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There seem to be several new member who recently got M37s. They represent a significant investment...but like all hobbies you have to have the tools....However you most of us cannot afford every tool made. Also I am assuming that you will not be overhauling the engine or transmission... so...

I have given some thought as to what I would consider must haves vs. would be nice to have.

Feel free to add your thoughts.

Must Haves (In addition to a basic set of hand tools with torque wrench)

Water proof ignition adapter set

8 sided axle nut wrench

1-1/2 socket for lug nuts (will have to be 3/4 drive but you can get an adapter to 1/2 drive

Multi-Meter

Vacuum Gauge.. (many will double as fuel pump pressure test)

Spark Plug tester light ($2.99 at Harbor Freight yes it will work on mil spec plugs if you use it backwards

Timing light 12v is ok you just have to have a power source

Jack and stands

Manual--Manuals--Manuals!!!!!!!!

Nice to haves:
Drag Link sockets (for drag links and brake drum screws)

Compression Tester

Leak Down Tester

Tachometer

Low Voltage test set

This list can get really long

If you are going to own a 50+ year old truck you have to have some support tools

I have a new to me M37, but have been involved with MVs for 25 years and have owned a couple of M151s, a M211, a M35A2, a M1009, a M1028 and a few trailers. So I've collected most of the parts listed, but I agree that if your new and just starting out in this hobby a the must have list is good. I would add a good six point and 12 point socket set and a good set of both open and boxed ended wrenches and a 8-10lbs hammer. Sometimes old things only come apart with brute force!

"Budget essentials?" Here's what you really need:

Pliers, 1 ea.

Driver, Screw, 1 ea.

Wire, Baling, 10 ft.

Tape, Duct, 1 roll

Card, Towing, AAA, 1 ea.

Card, Credit, Visa/MasterCharge, 1 ea.

The entire kit should fit in the glove box and weigh less than 2 pounds.

Lifer wrote:"Budget essentials?" Here's what you really need:

Pliers, 1 ea.

Driver, Screw, 1 ea.

Wire, Baling, 10 ft.

Tape, Duct, 1 roll

Card, Towing, AAA, 1 ea.

Card, Credit, Visa/MasterCharge, 1 ea.

The entire kit should fit in the glove box and weigh less than 2 pounds. ;)

Damb turns out I bought all the wrong stuff

A starter wrench is another useful tool to add to the kit, pictured here on my spare starter and clutch housing. Carter

A couple of needed items include a good lever type grease gun, Drain pan, funnels, gear oil bucket pump manual of course. good light and smoth hard surface to work from. Also I prefer to use oil adsorbant mats instead of oil dry. Having been involved in heavy equipment repair business for 20plus years I have a very large assortment of air, electric, and hand tools.

I've found a gear puller, slide hammer, and breaker bar to be invaluable tools for working on these trucks.

Bible!