How/Where can I learn more about my truck as a home mechanic?

Definitely want to do this at some point when I haven enough space. I want an old Tacoma or ranger to build up for auto cross.

 

working on stuff is really not so bad.

there's also team oil drop, which is almost entirely toyota tacoma specific info
https://www.youtube.com/@teamoildrop

other things to remember:

curse words break things loose.

if it's not moving, and should be, re-assess what you're doing, and why it's not moving-- many times, there's a missed a locking tab/fastener/clip.

oh, and

 

And be prepared to screw up sometimes. It’s part of the discipline. Do your best not to bust anything. But know that it could happen and it’s part of the process.

Oh! And be careful with the electrical system and use jack stands when the truck is jacked up.

 

I’m honestly most concerned about the electrical system That’s something I haven’t messed with at all before and I feel like modern vehicles are so much easier to fry with all their components.

 

How to gain more experience? Buy a 90's or early 2000's Toyota truck/suv and go to town on all the things it will need. Most of them need valve cover gaskets, tune ups, oil leaks, suspension noises, etc. The best way to learn is to do the work, not go to school for it. Good luck to ya and it's nice to see someone that actually wants to learn about their truck.