Learning curve for repairing/maintaining own truck (1 Viewer)

[ybggziggy]

I've never worked on cars but I've come to realize that must change when I get a '73 series hopefully in the coming months; as one of you recently told me, you can't just throw a credit card at it (point well taken). Searching the forums I saw an encouraging thread started by a guy like me who received good feedback along the lines of get manuals, use this MUD site as a resource, and let the passion for your truck motivate you to learn through trial and error. I'm excited to sign up for that. But I'm interested in any feedback on the limitations I can expect. I imagine some repairs require tools or equipment that a hobbyist just wouldn't have. And I have to believe that some work is too cumbersome or challenging to do myself.

With manuals, the right tools (no clue where to start there), patience, effort, and of course $ is it realistic to think that one can quickly learn to knock out small stuff and in a year or two be on a good path toward taking care of most repair/maintenance work? If it helps responses, I'm coordinated, athletic, and a problem solver, but have zero experience. I'm not really looking for feedback on the truck, but I'm working to get a clean, near-factory, truck that doesn't need a lot of work to initially be a local daily driver alongside another vehicle, not a major project from the get-go. I'm thrilled about the prospect of finally owning and driving a car/truck that I love enough to stick with it for many years and be proud of all that goes into keeping it road-worthy.

Thanks!

 

[OGBeno]

Yeah. Go for it.

What have you got to lose?

 

[divemedic]

Go buy a 100-piece metric tool kit and a metric ratcheting wrench set. 80% of what needs fixing can be done with that.

The other 20% you probably can’t or shouldn’t do. This is when you decide to learn something new or throw a credit card at it.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

I realize you’re “not looking for feedback on the truck” but are you seeking a petrol or diesel Cruiser?

 

[ybggziggy]

Yeah. Go for it.

What have you got to lose?

Thanks

 

[ybggziggy]

Go buy a 100-piece metric tool kit and a metric ratcheting wrench set. 80% of what needs fixing can be done with that.

The other 20% you probably can’t or shouldn’t do. This is when you decide to learn something new or throw a credit card at it.

Very helpful, thanks!

 

[ybggziggy]

I realize you’re “not looking for feedback on the truck” but are you seeking a petrol or diesel Cruiser?

Diesel. I was just trying to focus my thread not slam the door on other thoughts.

 

[subzali]

Knowing how to work on cars is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because you are impowered to do your own repairs, a curse because you will spend a lot of time doing your own repairs because you know how to, and then it becomes a hobby so you spend all your money on your car

But go for it! Also get a 1/2” torque wrench at some point. Start with manual transmission and diff fluid changes. Then an oil change and grease your driveshafts. Replace your cap, rotor, and spark plugs and maybe wires. Then a coolant change. Then bleed your brakes and clutch. Then learn about brake adjustments and replacement. Then flush your power steering fluid. Then do a front axle service and learn about bearing packing and preload setting.

At this point you’ll be fairly comfortable with the basic work. From here the trucks needs will guide you, from suspension replacement, to getting back into the cooling system to do all hoses, thermostat, water pump, or doing A/C system work. After that you’ll be comfortable with the manual and tools and a head gasket job could be doable. Finally major engine bottom end work. Depending on your ability/capability, electrical system work may play in here and there. Starters and alternators are easy to replace but electrical troubleshooting/modifications take some learning and finesse that is a little different than mechanical systems.

Ask questions and search, it’s all been covered before! And have fun. Good luck

 

[stevenjj71]

Just do make sure you have that other vehicle handy as a daily driver. I'm not skilled, and I get tired easy! I take weeks to finish a truck project some times

It has been a lot of fun though - if somewhat terrifying at time - will this thing still work when I'm done? (so far it has!)

 

[ybggziggy]

Knowing how to work on cars is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because you are impowered to do your own repairs, a curse because you will spend a lot of time doing your own repairs because you know how to, and then it becomes a hobby so you spend all your money on your car

But go for it! Also get a 1/2” torque wrench at some point. Start with manual transmission and diff fluid changes. Then an oil change and grease your driveshafts. Replace your cap, rotor, and spark plugs and maybe wires. Then a coolant change. Then bleed your brakes and clutch. Then learn about brake adjustments and replacement. Then flush your power steering fluid. Then do a front axle service and learn about bearing packing and preload setting.

