Torx and other essential XJ tools

I need to remove my rear seat belt and see people "recalling" a #50 Torx in a couple threads. Is that the correct number? Are there any other Torx, or specialty tools/sockets needed to maintain the XJ that wouldn't be in your standard tool box?

I know about the 36mm socket. I know most of this is probably hiding in various threads, but searching for these little tidbits is tedious.

Thanks,

craftsman and snapon both sell torx sets. in my 89 I have used #20, #30, #40 and #50. Best toolkit I ever boguth was the craftsman set for $12. good luck

A good set of long, angled needlenoses to get the stupid f***ing hose clips used on various things (radiator, power steering, etc.) off. Replace them with regular screw-down hose clamps once they're off.

Metric and standard sockets. You'll be surprised at where you use a metric tool all the way up to the step where you need something in SAE.

Worklamp.

Tie-downs, ratchet straps, duct tape, and other general gerry-rigging equipment if you're out in the middle of nowhere.

if you ever pull your motor apart from the transmission you'll need a internal torx bit. what size I don't know but you will need it.

The one for the tranny is an E12.

If you remove the fenders you'll need a T27, not always present in sets.

If you have an 87 or thereabouts, you'll need a 7 mm. allen wrench for the front brakes, also sometimes missing from sets. Worth looking at your brake caliper bolts in advance of your next brake job to make sure you have what you need. Later ones use a standard hex bolt.

You should also check your transfer case drain plug. They differ, but some use a 30 mm. socket.

Also make sure your wrench sets include 18 mm, which is used in the front end and suspension. It's becoming more common now, but this used to be a "non-size" in most sets. The cylinder head uses 16 mm., another uncommon size, but that's one you can hope you'll never need anyway.

Although most of the fasteners on the XJ are metric, the brake lines are not. So you might want to add a 3/8 & 7/16 flare-nut wrench to the list.

We sell a torx bit socket set at NAPA for right around the $20 mark lifetime warranty as well. Worth putting them in your tool box.

Another internal torx socket needed is E-16 for the brake caliper bolts.

The calipers on my 90 are 12 point. Does this change on later models?

thecozmo65 said:

The calipers on my 90 are 12 point. Does this change on later models?

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nope same here on my 99

dakotus said:

nope same here on my 99

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mine is a 13mm 12 point on an 89

Thanks for all the replies. Quite a few tools I need to add to the collection.