So, I'm trying to get the tools ready in order to do some much needed maintenance on the truck. I'm wondering which tool you guys would recommend.

Here's the stuff I'm looking to do: a) replace wheel bearings; b) rebuild brake calipers; c) replace as many u-joints as I can; d) install new shocks, add-a-leaf, and a leveling kit.

So, I've been looking at impact wrenches, but I can't really afford to get an air impact because it will be too much $ with a decent compressor.

I came across electric impact wrenches and was wondering if any of you have used them, and how well they work. An issue is that the one's I've seen in my price range are 1/2 drive units that only do about 240 ft/lbs of torque (I know, not great).

So, for the work I need to do, will the electric impact even help? Or am I just better off with a 3/4 breaker bar and a metal pipe as an extension?

thanks,
pf

 

personally i would say use the breaker and save the money to put towards a good compressor and impact, then you can get other air tools

 

Just get the bar, save some money and build some muscles.
The last time I changed my rear shocks I used a 4' piece of pipe on a breaker bar and was laying on the top of it and it wouldn't budge. I was bouncing and it took a while for it to break loose. A good impact wrench would have been nice. I don't know anyone that has an electric one though.

 

Electrics are OK, but I prefer a good torque converting wrench, like a 4x multiplier for the hard stuff, followed by a good torque wrench.

 

I've used a battery powered impact a few times. Not sure of how many ft/lbs it was putting out but it worked very well. They're kinda pricey though, so if I were you, I'd spring for a good 3/4 or 1" breaker bar with a warranty. Those wheel bearing can be tough to break loose.

 

i've got 2 electric impact wrenches and a couple of air impacts. the one is use the most is the electric dewalt DW290. i think its rated for about 240 lbs of torque. i bought it used on ebay for about $60 or so and it looked like brand new. i don't think it had ever been used. it does pretty much all i ever need. the newer model is a DW292 with 340 lbs of torque. the only downside with the electric is that its bigger and longer than an equivalent air wrench, and it won't fit in some tight spots, like the harmonic balancer bolt.

i've got another electric one that's a bosch 3/4 drive that i bought used from a pile of stuff that came out of a truck shop. i don't know how much torque that sob's got, but it'll break a bolt in a heartbeat. the only problem is that its very big and very heavy. it looks like crap, but i only paid $20 for it and all it needed was a new cord.

i've got a couple of 1/2 air impacts that i seldom use, just because it takes longer to pull out the hoses and start up the compressor than it does to grab the electric.

avoid anything 12 volt as just not worth a $hit.
i'd avoid rechargeables completely. too expensive and not enough torque.

look on ebay for a DW290 or DW292 for $60-75. you'll be impressed.
example.
http://cgi.ebay.com/DEWALT-1-2-ELECT...d=p3286.c0.m14

another (290)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dewalt-1-2-Heavy...d=p3286.c0.m14


i think its a good idea to have an assortment of big breaker bars too. i've got a 1" drive bar about 30" long that a beast. it also doubles as a bashing tool and pry bar
here's a nice one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/STANLEY-3-4-DRIV...d=p3286.c0.m14