SAE or metric?

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GrumpyOldMan

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I just ordered a new 2022 1500 two weeks ago. No idea yet when it might arrive, but I'm working up a list of all the stuff that needs to go in it. On the subject of tools, I'm wondering if this truck uses SAE or metric nut/bolt sizes, or some combination of the two? Also, is there a small-ish set of socket and wrench sizes that I'll want to have on hand, or should I just get the full set? I'm not trying to be cheap, just size and weight conscious. Most of the sockets I currently own are 3/8" drive, SAE sizes.

As will happen, some of the pieces I've had have disappeared over the years, so I figure on using the new truck as an excuse to buy some new ones.
 

PolarisCobra

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I have found both SAE and metric on my 2017, and most every other car I have worked on in the last 20 years or so. It's fun. :banghead:

I used to carry tools in my cars at one time, but I don't bother anymore. There really isn't much you can do on the side of the road like you could years ago. Fact is, they break down a lot less. I suppose it depends on were you live, or if you are doing lots of off roading.

I would be interesting to see what others carry.
 

Oliver Closehauf

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I was just looking at another thread on this same subject. Well maybe not specific to 2022 model year.
I don't keep tools, but I do have my multi ball hitch, a bully bar hitch step, and a bag with ratchet straps, tow rope, spot light and jumper cables.
 

Jim BB

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as a tech all the new trucks and cars are Metric "MM"
and depending on what you are wanting to do will determine what sizes you will need for very basic from 5.5mm to 24mm and most sets will miss 16mm out of them so you will need to buy separately !
 

British Bulldog

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OP. You will find a lot of sizes are compatible.
11mm ……….7/16
13mm………..1/2
19mm…………3/4

There maybe more but these are the ones I know for sure!
 

Mister Luck

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as a tech all the new trucks and cars are Metric "MM"
and depending on what you are wanting to do will determine what sizes you will need for very basic from 5.5mm to 24mm and most sets will miss 16mm out of them so you will need to buy separately !
You’ll still come across the occasional supply chain issue fastener, I had a Toyota diff plug that was SAE oe from the factory.

Anything else would have rounded it off

The reason I believe this happened is because ..

When Mitsubishi copied an American WW2 Jeep they did so right down to the tooling of the fasteners.

To this day ..
Nippon (Japan) has laws of co-operation in regards to industrial (factory) efforts and you’ll find nippondenso plugs on one side opposite NGK’s on the other side of a factory engine.
 

ColesRAM

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My own limited experience on my 2020 RAM 1500DT is that both are present. I used 18 & 23 mm sockets and wrenches when I installed a bed step. Then 5/8” sockets when I installed running boards to the frame studs.
 

Wirerat

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Get a solid 4 way lug wrench. Easy to bend the junk that comes with the truck.

Besides that I carry cutters, adjustable wrench, knife, flashlight, screw driver, tire plug kit, bungee cords and some tie rope.
 
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HEMIMANN

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Geez, it's getting to the point like you almost need an electronic diagnostic computer tool more than mechanical tools now.

There's so much techno-glitz on these things now you can't even look at them without diagnosing some gizmo computer code.

No, I don't miss carburetor screws and shaving ignition points either, but there is such a thing as a middle ground, eh?
 
OP
OP
GrumpyOldMan

GrumpyOldMan

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I tend to agree. I've never really been any sort of mechanic, and now I'm getting to be too old and busted up to be crawling around under a truck for much besides changing the oil. The last time I had a flat tire I called AAA and let them change it. I have no delusions about repairing any of the modern stuff. I'd just like to be able to deal with an obviously loose nut or the like. Plus, there are times when you're out and about and need a tool for something completely unrelated to your vehicle. I've got all that sort of stuff, I was just wondering if it was worth augmenting what I already have with some additions. It sounds like it is, even if only a set of metric sockets. And yes, a good 4-way lug wrench and a cheater pipe to go with it (those tire shops sure use a lot of impact wheaties when they tighten lug nuts - I've wrenched my back more than once trying to loosen one).

