So I'm doing so maintenance work and need some help.

[ForrestRunner]

Okay so some of you might have read my other thread, but if not then here's a little info about my situation. I have a 95 V6 auto 2x4 and I need to do some maintenance on her as I just bought her and would like to start "fresh" in a manner of speaking. So I have 2 options. I could pay a bit of money and take her to a mechanic to do all of it or I could do it myself. I decided to do it myself. Only catch is I'm not super mechanically inclined, but I feel there are a few things to be gained here by doing it myself.
1) I can save a few bucks on all those labor charges
2) I can bond with ol' bessie (that's not her real name lol, I haven't decided on that yet)
3) I can learn how to work on cars now, better late than never right?

So I'm gonna need a little help. Here's what I got as far are basics to take care of:

• Oil change
• Spark plugs
• PCV valves
• Clean MAF sensors and throttle body
• Fuel Filter
• Transmission fluid
• Someone mentioned a tranny cooler? What is that?

Anyway's that's all I can think of but if you see that I've missed something please let me know.

Now the reason I'm making this a thread is because unfortunately I don't even know where to begin. I don't know which thing to do first, what will take the least amount of time, and what will be the easiest. So please I could use any advice y'all have got.

Thanks!

 

[BucknutBob]

First thing I would recommend is to go buy a repair manual, such as Haynes or Chiltons (at most auto parts shops such as Autozone, etc.), look up what you want to do in there, see what is involved, and then decide if you still think you can do it. Most of what you mentioned is fairly simple, but things like the transmission flush can be tricky, and you need to make sure of what cleaner you use on the MAF and intake (don't use carb cleaner--it can gum up the sensors and make it run worse). The transmission cooler is basically a small radiator for the trans fluid, and is often built inside the vehicle's radiator--look for small hoses going into the bottom of the radiator (other than the fat ones that carry coolant). Also, how is your tool supply? You'll need a decent set of basic hand tools with plenty of metric sockets, pliers, a spark plug socket, etc.. Oil change, plugs, and fuel filter should be fairly simple for a beginner--maybe start with those.

 

[ForrestRunner]

Yeah well as far as my tool supply goes it's pretty limited on advanced stuffed but I have basic sockets and wrenches stuff like that. I'm also relates harper7 and he should be able to show me the ropes a bit. I'm just a little down on cash right now but when I get some funds I'll make sure to buy a decent tool set haha. But you're saying most autoshop's should have a repair manual?

 

[BucknutBob]

Sure thing--Autozone, Advance Auto, etc. all carry either the Haynes or Chiltons manuals for about $25 each. If you have someone like harper7 who can assist, I would highly recommend going that route--one can't overemphasize the value of having someone with experience right there as you learn. Sears has sales all the time on their tools, sometimes as much as half off on sets, so keep your eyes open (or just join their "club" and get notices emailed to you).

 

[nicnmike]

Ebay, or amazon are also a good sources for the same manuals if you're really strapped for cash. try to find the 'local' part store if you can. I don't really have one in my current town, that I'm aware of. When I lived in Raleigh, we had one called Loop Road and they rocked. It was always the same guys behind the counter and they really knew their stuff. Some other good advice I've had in the past is drive, drive, drive. And pay attention to everything your car is doing. That means watch your fluid levels, pay attention to weird smells, watch your gauges, and, if you're really in to it, keep track of your fuel mileage (fuelly.com is really good for that).

Craftsman tools rock and I try to buy them if I can. I've had the same ratchet set since 1993. They are really expensive for the once in awhile garage mechanic. Places like harbor freight tools and the like also sell tools that will get the job done. You need to figure out what tools you will use a lot and what will only be used occasionally.

Your car list; also add:

- rear diff fluid change,
- Power steering fluid change
- Brake fluid flush (really easy with a buudy)
- Brake pad, rotor and drum inspection
- Belt inspection
- If you don't know the age of your timing belt, you might want to think about changing it. Which means you might look into a timing belt/water pump kit (not a priority, just add to your list).
- Radiator flush and coolant change.

The internet is your friend. I rarely seem to buy parts from the big box store parts places these days. I mainly use rockauto.com, but there are several places out there that sell parts too.

good luck! enjoy! Buy an alternate means of transportation for when your working on your truck!