Hey everyone! I've finally decided to tackle some long-overdue suspension work on my 1989 Chevy K1500. I'm planning to replace the shocks, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, and while I'm at it, I might as well change the brakes too. It's been about 20 years since any of this has been touched. No salted roads here, but I'm sure there'll be some rust on those nuts and bolts.
I'm thinking of picking up the new M12 Stubby 3/8" impact (maybe the 1/2" as well). From what I've read in reviews, it seems like a solid option for this kind of work. However, I'm wondering if the M18 mid-torque would actually be beneficial, considering it only has a 100 ft-lb rating over the M12 Stubby? Any insights would be appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
The M12 is great if you only need full power occasionally, but it does drain batteries quickly. The M18 mid-torque is built for sustained power, so it will be more reliable over time. But if you’re tight on space, the stubby might be the better choice for your setup since it’s more compact.
As a shop owner with a full range of Milwaukee impacts, I can tell you that the M12 Stubby just won’t cut it for suspension work on this truck. You’ll likely find that even the mid-torque struggles with tasks like pressing in or out ball joints and control arms; these jobs need some serious power.
Oof, thanks for the reality check. Guess I need to rethink my choices!
I really like my M12 Stubby, but for auto work, I usually reach for my full-size 1/2 inch impact. If you're dealing with rusty parts, I highly recommend investing in air tools as well. A 6-gallon compressor is affordable, and air tools from places like Harbor Freight can get the job done. An air hammer is especially handy for those pesky rusted bolts!
Is a 6-gallon compressor enough CFM for air tools?
True, I’ve got three 5.0 M12 batteries ready, so power shouldn’t be an issue for me. Since I’ll be working in tight spaces, I think the stubby is a must-have. Just unsure if the mid-torque adds much value in my case.