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Have Tools, but No Experience... Servicing I can do Myself?

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This site gives me the confidence that I can do a lot of general maintanence myself. I've never worked on the motors of any of my past trucks but with the knowledge of the TDR membership, and the 40-50 functioning brain cells I have, I think I can avoid the dealership for most things. If it helps qualify my worthiness, I did install the AFE STG1, TT, and removed the silencer ring myself. Whoopie!

I am not a complete stooge since I have done a bit of the general maint on my motorcycles.

What should type of general maint should I expect to be able to do myself? I already have quite a large collection of wrenches, sockets, torque wrench etc. What tools specific to my vehicle do I need? Like oil filter wrench, etc.

I'm feelin' it!
 
Oil filter metal socket wrench.

Metric sockets and wrenches.

3/8" torque wrench, extensions.



You really dont have to get too many tools to even change the head!
 
SHyans,



You can do much more than you think you can yourself. There are few things I wouldn't do myself. Basic preventative maintenance is the easiest and by far the BEST thing you can do for your vehicles. My advice is to get a factory service manual and follow the steps in it.
 
Shyans - I was in your position 3 years ago or so, and with the forum's help and a lot of searches I now am able to do all of my own maintenance. As mberry said, a service manual is really nice to have, especially for quickly referencing torque specs for various parts. I suggest printing up all of the relevant torque specs on a piece of paper and leaving it in your garage - so when it comes time to torque your drain plug, you can just check the sheet quickly.



You can VERY easily change fuel filters. All you need is a bottle/container to catch the fuel as you drain the housing (by pulling the yellow lever), and then simply unscrew the filter cap(a big 1 1/8" socket I believe), remove the filter, discard the o-ring. Then just reverse the process (coat the o-ring with a little motor oil). No need to torque it down super tight, just a half turn or so past hand tight. Turn the key to the on position and wait for the lift pump to prime/fill the cannister - and you're done. This process I believe is outlined in the owner's manual. Fleetguard stratapore is the preferred fuel filter.



Oil changes are simple, and no different from any other vehicle. Get a filter socket to attach to your ratchet/long extension from walmart or geno's garage. A strap wrench will also work well if you can reach the filter with it. Preferred filter is the fleetguard stratapore 16035. Geno's garage, or your local cummins dealer will have them.



Very easy is changing the diff fluids. You will definitely already have the tools you need. Simply unbolt the pumpkins and let the fluid drain, clean them out and rebolt using the awesome stock reusable gasket, and then refill. 75w90 GL-5 fluid, with the option of using 75-140 in the rear if you really tow heavy.



Above all the easiest is changing the transfer case fluid. Simply pull the drain plug and allow it to drain. Close the plug and open the fill plug - fill and close - done. Use ATF +4.



For the diffs and transfer case fluid - I highly suggest getting one of the diff fluid pumps they sell at most auto parts stores. Now I'm not talking about the $10 fluid transfer pump, I'm talking about the $6 diff fluid pump, which actually threads onto most standard size bottles. It's great because one end threads onto the cap of whatever fluid you're pumping, and the other end has a long hose that you can put right into the fill plug of wahtever you're filling. Makes for infinitely less mess than trying to use a funnel at that angle and pour. I also use it for pumping 2 cycle oil into my jetski without spilling it, as well as doing the diff fluids on my ATV's, which are at almost an impossible angle for a funnel. . As far as tools go, it's hard to better spend $6.



I hope this helps , as I know it's really rewarding to do my own maintenance and I think you'll feel the same way! :cool:
 
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Very cool Lightman... thanks. I paid $80 for my last oil change at a specialty deisel shop in town. I just about crapped myself. I figure there is a lot of money to be saved by doing this myself. I appreciate the confidence injection.

Steve
 
SRadke said:
And if you get stuck and have questions, somebody is always here :)



-Scott



No kidding... . I've noticed some of that especially on weekends!

"Help ... . I've fallen down and I can't get up"!
 
Shyans, no prob - feel free to pm me if you have any more specific questions or issues. Years ago someone did the same for me so I'm glad to return the favor and then some. Forum members are STILL 'holding my hand' and walking me thru more 'intermediate' projects. I was very pleased to be able to install my own egt/boost gauges, intake, bypass system, module(although a monkey could do that), as well as change the trans fluid/filter. None of it is hard, you just need to do it once and have it explained to you. Go for it, you'll be happy you did!



You might want to check out some of the packages Geno's have on filters - they sell some combo packages of fuel/oil/air filters that are pretty convenient.
 
My Opinion

I think there are two important things to keep in mind.



1. There is absolutely nothing you're not capable of working on / fixing given enough time and effort.



2. Never be afraid to post a question about a procedure. There's tons of experience around here just waiting to help.



Keep those things in mind, and everything will be great.



I do have lots of tools, some of them very specialized, but that's mostly because I love tools. And trucks. Alas, my hobbies are very expensive.



-Ryan :)
 
rbattelle said:
2. Never be afraid to post a question about a procedure. There's tons of experience around here just waiting to help.



2a. If no one happens to be on here, use the "search" function and you'll almost always find tons of info, too. The search feature is your friend !



Greg
 
WHo's got the best price on a service manual? What are they going for?

I'll get one of those and then call Genos for some parts.

Thanks guys.
 
The service manual (as far as I know) will come from the dealer. They are not cheap, usually 100-200 or more. There are electronic copies, these may be easier/cheaper to get but I don't know.



-Scott
 
I got your PM Scott thanks.

I checked Geno's. Didn't list my year as available but it $80 something for CD and $200 something for the printed version. Either way would pay off in no time.
 
I haven't ever had any "mechanics" training or education, but I have done the following in my Ram trucks:



Turbo swaps, manifold swaps, valve adjustments, injector swaps, head gasket replacement, head porting, and timing on a 12v. Was able to do this with advice from friends, and a lot of reading on TDR and NW Bombers :)



Vaughn
 
I miss having my 30'x50' shop :{ been without it 13 years now, my garage here at the house where I live now has been closed in by the previous owners for a den :rolleyes: . I wanted to convert it back to a two car garage, but wifey says no way.



I still have access to three shops, but the pain is having to ask if they are using it on certain date. Some day hopefully I will have another, but will probably be to old and stiff to play around in it. :-laf



Do as much maintainence as you can saves on the hip pocket, and of course you'll gain that knowledge for yourself and can pass it on to others. :D





Tony
 
The really nice thing about our NW Bomb parties is someone is always willing to help you learn. We have even done my OFE clutch in Robs driveway. Along with injectors,manifold,turbo,fass,tank fix, so many more can even think of,BTW no formal training just lots of great friends.
 
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