New to Maintenance

[rustedgoat]

YouTube and the internet are always helpful for DIY stuff. Learn which are credible sources, don't always take what you see as correct. Safety first, learn your limitations, use finesse not force on electrical and fuel connectors. Basic maintenance is very easy just take your time.

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[Dewreckingcrew]

Make sure you're draining the engine oil and not the transmission oil

 

[bikearch]

Most modern vehicles have metric fasteners. For tools, I'd skip Harbor Freight and buy a set of sockets/rachets and wrenches that are at least moderate quality. Cheap tools are a pain to live with if you really want to do some of your own maintenance. At least for your core set of tools. Some of the one offs cheap makes some sense. But let your budget temper that advice.

Yeah do not go cheap on the tools...I recommend snap on!!

 

[dgorsett]

Yeah do not go cheap on the tools...I recommend snap on!!

I'll take the middle ground, I think Lowe's (maybe Home Depot) sells Craftsman now, affordable and reliable and Harbor Freight is OK for seldom used stuff

 

[kevin.gt]

Task #1-Is it 6 quarts or 7 quarts of oil?

With top mounted filter, I plan to use my oil extractor to remove old oil and that’ll clearly show how much was removed. As always, I warm the engine first to get the little stuff suspended.

 

[Dragline]

With top mounted filter, I plan to use my oil extractor to remove old oil and that’ll clearly show how much was removed. As always, I warm the engine first to get the little stuff suspended.

Reported in other posts that the extractor won't work, dipstick is isolated from bulk of pan.

 

[RG7]

Everything said here, plus: when you need a tool, buy a tool. Don’t rent a specialty tool from the parts store and don’t borrow your buddy’s. Just buy it. You’ll accumulate an awesome arsenal of tools this way and is a sure fire way to have exactly the tools you need without spending more than you have to.

Start with X brand metric set and work from there.

Final tip: having organization and storage for your tools and maintenance items will make these tasks 100x more enjoyable. Also have a clean area to work on the task at hand.

 

[Dragline]

Watch a bunch of U-Tube video's that's the new way of learning how to fix stuff. Back in my day it was Haynes manuals with words and little pictures.

Same, but back then they were worth a damn. Barely useful anymore!

 

[Roll Sound]

I recommend a 1/2" socket wrench, set of six sided metric and SAE sockets, socket extender, set of screwdrivers (not multitool), a set of Allen wrenches in metric and SAE, and a set of open ended ratcheting box wrenches in metric and SAE. Throw in a set of Torx, and that'll get you to most dances.

 

[HorizonHunter]

I recommend a 1/2" socket wrench, set of six sided metric and SAE sockets, socket extender, set of screwdrivers (not multitool), a set of Allen wrenches in metric and SAE, and a set of open ended ratcheting box wrenches in metric and SAE. Throw in a set of Torx, and that'll get you to most dances.

Appreciate the detailed breakdown. Will compare to current collection. Any need for a torque wrench, or not initially?

 

[Lifeliberty]

Good thing about new vehical is all the bolts aren't rusted frozen yet.

You probably don't need a torque wrench right away

 

[Roll Sound]

Appreciate the detailed breakdown. Will compare to current collection. Any need for a torque wrench, or not initially?

I have a pretty good feel for torque, however I do own and use a torque wrench, but for only very few super important nuts or bolts. I went many years of wrenching without one. Be extra careful when tightening into engine block, or any aluminum. You'll be fine.

 

[Jpursuit]

I've never really done my own maintenance on my cars minus tire pressures, but I'd really like to start when I get my Bronco.
A.) Is this a fool's errand, too complex of a vehicle for a complete newbie?
B.) Basic tool recommendations that I'll need to accomplish this? Metric vs SAE?
I want to make sure I'm not in over my head with this idea.

A basic tool set and an oil drain pan is a good start. There are decent sets available for Black Friday through Christmas at your local home improvement store. You will also need a 27mm 6 point socket for the 2.7 oil filter cap. Im not sure if its the same for the 2.3. That's a socket that wont come in a common tool set.

 

[RoLyMa27]

I've never really done my own maintenance on my cars minus tire pressures, but I'd really like to start when I get my Bronco.
A.) Is this a fool's errand, too complex of a vehicle for a complete newbie?
B.) Basic tool recommendations that I'll need to accomplish this? Metric vs SAE?
I want to make sure I'm not in over my head with this idea.

I have a somewhat different point of view. If you are truly a newbie, I would suggest you go to a buddies house that does his own maintenance. Let him help you.
It is real easy for someone who has done his own maintenance for years and has amassed all the tools necessary to say "It's easy to do man, just buy a few tools and your good". In reality (I do not have my Bronco yet, it is on a train as we speak) there could be bash plates that need to be removed and other things you can run into that can cause you some problems. Little things can bite you in the ass if your not careful....
Things my grandfather taught me like "ALWAYS start a bolt (oil drain plug) with your fingers and
finger tighten it and then get the ratchet and finish it off. A cross threaded drain plug is your worst nightmare! Just a few words of wisdom from an old dude. Hope it helps.

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