Tools...
A pretty simple toolbox is all that's required to perform most maintenance on the Mule. While there
are special tools to perform some very specialized work, they are not necessary. Some maintenance may
require tools that are not common to everyones tool box but I have found they can be "borrowed" from
your local parts store.
There are some homemade and/or modified tools others have made and many of them
can be found on the G503 Forum.
General Tools
These are tools that you should probably have in your everyday toolbox. (Or close by.)
6 point sockets
A set of high quality 6 point sockets is essential. Many times bolts and nuts become frozen due
to rust and corrosion. 6 point sockets are stronger and grip more surface area and
won't round the bolts and nuts.
Line Wrenches
Sooner or later you will have to work on the fuel system: gas tank, fuel pump, carburetor. Standard wrenches will round the line connectors whereas line wrenches will grip all 6 edges and make disassembly much easier.
Grease Gun
There are quite a few grease points on the Mule. These should be attended to
as prescribed in the Lube Order for your specific model. Although some points
say monthly, if you don't use your mule heavily, you can do it less frequently.
Use a high quality grease. That topic is covered in the EPA section.
Gear Oil Filler Spout
There are many fill holes to put gear oil in the drivetrain. Some of these are not easy to
get direct access to. The
Hopkins FloTool Gear Oil Filler Spout
is a handy accessory to
overcome this. It screws onto a quart or gallon container, has the ability to turn the flow
on/off with a twist of the cap and includes a storage cap to keep the spout clean.
Spark Plug Socket
The Mule uses aviation type spark plugs and requires a deep, thinwall
7/8" socket. A good spark plug socket for this application is the
ATS950.
This is a true spark plug socket and holds/aligns the plug better than a
standard deep well socket. Shop around for the best price.
Long Drive Pin Punch Set
Yearly maintenance should be performed on the hubs. Removing the lift ring
requires a long drive pin punch to drive out the spring pin.
A good set can be found at
Harbor Freight.
Manual Impact Hammer
Gas tank, muffler, tow bar bracket, etc. bolts can be very difficult to loosen. They are phillips
head screws and the easiest way to loosen them is to use a manual impact hammer. Striking the tool
keeps the driver in the head while at the same time providing a jaring twist to loosen the bolt.
They are fairly cheap and good to have as they can be used anywhere there is a stubborn fastner.
The one from
Harbor Freight is fairly cheap.
Propane Torch
A small hand held propane touch can be invaluable when working with stubborn fasteners. A small amount of heat can help release the rust to easy removal.
Nice To Have Tools
These are tools that will make your life easier when working on the Mule.
Thread Chaser
Many of the bolts and nuts that come off a Mule are rusty, grimy and corroded. Thread Chasers are designed not only to clean threads but reform or repair threads as well. Taps and Dies are made to cut threads and many times will either make threads loose by removing material or worse get cross threaded. A decent small set is available from
Summit Racing (SUM-900199) but are available from other sources as well.
Transmission Shifter Seal Remover Installer
To properly remove and install the selector shaft seals in the transmission this tool is essential. Be aware there are 2 different length tools. Make sure to get the longer one as the shorter one won't reach the inner seal on the Hi/Low selector shaft. Search for SCHLEY PRODUCTS 96480 TRANSMISSION SEAL REMOVER/INSTALLER
Safety Wire Twisting Pliers
These are perfect when installing new boots. They twist the wire evenly and makes it easy to adjust the wire tension to get a good seal. Also use when installing safety wire when installing the drive shaft bolts to the brake drum.
Loaner Tools
There are many loaner tools that can be borrowed ( deposit required ) at you
local auto parts store.
Pilot or blind bearing puller and slide hammer
This tool is invaluable for removing needle bearings in the drop axles. The one I use is like the one
from
Autozone.
I just go and get the loaner along with a slide hammer and have it back the same day.