do i need any special tools to take off the bolts that hold the calipers in place?

the truck i'm working on is from the Rust Belt and it shows. i have already stripped two of the caliper bracket retaining bolt heads and have a bolt extractor set arriving tomorrow.

any other tools or tips i might need?

 

I have used a large 19mmbox end and a sledge hammer. I could use a 12 point impact socket if I needed to but haven't so far. Could also use heat and penetrating oil....

 

hmm. we may be talking about different bolts.

the ones i am referencing are the bolts that hold the caliper to the swivel hub. they are 15 mm, rusted to hell and not hex heads.

page 886 of the D2 Workshop manual.

 

I just did my brakes, and I had no issues removing any of the bolts with my socket set and a breaker bar. Just make sure you're using 6 or 12 point sockets as needed, don't mix those up. And if everything is super rusted, penetrating oil and a torch are your friends (but you probably already knew that!). Good luck!