any and all knowledge

[pepper_brown06]

Hey everyone, I have never had enough money to have a truck...And now that I finally do I am going to get one...I want a Ford F-250...But here is my problem, I want to be able to learn how to work on my trucks engine, body, everything about it...But I know absolutely nothing about vehicles, especially trucks...I would appreciate and will welcome any and all knowledge on trucks, diesel or gasoline, but it has to be at a level that i can understand it...Please help me out...you guys are the best and thats why i came to you

[rhandwor]

Either buy a Ford factory service manual do a google search or check ebay.
Helm Inc. sells new ones. http://www.alldata.com/ they sell subscriptions over the internet. This would be cheaper until you determine your capabilities and the amount of tools your willing to purchase. Look at the techinical schools they have evening courses on auto repair.

[tgore3]

I agree, first thing is to get a repair or service manual. Haynes manual at your local auto parts store at minimum. Pretty much sit down and read it front to back. Go out to your truck with it and actually find the parts on the truck. Learn how the different systems work, everything from basic internal combustion engine workings, to emission controls, sensors, etc...

Only way to learn is to get in there and get your hands on stuff. Start with basic maintinance like tune-ups, changing oil, fuel filter. Lay under the truck and just look at everything, see how it all works.

If I don't understand how something works i take apart and find out. Always use the right tools for the job, don't remove bolts with vise grips and stuff like that. Sometimes, especially on later model vehicles, you have to take a ton of parts off just to get to the one little thing you need to check or replace, be prepared for things like that. Don't take shortcuts, do it right or don't do it.

Be safe, if you have it jacked up, use jack stands, chock the tires, remove the battery cable, things like that.

[W-T-Katt]

I agree too. Read all that you can about your truck and others. Read through the forum to learn some as well. Most importantly though, as already said, use the right tool for the right job. Also, if you can afford to, buy quality tools, NOT the 300 some-odd piece tool set for $19.99. Good luck to you. ;-)

[Rasp]

In regards to tools I like to get SEARS brand sockets. They are not over priced and they are lifetime warranty. I've never had a problem with mine.