Wishful Thinking?

Been considering one of these for awhile...

I need or want this

 

that's what i have. believe it is a pittsburgh product. of course, i use jack stands... always use jack stands...

 

My jack is too small after the lift I think

 

cheap shitty junk from kmart.. when you are poor. dumb and a kid.. and it's all you got. haha...

my 1/2 in is craftsman and my 3/8's is master mechanic. 20+ years in and it's still kicking

 

Stock jack or other? My NAPA floor jack still works on the front jack point and under the rear axle. I still keep the stock jack in the truck, as well as a bottle jack. Might as well mention there's a 60" hilift jack in the truck too. The floor jack and jack stands stay at home.

 

The only time I've used my swivel head ratchet was when installing my engine block heater. I bought it for this job - stubby handle is key.

 

The thing that made me buy one was being able to use it as a ratcheting screwdriver basically. Instead of using extensions for recessed bolts you can just go straight at it.

Plus the fact that the Pittsburgh Pro has a bright green handle is great since I always lose shit.

 

So I know this stuff is pre-school grade stuff for yall, but I tonight changed my cabin and engine air filter, front diff/transfer case oil, pretty much by myself, with a few tips and hints from a mechanic at my side, in his driveway. He opted NOT to teach me in his shop because he was saying that I'd likely NOT be at the shop when doing maintenance, and he wanted me to have the full experience. Leaves in hair and rocks in skin, and all. And I have to say, I was totally excited and geekin out the WHOLE time while he talked to me about what the parts do and how they interact. WIN.

 

Hell yeah, congrats!! Now you've learned that diff oil smells terrible. Hope you wore gloves!

 

Ez pz good job!!

 

Well good for you!

Keep at it you'll like yourself more afterwards, your getting there (and if it makes you feel any better everyone here has started off just like yourself at one time or another).

 

well doen

 

great link thanx

 

Haven't seen this pop up for an update, glad you're getting dirty. We expect that manual I sent to have at least 3 new ring stains by the end of the year, btw.

 

Got hung up when I went to do the transmission fluid and rear diff bc I lost the f'ing crusher washers, swinging by my buddy's shop to get a few more today. Should be getting at it this week...

 

There is no substitute for experience so I'm glad to see you want to jump in and get greasy!
A few tips:
-- Whatever service/repair you are doing, read through the process thoroughly, twice. Then look up pictures of other people doing the same job so you have some familiarity before even starting (Youtube is very helpful).
-- Know that some jobs will not go smoothly, no matter how much preparation you've done. You will get frustrated and you will invent new curse words. This is normal. Most of us have been there and we learn to deal with it. Take your time, and take breaks. Maybe get a radio and play some music while you wrench, this helps me a lot.
-- Torque wrenches are very important for some jobs. Anti-seize can be even more important than torque wrenches.
-- Don't believe everything you hear or read online. Reputable sources are out there, seek them out.
-- Know your limits. I've been wrenching for 35 years and I still take some work to the professionals (e.g. transmission rebuilds)
-- Don't take chances with critical components. If you aren't confident doing a brake job, alignment, wheel bearings, trans fluid change, etc... don't mess around, take it to a good garage.

Suggested first projects (in this order):
inspect/replace wiper blades
check all fluids (including differential and transmission)
remove/replace wheels including spare (lug nut familiarity)
inspect/replace serpentine, inspect idler/tensioner pulleys
maybe do an oil/filter change under supervision of your pro friend

Hope this helps you... good luck... and try to enjoy your work in between the wrench throwing and frantic internet searches

EDIT: I should have read more recent posts, you are well on your way! Cheers!

 

I think Kobalt makes pretty good tools, and they're cheap. I think this is the same set I bought 3 years ago when I started my first job working on cars.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-300-Piece-Standard-SAE-and-Metric-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set/4640237

I have kobalt impact sockets as well that I've used everyday for the last 3 years, and have yet to crack one. I prefer them over craftsman stuff.

 

I just bout three different sized rather and a 24mm socket made by Kobalt.

 

So... an issue I'm running into is not having a level place to work... how do I work around this? My neighborhood is kinda hilly and the driveway is at a steep angle.

 

Mine is too, and that limits you a lot. Just know you'll only be able to take off the front two or two rear two tires at a time.

Let's say I need to take off the front tires. I'll put a wheel chock behind each rear wheel, then put the truck in N and let it roll back putting all the weight on the chocks. Then I'll put on the parking brake and put it back in gear.

Letting it roll back in N ensures it won't shift backwards while the front is in the air.