Beginner mechanic help

After driving nearly every truck known to man, I'm 110% decided on a 2000-2004 Tacoma. Problem is, I can't yet find the one I want. I did drive one that ran like a top the other day, but I don't think I like the color enough (I know, I'm picky).

So I don't have a truck yet, but once I get one, I'd like it to be the first vehicle that I maintain and repair myself, if possible. Is this a terrible idea? I've never even done an oil change, but things like the deck plate mod and what not seem like great little projects. Does anybody have any recommendations on where a complete mechanical newcomer should start? I've heard of Hayne's manuals and things of that nature, or is it best to just learn as problems arise? Any and all advice is welcomed and appreciated.

 

Regular maintenance should prevent a lot of problems from arising. That's why most fleet shops call themselves PM shops (preventative maintenance). For example: changing your engine oil prevents your engine from failing. I think the best thing would be for you to learn from someone seasoned in working on vehicles. Learn to change oil, spark plugs, coolant, timing belts, water pumps, trans fluid, diff fluid, D all the above, you know? A little experience can prevent a lot of headache and wallet ache.

 

It's a great truck to learn on. You're best getting the Toyota manual online and watching youtube videos of specific things you want to do.

Most people start off with little things like LED lights inside the truck, upgrading headlights etc... then work their way up through technical work.

 

find a haynes manual, a factory service manual, and a scheduled maintenance list.

Do whatever services are required at your milage (oil, fluids, lube, inspections of various components, etc)

Find broken parts, look up how to fix them, repair, repeat.

Thats what I've done and I feel continuously more confident to do more involved repairs

 

I like your approach to getting into this. I've always wanted to be able to do more mechanical things myself but I get intimidated easily.

 

I have always tried to do all of my own maintenance. I just finished lots of maintenance items in the last month "ball joints, control arm/steering rack/sway bar bushings, struts, radiator". Saves you lots of money and gives you a good feeling knowing you did.. haha. It's a great truck and fairly easy to maintain and put high miles on with minimal issues.

 

This forum is a wealth of knowledge and people willing to help you out. You've got to start somewhere. Start small with things like oil changes and work your way up as you get comfortable. I've pulled, rebuilt, and reinstalled engines and remember being unsure about doing my first brake job. It is really about attention to detail and being able to follow directions.

 

Righty tighty, lefty loosey.


Going from not ever doing an oil change to 100% sole mechanic is a little ambitious. Doing useless bolt-ons isnt hard, doesnt really do much for your mechanical knowledge though. But the above will come in roughly 100% of the time.

 

Do you have any friends that are mechanically inclined? If so, have them on standby in case you get into something that's over your head. You've already received a lot of good advice. How are you fixed for tools?

 

Now is the time to invest in a good set of tools that have a lifetime warranty. If you plan to get into doing your own mechanical work or even just odd jobs around the house, you can never go wrong with tools.

I would not recommend the (princess auto / harbor freight) brand for tools you plan on using a lot ...... but this brand is excellent for the one off sockets you will need to do a specific job. Around here its like the dollar store for tools, perfect for that 24mm socket @$19.99 that you will use a handful of times. For me i also stay away from the tool van brands, most of my tools are master craft or craftsman brand middle of the road and always bought on sale

As for mechanical ability the resources that are available to people who want to learn are out there, such as this web site (thanks TW), youtube, google search. BUT research the job you want to do, just because its on the internet does not mean its the right way to do it.


I say GO FOR IT ! i have many friends who pay big $$ to get simple things done with their cars

 

I was actually just going to ask about tools. Has anybody on here ever compiled a list of socket sizes and other tools that are a must for working on a first gen? Or just mechanical work in general? As I said, I know nothing. Am I going to need anything super expensive like a lift?

 

I do have one friend that could definitely help out. I would probably plan my larger jobs around my breaks from work (I teach year round). That way, if anything goes wrong, at least I'll be on a more flexible schedule.