At this point you’ll be fairly comfortable with the basic work. From here the trucks needs will guide you, from suspension replacement, to getting back into the cooling system to do all hoses, thermostat, water pump, or doing A/C system work. After that you’ll be comfortable with the manual and tools and a head gasket job could be doable. Finally major engine bottom end work. Depending on your ability/capability, electrical system work may play in here and there. Starters and alternators are easy to replace but electrical troubleshooting/modifications take some learning and finesse that is a little different than mechanical systems.

Ask questions and search, it’s all been covered before! And have fun. Good luck

I’m going to print this, awesome feedback. Thanks!

 

[subzali]

With a diesel some things are different obviously, but drivetrain is still a good place to start. My advice is not have this as your only vehicle at least until you get some time getting to know it. Too stressful to have something wrong with it and nobody else can work on it. And hopefully you won’t have to do injectors or turbo work until you’ve got some time under your belt.

 

[ybggziggy]

Just do make sure you have that other vehicle handy as a daily driver. I'm not skilled, and I get tired easy! I take weeks to finish a truck project some times

It has been a lot of fun though - if somewhat terrifying at time - will this thing still work when I'm done? (so far it has!)

Great advice. It would be too stressful to not have another car throughout.

 

[ybggziggy]

With a diesel some things are different obviously, but drivetrain is still a good place to start. My advice is not have this as your only vehicle at least until you get some time getting to know it. Too stressful to have something wrong with it and nobody else can work on it. And hopefully you won’t have to do injectors or turbo work until you’ve got some time under your belt.

Great thoughts, thanks.

 

[FJ73Texas]

It is good advice to have another car to drive while you learn to work on the 70 series, but not only for that reason.

The other reason is that many times you will find yourself waiting on parts to arrive because some can not be gotten by a quick trip to Advance Auto Parts or your local Toyota dealer.

 

[JuanJ]

Go buy a 100-piece metric tool kit and a metric ratcheting wrench set. 80% of what needs fixing can be done with that.

The other 20% you probably can’t or shouldn’t do. This is when you decide to learn something new or throw a credit card at it.

Hello,

x2.

A torque wrench, all applicable Factory Service Manuals and access to a parts catalog are important as well.

A 10/12/14/19 millimeter wrench set and a Phillips screwdriver will be enough to tear apart most of the truck.

Some systems will require Special Service Tools or SSTs. However, everything is intended to be disassembled, repaired and re-assembled.

A second car is a must if you have to wait for parts to arrive.

The search function is your friend, and it is wise to use it before posting a question.







Juan

 

[ybggziggy]

Hello,

x2.

A torque wrench, all applicable Factory Service Manuals and access to a parts catalog are important as well.

A 10/12/14/19 millimeter wrench set and a Phillips screwdriver will be enough to tear apart most of the truck.

Some systems will require Special Service Tools or SSTs. However, everything is intended to be disassembled, repaired and re-assembled.

A second car is a must if you have to wait for parts to arrive.

The search function is your friend, and it is wise to use it before posting a question.







Juan

I really appreciate it, thanks!

 

[dcruiser666]

If your gonna go diesel do some research on fuel injection specialists in your area who are familiar with denso. A priceless resource is a fuel injection shop that does good work on your Toyota diesel near by.

 

[ybggziggy]

If your gonna go diesel do some research on fuel injection specialists in your area who are familiar with denso. A priceless resource is a fuel injection shop that does good work on your Toyota diesel near by.

Wouldn’t have thought of that, thanks.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Wouldn’t have thought of that, thanks.

Make sure the diesel shop you chose if necessary understands YOUR injector pump. A lot of shops, even the good ones, might have no experience with your particular pump.

 

[gilmorneau]

Toyota Factory Service Manual.
Decent set of metric tools.
And a willingness to learn.

Yeah. Go for it.
What have you got to lose?

At worst, some skin on your knuckles.