Wow, plenty of great advice. OK, here is the plan:


My socket and wrench sets are Mastercraft brand, equivalent to crasftsman, I've heard. They have a lifetime warranty at Canadian Tire (ubiquitous hardware chain in Canada)

I'm not going to get into air tools for this project. Here's my shopping list:


1/2" Breaker Bar - 18" is good enough right?
Torque wrench - as cheap as possible
If I find 1/2" impact sockets for $20 or less, I'll get those. Else, I'll get a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter and use my existing 3/8" sockets with the breaker bar.
6 foot Steel pipe
Adjustable wrench, screwdrivers


One more question - how high should I raise the car? My ****ty little wind-up jack that came with the car can only raise the car a few inches off the ground. Should I invest in a hydraulic floor jack that will raise it higher? More jack stands?




Now, addressing the individual posters:

Jeff Pierce: Thanks for the detailed list, as you can see above, I've used most of it. I don't know about the propane torch yet, let me see how bad it looks down there and maybe I'll pick it up over the weekend.

Oreo: I have little experience or tools, that's why I'm trying to build up both. I'll keep your advice in mind - that's why I'm going to spend 100-200 on tools for this job. That way, I only lack experience .


Lee: Thanks for the vote of confidence. What is this PB Blaster thing? Penetrating Oil, right? Is it available in Canada? I'll search and pick some up before the weekend. Not sure if I can wait another week, but let's see....


kth286: Ball Joint splitter? Do I have to remove ball joints to get at the tie rods? I'll have to load up MB WIS when I get home to check the procedure, I guess. My local parts store does have a tie rod separator for free loan, is that what you're referring to, by any chance?


BobK: Jack stands - I have something that look exactly like these, except they're Pro-Lift brand, 2-ton. I will put my wheel under the frame as a backup. What do you think? Should I buy two more jack stands for the fronts to raise the entire car at the same time????