Thanks everybody for the quick input!
 

GTyankee

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I bought Combination Wrenches, open & box end 1 set SAE, 1 set Metric, same with socket wrenches.
I also bought a set of what is called an Ignition set of tools, screw drivers & wrenches
I also bought what is called a Trolley Jack & a 4 way lug wrench
I also have a tool box of mostly Electrical Tools, wire, connectors, etc.

In the bottom of the Electric tool box, i have Glad Hands, clearance lights, Red & Yellow/Orange.
I also carry Night Lights for Semi Trucks, they are battery powered

I often travel with Semi Trucks & other Pilot Cars
For the California Highway Patrol, i have a suitcase of CB radios, they rent them when they are not carrying their own

I also carry 15 gallons of #2 Diesel & 2 gallons of gas, when i am on a job

( when a job pays by the mile, you want to keep rolling )

1660206635174.png

1660206769684.png
 
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joesstripclub

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I don't think I've worked on anything on this truck that wasn't metric. There are the occasional metric and SAE that are the same size, but I would stock up on metric tools. I have a nice set of SAE impact sockets that I hadnt used in years until I just bought a trailer with 3/4" lugnuts.
 

JetDoc

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Given that your new Ram truck will be assembled in either Canada or Mexico by a European corporate owner, I'd guess that it's mostly metric. Just another example that "American" brand products are not "Made in the USA" anymore.
 

Marshall

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For the past 30 years only tool I’ve carried is a AAA card. Works well on both SAE and Metric.
That can run into a 2 hr wait , or more where I use to live, and no 24 hr service in the country.
I carry a long breaker bar and 2 sockets that fit the 2 set of wheels I use, summer and winter tires, a small and large crescent wrench, and a pair of pliers. I use to carry a set of belts, but these days don't know if I could change it. The club cabs have a good place for all that under the back seat
I can't remember the last time I needed a road repair, had a tire go in the 1980's
 

Marshall

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I should add a couple screw drivers, and maybe the #1 fixer, a big ass hammer, just because?
If I carried a set of wrenches, they would be metric, and a 3/8 drive socket set.
 

KeithP

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That can run into a 2 hr wait , or more where I use to live, and no 24 hr service in the country.
I carry a long breaker bar and 2 sockets that fit the 2 set of wheels I use, summer and winter tires, a small and large crescent wrench, and a pair of pliers. I use to carry a set of belts, but these days don't know if I could change it. The club cabs have a good place for all that under the back seat
I can't remember the last time I needed a road repair, had a tire go in the 1980's
I’ve never claimed to be a mechanic of any type. But back many eons ago when I was still on the farm, hours away from roadside assistance, I ran GM exclusively. Chevy trucks and Oldsmobiles. Those small blocks were easy for anyone to work on so yeah, I carried tools and the usual array of spare parts too. But, I’ve been in the DFW metro area for 30 years now. Here there’s a tow truck parked at every interchange waiting on an accident or breakdown to happen, so help is never more than a few minutes away.

I’m not a genius, but I’m smart enough to know the AAA card is the only tool I should be using on the vehicles I own today.

If I were to move back to the farm. I’d sell what I have and buy something that the engine displacement is measured in cubic inches instead of liters…….and run an antique tag on it.
 

lighthawk

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If you travel backcountry roads where there isn't cell service, you need to be self sufficient, IMO.
We travel with a Four Wheel Camper and visit remote areas in our adventures.

On my previous truck I've had airbag failures, multiple tire changes, and even a broken steering knuckle (long story).
I learned that I need to carry both 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets with standard and deep sockets (MM, SAE), plus a set of wrenches. It all fits in a flat Craftsman tool box I can slide behind the crew cab seat on my 2021 3500, and a tool roll under the seat. I've got a long breaker bar with the correct socket for the wheels. In addition to the factory jack I also carry a hydraulic 5 ton jack, and a mechanical Toyota jack, and also a quality military folding shovel. Since we air down for some trips I carry a compressor and a set of fuses, since I tend to blow them if I push the duty cycle.
 

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