Zee, well thought out answer. This is what I was looking for, and is more in line with my own experience. I will then get the deeps as per need, and avoid them on my initial order. Very helpful specific needed answer. Thanks for seeing thru to the heart of the question.

Two more things though. First, when you said this,

..."Short sockets worked fine for tie rod ends and swaybar links. (17mm, I believe. I recall using an extension with it for the tie rod ends ...."

did you mean short as in specifically designed shorts sockets (meaning shorter than standard), or did you just mean standard length as compared to deep sockets?

Two, what is your opinion on adapting the drive up or down when using impacts? For example, using 1/2" drive impact socket, with 3/8" drive extension, on a 3/8 drive "hand" ratchet - is it awkward to use that way? Any clearance problems because of the thicker and longer 1/2" drive socket walls in tight engine work areas - (I only have 19 mm and larger impacts, and want to know if the smaller size impacts present any clearance problems with ANY engine work)?

And what about the opposite, using a 3/8 drive impact socket, with a 1/2 drive extension, and a 1/2" drive impact gun - is it safe? I heard that adapting up with impacts was a [do not do this] from an experienced mechanic. He said it is dangerous.

My reason for these last two questions is that I hate the redundancy of purchasing the same socket size, and same socket length, one in 3/8" drive, and another in 1/2" drive, if I can just get one for all and all for one. I would rather put the extra tool money out for deep welled sockets. I have been leaning toward 1/2" drive for this reason and using impacts by hand. I know DIY guys that have completely eliminated any 3/8" drive tools and use 1/4" and then skip up to 1/2" drive. They claim it works for the. Btw, 3/8" drive is, or at least was for many years, virtually unknown among European mechanics (possibly related to their metric sizing system). Isn't odd though, how they were all metric, except for their male drive ends? I mean why no metric drive ends instead of US SAE sizes? European tool catalogs I have bear this fact out.

But right now I use an [electric] gun (but plan on getting an air gun). So I thought maybe I could get my smaller size metrics (10 mm thru, say15 mm) in 3/8" drive impacts, and get a newer more efficient, higher torquing 3/8" drive air gun instead of the traditional high torque 1/2" air guns. And then and adapt up with a 1/2" extension if I needed to use my larger sockets, 17 mm and above. Perhaps that is the better solution. Btw, why do I even bother with impacts in smaller sizes? Well, for one reason, if no other, obviously they work better when you REALLY need to get something off that is stuck, and you don't break the [US made] impacts at anywhere near the same rate as you do thin walled chromies - God I hate chromed finishes. Wish all my tools were black oxide. Love em. Impacts give more choices. Hand use or gun use, as well as strength, for higher torque apps. And they can be had for very reasonable prices too. Major drawback I hear is clearance problems. Some say they are too heavy ... Well, to that I say, most tools are heavier than any socket anyway. But don't find it happens all that much. But to each his own.

Robert