I was thinking we should start a one list of every size nut and bolt for each component our cars. Wouldnt it be nice to be able to have a reference of every size wrench needed for the job that needs to be done. For example, the fuel pump swap. Theres many tools required for the job, ive done it over 4 times (not just my car) and everytime i spend at least 1/2 the time testing the fitment of wrenches, nobody wants to strip anything. Its a good idea. things like the brake bleeder wrench size, or the rear suspension bolt sizes along with a list of torque. It would be a step forward to finishing the job right. For example the list would help me out right now, Im replacing the idler arm and i cant seem to find the size socket and i cant place my caliper measuring tool on the nut to measure it like i normally would. What do you think about the list...

 

I moved this to the Tech/General forum as it would be the best place for such a project - if it would work. The best way to do something like this is by actually just starting it. If it grows, it can be made into a Sticky and/or Technical article.

 

10mm, times a million - that covers the body panels, and 7mm times a million, that covers the interior

 

8mm seems to come in handy alot

 

Those are head sizes, not bolt sizes.

 

I think the OP did want to know head sizes, since he referred to wrench and socket sizes.

 

Rear suspension torque specs:
Nut, shock absorber to upper mount...13 ft lbs
Nut, shock absorber to axle...70 ft lbs
Bolt, track bar to axle...93 ft lbs
Nut, track bar to body bracket...58 ft lbs
Nut, track bar brace to body bracket...58 ft lbs
Screws, track bar brace to body brace bracket...34 ft lbs
Bolt, control arms (both ends)...68 ft lbs
Bolt, torque arm outer bracket to trans., 200c...20 ft lbs, all other trans...31 ft lbs
Nut, torque arm to rear axle differential...100 ft lbs
Bolt, stabilizer shaft to body bracket...12 ft lbs
Screw, stabilizer bracket to body... 35 ft lbs
Nut, stabilizer shaft clamp to U-bolt... 20 ft lbs
Bolt, Axle bumper bracket to underbody...20 ft lbs

That should help you with your gas tank swaps

gas tank strap to underbody bolts (two different torque specs are given in my service manual)...25/26 ft lbs
horizontal bolt through gas tank straps and underbody...8 ft lbs

 

Just stock a lot of 3/8 inch with a 16 pitch thread. All different lengths. That will cover probably 75% of drive train.

 

im going to construct a list, should be about a week or two before ill be ready with a rough starting draft. lil bit more time but it'll be worth it, but good side, i found the size socket needed for the idler arm, 18mm, haa! 3/4" fit loosely, and 17mm was tight. My wrench set didnt include it, i didnt want to use flare. The best place to get tools is the flea market. thousands of sockets for pennys, i paid 4 bucks just now at AZ. geez. I used this list to help narrow down sizes. peace

 

Ok, check this out... First you've got 10 years of production. Then you've got 2 distinct makes. Of those two makes you've got how many models? Each of these changes means unique parts and hardware. Then take into account the various drivetrain changes, and generic/universal/replacement hardware, and you're talking about a huge undertaking.

After you work on these cars a bit, you can usually look at a bolt, or feel it with your fingertips and have a really good idea what tool you're going to need.

For torque specs, and general troubleshooting it's hard to beat a GM/HELM service manual for your car. You can buy them new for $100 or used on ebay. An average price is around $40 for a used manual. If you own the car, you should own the matching manual.

In general, if you want to know what tools you'll need, a basic mechanics tool set with SAE and Metric wrenches, 1/4" 3/8" 1/2" drive sockets, and ratchets will get you pretty far. A basic set of hex and torx sockets also comes in handy often. Add a set of screwdrivers, and a breaker bar or two, and there isn't much you can't get apart.

Further, nearly everything in the interior, body, suspension, and intake will be metric. All the hardware on the engine itself will be SAE.

 

Don't use metric wrenches on SAE stuff, and SAE wrenches on metric stuff, even if it is a close fit, as suggested by the conversion chart you posted. It will only help you destroy otherwise perfectly fine pieces of hardware.

And I also do not recommend buying the cheapest tools you can find, that is another way to destroy otherwise perfectly fine pieces of hardware (and injure yourself). You'll only regret it later as you find that you could have saved those pennies you spent on cheap tools, and spent them later on quality tools.

 

when changing a tranny, nearly all the big stuff can be removed with a 15mm wrench.

the pan bolts are 14mm
driveshaft is held in by 4 10mm bolts