Learning To Work on Truck

The best way I know to learn how to work on a Tacoma is to buy a Jeep or Scout.

 

LOL!

 

I agree. Before you take something apart, always ask yourself: What will I need to know to put this back together correctly?

Also, a lot of people make mistakes when they are tired, rushed or distracted so try to avoid those things.

 

My phone is FULL of these types of photos

 

I learned this lesson the hard way in my wood shop. I was pushing to complete a project. It was late, I was tired and taking short cuts. Fortunately, I didn't get hurt, but I had a serious kickback event from the tablesaw. The projectile bruised my forearm and came to rest lodged in the wall. Next morning, the project was warped out of shape because of the "short cuts" I took. Well, I repaired the drywall, scrapped the project, bought more wood and started over.

Lesson: When tired, rushed, distracted, hurried......then its time to STOP. Also, NO ALCOHOL when running power tools.

 

I think i can handle air filter or battery changes to. As far as stuff like spark plugs, and all fluid changes, i've done it in the past, plus having to take that crap to the recycling centers. I wouldn't be afraid to tackle it again, but its time for me to let someone else i trust do it. I think i've earned it.

 

Anyone know what this part is and if I can move it to install a duel battery system? Passenger side 2021 TRD off road

 

If that's the passenger's side fender, it's the security system horn.

 

Or an old motorcycle…

 

Yes, this is the passenger side and someone mentioned it was a horn but I didn’t put it together that it could have been a security system horn. I’ll give it a test tomorrow. Thanks

 

Yep, even better. Takes up a less room too.


Client of mine picked up an older 4Runner that had a misfire, and was filthy for $500. He fixed the misfire, cleaned it up, went through the whole thing. Looks pretty damn good now. Would of never known he paid $500 for it. Previous owner didn’t know how to work on vehicles and didn’t know what he had.

 

My biggest issue back in the day was too many beers on a hot summer day when working on my stuff. Always had some leftover hardware.

 

Simple mistakes can lead to catastrophic failures. When I was a teen, just got done doing the brakes on my ‘71 Chevelle. Was late and tire, forgot to tighten the lugs on one of the wheels. Took it for a test drive, got a few miles from the house and the wheel came off, thank goodness I wasn’t going fast. Bent the studs, screwed up the wheel. This was before cell phones, had to walk to a find a pay phone, called my dad to come get me. Left the car on the side of the road, came back the next day, and fixed it, put new studs in and tossed on the spare.

To this day I triple check the lugs.

 

Yup, it happens. My dad cut the tip of his ring finger off in July on a table saw. He was a printer (common to lose fingers) and has been a wood worker nearly his entire 70 years with no issues. He was rushing to get some work done before 4th of July, it was late and he made a mistake.

 

You Tube is good IF you have the experience to sort the wheat from the chaff.

I was fortunate enough to learn from master mechanics.

While you may not have that option, learning from experienced DIY'rs who are by your side would be my #1 choice

 

Some folks might find that post funny, but I owned Scouts for about 14 years before getting a Toyota. I learned a lot about working on cars.