SAE Socket sizes and tools for front end work

[thedole]

Hi
I'm planning on doing a massive front end overhaul replacing ball joints, bushings, wheel hubs and maybe cv axles(my boots have been torn for a while). Living in europe i (for the most) have only metric tools and wonder what (if any) SAE sizes I would need for this job?

 

[JMJNet]

As far as my suburban goes, most things are metrics.

I have not done front end work though.

 

[Turbine Doc]

I'm not 100%, but all metric IIRC there have been very few items on the vehicle that weren't metric, as many parts assembled in Canada & Mexico would be metric.

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

It's all metric sizes in the front end. I use a 1 5/16" socket though for the pitman arm as I don't have metric sockets larger than 36MM.

 

[matuva]

Metric, didn't have yet to use a SAE tool...
except on PMD screws

 

[packratt]

On a 3500 most of the fastners are some combination of this 7/8 or 21mm upper control arm bolts & idler arm, 1-1/16 ball joint to spindle, 1/2 or 13mm upper ball joint to control arm, 15/16 idler arm bracket to arm and I think the idler arm bracket to frame is 19mm.

 

[bison]

be prepared to have the whole damn toolbox spread over the floor by the time you'r done + you wish you had some more that often dont come standard in metric sets but are needed.

 

[thedole]

It's all metric sizes in the front end. I use a 1 5/16" socket though for the pitman arm as I don't have metric sockets larger than 36MM.

isn't that pitman nut a 33mm or sumthin? I remember it was almost impossible to track one down around here 32mm and 34mm was all over the place but not the 33mm.. I ended up borrowing one from a local explosives factory actually.

be prepared to have the whole damn toolbox spread over the floor by the time you'r done + you wish you had some more that often dont come standard in metric sets but are needed.

Ain't that how it usually is, you have double up of everything you don't need and whatever you need is almost impossible to get your hands on...

On a 3500 most of the fastners are some combination of this 7/8 or 21mm upper control arm bolts & idler arm, 1-1/16 ball joint to spindle, 1/2 or 13mm upper ball joint to control arm, 15/16 idler arm bracket to arm and I think the idler arm bracket to frame is 19mm.

Thanks for that one, maybe I can eliminate some extra roundtrips for tools now!