hey guys

im jealous of the lot of you that do your own installs. im not a complete moron when it comes to cars, but i cant do half (ok, 80% ) of what you all do.

what are some good mechanic style books to read to start getting my hands dirty?

Id love ones that explain everything down to what things do, what goes where, how things work, what essentially makes the car work as far as electronics, mechanics and fluids.

hopefully something 4-runner oriented or in that ballpark. Thanks!

 

Toyota Truck and landcruiser Owner's Bible by Moses Ludel

 

My university's motto is, "learn by doing."

Besides, you learn better when your mistakes cost you money.

 

oh sure, id do that.. if it wasnt a question of me spending almost everything i earn on this car and not being able to go to work if i screw it up!

but with a little background knowledge, ill take your school's motto and put it to good use.

 

I'm sure the Factory Service Manual would be a good start. Go ahead and spend the extra money for the FSM. I wish I had. Now all I have is this Haynes manual. It works ok for the stuff that I do. It could just be a little better, that's all.

I may have to check out that Toyota Bible book. That sounds pretty good.

 

You can never go wrong with the FSM's.

 

is the fsm just gonna help me with my runner or mechanics in general?

 

How Stuff Works explains how alot of automotive systems and individual parts work.

R&T sells Auto Dictionary which prolly has a lot of good info, I hope my g/f gets it for me for christmas I told her I wanted it ..lol

Im pretty lucky my dad always worked on stuff at home so I was always the annoying one that asked all the questions. Working at Napa for almost 4 years didn't hurt anything either, I miss that...

 

I like having the FSM’s around because they are usually 99% accurate regarding procedure. I like to read through certain maintenance items and see just what I am getting myself into. Not only that, but the FSM lists all the special tools you are going to need for a job, unlike some of the cheaper manuals (cough, Haynes) out there.

 

It would be wise to check out the reviews of this book on Amazon.com before you buy it though... FYI

 

Why the flashing lights, last time i checked the book did not carry a rare chinise paper born flesh eating virus. If general mechanics and a foundation is what you are looking for it is a great book, plus it has a huge directory of aftermarket parts suppliers and such.

 

so, where do i (reliably) buy the FSM?

online or real-life-store suggestions are both appreciated.

 

thanks! forgot about the books that are similar to this site. ill have to pick it up soon...

 

dont forget about chiltons manuals.... those books have been around for YEARS and they have good little tricks to help things go a little easier in them.

 

Yeah the Haynes manual isn't very good. I had one for my Dodge Ram. When the oil pressure sending unit went out, the Haynes manual didn't even have it listed in there.

 

Whenever you do work on anything mechanical - you'll most likely learn something that will be somehow related to something else.

Might I suggest perusing the TECH section of this place? There's a lot of good information there, too! A lot to learn

Check your local dealer (more expensive but 100% reliable) or check Ebay.

 

im heading in there anyway for a free wash (sent me a coupon randomly), so i'll ask at that time.

cant wait to start practicing!

thanks!

 

Start by getting the FSM as previously mentioned. Then look over the YotaTech Write Up Section for details of various projects. And of course learn by trying to do stuff yourself. Invest in quality tools rather than a mechanics labor and marked up parts prices. When you are performing a mod or repair and have a specific question, post it here thats what the forums are for. Good Luck.

 

Greetings For 1975 to 1987 check out Larry Owens book titled How to keep your Toyota pickup alive.......
Very easy to understand and some great drawings to explain topics. Check you local library. I check for this book on line and it was out of print and only available used for approx 200 bucks

 

I have a Chilton's that I really really like. It has electrical schematics, and all the trouble codes. I would definately reccommend getting it, then reading it!