Tool advice for building?

[Leo Zugner]

Before I start with my Cobalt tear down and Goblin build, I’m wondering about advice for tools we might not assume we need? I’m specifically wondering if I’ll need an engine hoist? Or would a dolly do the trick? Any suggestions beyond that?

 

[Ross]

I lowered the Cobalt subframe, engine and transmission onto a couple of furniture dollies.

Then with the radiator and bumper removed, was able to lift the remaining Cobalt shell up, and slide the subframe, engine, and transmission out.
Here is another option if you have access to the ceiling of a garage.

 

[Leo Zugner]

Great. So a crane wasn’t needed to take pressure off the engine bolts?

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Since your donor is headed to the boneyard, cut the front of the Cobalt frame and bumper out and just roll the drivetrain and subframe out - minimal lifting needed.

 

[Ross]

I did that too. You can push up on the engine block with a floor jack, or use a sky crane to lift up on the engine hoisting mounts.
Personally, I find an engine hoist a big piece of equipment to store, and rarely used... I have made a lifting frame out of 2x4 and 2x6s before. That at least breaks down, and gets reused.

 

[Ark :D]

If you don't already have a good cordless impact drill and a socket set (including a 19mm deep socket as well as whatever size is needed for your axle nuts), a quality 1/2" drive torque wrench, a breaker bar, a T50 torx bit, and a heat gun ... I highly recommend acquiring all of those. Additionally, a low-profile floor jack and four jack stands, or at least a few blocks of solid 4x4" wood, will come in very handy.

 

[Leo Zugner]

Excellent! I have a few of those and now an excuse to get the rest! Thank you.

 

[Rttoys]

tool list

I searched for a tool list and have not found one, yet. I know that the majority of the tools needed are normal, standard sizes. But, there are some outliers that I have come across already like - 35mm socket for my axle nut, fuel line connector release tool, T50 Torx socket, etc. I know some...

dfkitcar.com

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench with Friction Ring w/XC 5.0 Ah Battery 2967-20-48-11-1850 - The Home Depot

Remodify your tool kit by adding this Milwaukee M LithiumIon Brushless Cordless Impact Wrench with Friction Ring.

www.homedepot.com

 

[Rttoys]

A dolly as Ross posted and 2 floor jacks will get the whole drivetrain out.

 

[Robinjo]

Isn't the axle nut 30mm? I can't remember, it's been a bit since I took one out. If you are taking the flywheel off you need a set of E-torx sockets. I think E30 was the one if your trying to only buy one socket.
I used a cherry picker to pull the engine. It was a little trouble and wish I had just done the dolly method.

 

[Ark :D]

The axle nuts on my '08 SS/TC were 35mm, but I think they are smaller on LS and SC models.

 

[comegetjoe]

The axle nuts on my '08 SS/TC were 35mm, but I think they are smaller on LS and SC models.

36mm?

 

[Ark :D]

36mm?

99% sure they're 35mm. I'll take a look at my socket when I get home from work to confirm.

 

[Markm]

Metric and standard Allen wrenches or 3/8 drive bits. Fuel line disconnects especially 3/8

 

[Ark :D]

36mm?

Interestingly, all I can find now are a few 30's and a 32. So the mystery remains, haha!

 

[comegetjoe]

Interestingly, all I can find now are a few 30's and a 32. So the mystery remains, haha!

Keep searching for that 35mm my friend