Learning To Work on Truck

While I don’t own a 3rd. I do find this site helpful at times.

https://www.ttguide.net/

 

Thanks for the tips. I was thinking of finding someone who might be able to show me some things. I’ll try and keep posted.

 

Tools. Lots of tools.

 

Yes, tools! And having specialized tools or proper tool for the job..
I'm looking at replacing a clutch soon, a job I haven't done in years, but the last time I did do a clutch (4x4 Toyota) the person who owned the truck borrowed a transmission jack from someone. I won't attempt to do this clutch job without one. Be $130.00 well spent and still hundreds cheaper than having someone else do it.

 

OP.

Get a few key items:
3 ton floor jack
2 - 3 ton jack stands
2 - Wheel Chocks
Metric tool set (Kobalt, Husky are sufficient)
Torque Wrench
Some type of "how to" book. Chiltons, Haynes, download from Net.
A notebook to keep records. Invoices, receipts, service records, repair parts, service logs

Start with the simple.
Oil change, tire rotation, windshield wipers, fluid changes, lubrication.......work up to the more complex Ie brakes, valve cover gaskets..... by then you will be well on your way.

 

Really basic maintenance is all a guy with little mechanical experience can learn for these vehicles today. You have to know electronics, and auto mechanics if going further. It was fun back in the day, but these are not your grandfathers trucks anymore. I feel bad for the young guys...its way harder than it use to be. I'm just glad i can afford a good tech now that up in years when needing service.

 

This guy has great Toyota specific videos:

https://youtu.be/ei5yC4IdDhs

https://youtu.be/0URaztDXHco

https://youtu.be/NUAuGmDGntY

Etc.


Also, I recommend watching this video once, so you develop comfort with the components of your drivetrain.

https://youtu.be/47m7QAPrpsI

 

A lot of aluminum and sheet metal, use a quality torque wrench.

 

Some great info on this thread.

Ed

****

 

Want to learn how to work on vehicles? Buy a beater.

I finally bought a new truck because I was tired of fixing the old one. Not even going to change my own oil anymore…

Did toss my snow tires on the other day, since it was fasted for me to do it rather than taking it in.

 

So you buy your first new vehicle and are willing to let some dipshit trainee learn how to work on vehicles by making his mistakes on yours?

Brilliant.

 

Well, you don’t buy a new truck with the intention of working on it. That is why you buy a new truck so you don’t have to work on it. And since he is new there is a good chance he’ll screw something up voiding the warranty. Like putting the oil filter on incorrectly, then running the thing out of oil. No one is really telling him that he will make mistakes, that is how you learn…which could be very costly.

If the dealer knuckle draggers screw up my new truck they surely are going to pay for it.

Want to learn? buy a beater to practice on. Wait until the new one is out of warranty before you start messing with it.

 

U Tube videos!
My 17 is a base SR with the 4 banger and I am really surprised at what I can do working on this truck.
I don't hesitate working on my classic cars but am reluctant to touch anything newer than 1990. Thats not the case with my Tacoma so far.

 

Obtain the service manual from Toyota, maybe someone here has it. Obtain the proper tools. Read the steps and have fun.

 

Same here. Even servicing my 2001 4.7 tundra was straightforward for me....but this v6 taco? where's the engine? must be buried somewhere under all that plumbing, and wires. We've got some good techs here very familiar with these gen3 trucks, so it comes to a point for me that its their's when time for service.

 

yea, i am an old fart and when i look under the hood i think i am not touching anything except oil change and air filter.

 

if i only had youtube 44 years ago wrenching on cars in the garage at the ripe young age of 16, i could have learned so many shortcuts back then...lol

 

Aside from all the great comments above me, I know confidence is an understated attribute before diving into any task. I would take a look at all the maintenance/modifications you want to do and rate them based on your comfort level. Start off with the easy ones (obviously) and keep building from there until you're used to ripping things apart and putting them back together. Also, when watching youtubes, try to find more than one how-to for the same thing you're trying to do. Sometimes, 1 or 2 things are assumed that you already know how to do and is skipped, leaving you in a frustrated tizzy.

Good luck and have fun!

 

Have been wrenching on stuff long before I even had a license. Plus we used own a construction company, always some effin’ machine that needed attention. Beyond over it, awfully nice paying someone else to do it now.