Learning To Work on Truck

I just got a Tacoma and I’d really like to learn some basic maintenance stuff. I’m wondering the best place to start as far as resources.

Any advice would be great!

thanks

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-diy-maintenance-quick-reference.406712/

You can use YouTube and look up all sorts of videos for these trucks. Whatever you need to do has probably been done and use the search function and there’s probably plenty of threads on what you’ll want to do

 

10mm sockets and wrenches will be your friend, 12mm is as well

 

YouTube is a great resource! Hell, I've been wrenching on my own rides for 20 years and still go to YouTube first to get an idea about what I am bout to get myself into!

 

Yes this! I do the same and been turning wrenches for near 35 years.
A good service manual is beneficial too.

 

I have a PDF version, I believe someone posted it on TW.

 

Find some local groups, you'll probably find some folks that not only will help, but also have some pretty nice garage/tools setups.

 

I've watched a lot of youtube videos as well, some are better than others. I've also had to add some bigger ticket items to the garage arsenal: decent floor jack and stands being the biggest so far.

 

1) Use this forum
2) Use YouTube and Google
3) READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL for things like oil type, tire pressure, and other recommended periodic checks

Even though the 3rd Gen is “modern”, meaning there are sensors and wires everywhere, they are incredibly well-designed and quite easy to service (maintain and also upgrade).

You can save a lot of $$$ and obtain a great sense of pride for even the simple things. For example, once you roll 5000 miles, rotate your tires yourself. (You need to be able to change a tire anyway in the event of a flat). While you have the wheel removed, just LOOK AROUND at the brakes and suspension and you will have already learned,

 

People can post any thing they want on Utube be careful what you read.

 

Agreed, the videos are good to see the how-to-steps but I always look for multiple sources and look for feedback in the forums.

 

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the new truck!

The first and best resource is your owners manual. You should browse it from cover to cover, this will not only familiarize you with your new ride but also when you do have a question you will think "wait a minute, I read about that..." and be able to quickly find the information.

You should spend much more time digesting section 7 of the manual, Maintenance and Care, read it and re-read it. This section details the service and lubrication specifications and intervals, directly from Toyota engineers, a much better source of information than some guy at the auto parts store.

The most important part of a maintenance plan is observation. Pick a day each week, Saturday morning for example, to take a few minutes and do your walk around and fluid checks. For example, if you check the engine oil every week after a few months you know exactly what the level should be before you pull the stick. If you are suddenly a quart low you immediately notice and can investigate further.

Finally, never be afraid to ask a question, everybody has to start out at the beginning and there are many people here who are glad to help you learn.

 

If I wanted to work on my truck, I would have bought a Ford!!!

 

Check out the stickies in this forum. Also buy a creeper, it is much better than cardboard lol. Finally, take pictures before you remove stuff and any time you think you might forget something, it has saved my butt so many times...

 

Also make sure it is the same gen as yours, lots of times they don't mention the year and it's close but ..not.. quite.

 

Welcome to the forum. Here’s a piece of advice for you, if you’re going to work on anything electrical, disconnect the battery first! Lots of horror stories on here about frying electronics.

 

Very good point! There's a post a week here about an electrical gremlin often as a result to an aftermarket doodad added,,,, even something as simple as something plugged in to the 12v socket or a new LED bulb somewhere.

 

I always enjoy the posts where they drain the transmission and put motor oil in.

 

Damn, thanks! I heard good things about this forum. Pretty cool. Thanks for all the help. I’m definitely looking forward to learning/doing.

 

Welcome to the forum! It's great that you want to learn more about your truck and could save you some headaches later if you have problems off-road or in a rural area.

My suggestions from someone who has been playing a mechanic in his garage for the past 25 years or so:
1) Find a friend/relative/neighbor/forum buddy/etc who can mentor you. Most people don't mind sharing their knowledge
2) Read everything you can about your truck. Know what the common failures are, what should be done when and what parts/fluids you'll need are.
3) Pick a brand of oil and defend it to the teeth on the Internet!
4) Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone does though few are willing to admit them.
5) Buy the best tools you can afford to.
6) Don't rush. Everything takes longer than it should the first time you do it. I can do an oil change on my mid '90's Toyota T100 P/U in under 15 mins, because I've been doing them on that truck since the mid 90's. The first time I did an oil change on my Taco it took an hour because I wanted to take my time and see how everything was put together.
7) Youtube videos are good and at least will give you an idea of what to expect. Forums (like this one) are a useful tool as well.
8) Buy some coveralls. It'll help keep your clothes nice and will put you in the mindset that you're doing work.