 

I'd suggest 2 quality Jack stands,A vehicle repair manual, box of disposable gloves, a set of mechanics gloves (for changing tires and general dirty work) A set of coveralls,Drop light & flashlight, Quality wire Crimper like the red one below, (I never had good connections when I used the yellow type shown below) Volt Ohm meter, Test light, Tire P.S.I. gauge with bleed capability,Flare nut wrenches for brake fittings, A "C" clamp for pushing brake rotor pistons back in (you don't need a special tool when replacing brake pads) 3 Lb hammer, Spark plug sockets 5/8 in & 13/16 in with rubber center. Dual lug nut socket like the one below.(I use an adapter on my drill to remove lug nuts once I loosen them) A tool to remove the Brake shoe springs & retainer. & finally & Click type torque wrench.

Tip;When you work on brakes. Do one side at a time. That way you have a reference you can look at.
Dual lug nut socket like the one below.
Tip; Put a layer of hand lotion on before you start mechanic work. Grease will wash off easier.
Tip; Verify Torque settings with a second opinion online or wherever before you snap an important part.
Tip;You've removed a number of different length bolts & don't know where they go back. A paperclip or drill bit will tell you the depth of each hole.

These are the tools I use most.


OK guys, what else did I leave out?

 

Op I am just curious how old you are .

How you managed this long without doing any vehicle maintenance.

 

Just get a good Craftsman ratchet set in metric and craftsman metric open end wrenches. 8mm to 19 mm covers a lot of what you'll be wrenching on starting out. You'll occasionally need bigger sizes but that would get you going. Usually Ace Hardware will have a deal on a craftsman chest toolbox outfitting with a socket and wrench set for $150-200. I buy craftsman because if I break a wrench or socket, I take it back and get a free replacement. Best thing to do is realize that for the most part, your truck is just pieces put together in a certain order and held in with nuts or bolts. Anybody can work on their own truck if you use common sense and work methodically. As you take something apart, lay the parts, nuts, bolts out in order of removal. When you reassemble, just start at the end and work your way back. Buy a Haynes manual and torque wrench if you start doing more advanced stuff and torque averything to speq. Don't be freaked out by it just study and learn and your comfort level will grow. A few years ago all I would do is mostly oil changes and small stuff. Now I have rebuilt my front end, swapped suspension, etc. Just takes time.
If you invest the time, you'll be glad you did.
Good luck!
@cruisedon66 gave some sound advice, what he listed should definitely be in your toolbox.

 

You're kidding, right?

While the OP may or may not be young, there are hundreds of thousands of owners out there that can barely open the hood, much less do anything once under there.

It's not because they 'can't' in most cases, it's because they don't want to.

Dealerships, AAA, cell phones, maybe an independent mechanic, maybe a tire shop and a Jiffy Lube. Even come to you detailing.

It's all they want or need. And some of those are quite well taken care of. It just costs the owner more.

 

Hell ya bill! Let's encourage and help guys

 

Craftsman may or may not be the go to tool for us DIY types anymore.

There are other lifetime warranty handtools out there. I would not be afraid of buying Craftsman in the used market. eBay, garage sales, estate sales, pawn shops. Because then the warranty is insignficant compared to a replacement price.

OP, for your wrenches, I'd recommend combination (box one end, open the other). It will give you more flexibility with 1/2 the tools.

For your sockets, I recommend 6 point, not 12. Until you can afford/need a dual set. 6 point will give the best grip, less likely to round off anything. 12 point will have thinner walls and be a bit more maneuverable in some situations, but more likely to round off a tight fitting.

It's pretty amazing what can be accomplished with a few simple handtools. Then add specifics as the need arises or you advance in your skills.

 

You might want to buy a cylinder compression gauge and read up on how to to a "Dry test VS a "wet test"
This will help you when buying a used vehicle.

 

You know I wasn't speaking to the OP, right?

Just pointing our to Wyoming that not everyone is DIY inclined, regardless of age.

While I am, I understand (well kind of) why someone may not be.

See post 18 for some help to the OP