decent tools intended for occasional use that doesn't break the bank.