New to Maintenance

[HorizonHunter]

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.

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[Bronco cat]

Anything is possible, vehicle maintenance isn’t rocket science and in my opinion way easier with modern cars. It tells you what it thinks is wrong or reminds you to do things. Anyway take your time read before you do anything and above all ask questions that is what this forum is for. Good luck!!!!

 

[edgeflyer]

I think its awesome you want to venture out. Basic services aren't a big deal. Do your research on capacities and start with recommended fluids. Don't underfill or overfill. The book will show how much it should take. You can have the old oil disposed at most auto parts stores. You will get a lot of satisfaction out of tackling this.

 

[Wanted33]

I used to do all of the minor maintenance on my vehicles, i.e. oil changes, tune-ups etc. But now, with me being more mature (re: old ), and all of the dang electronics I leave it to the dealer. I don't even do the oil changes anymore. However, doing your on oil change on the Bronco will be quite easy if you're getting the 2.7L. If you're getting the 2.3L the filter is a bitch to get too.

As stated, do study up before jumping in. You Tube will probably have video to help you with the things you want to try. If you're a shade tree mechanic like me, a set of metric tools from Harbor Freight should serve you well. Good luck, I think you will enjoy doing some stuff yourself.

 

[thestep90]

I would assume the Bronco is SAE and not metric.
What tools you need depends on what you want to do. Id start with a simple mechanics tool set and add tools as you need them

 

[Dragline]

I would assume the Bronco is SAE and not metric.
What tools you need depends on what you want to do. Id start with a simple mechanics tool set and add tools as you need them

Metric.

 

[PWillette]

Youtube is your friend...you can find most DIY maintenance procedures to determine how far you want to go. As mentioned above, performing your own maintenance is rewarding not to mention save a few bucks.

 

[Last Ride Bronco]

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

 

[RagnarKon]

Basic vehicle maintenance is quite easy to do, and thanks to the Bronco’s high stance you actually can probably skip over the most nerve-racking part for most new people: getting your vehicle on jack stands.

In terms of metric vs SAE… you’ll want metric. Just about all of the common everyday maintenance items I can think of are metric. And Ford also likes to make use of torx here and there, so you’ll probably need a few sizes of those. If you have the 2.3L you’ll probably want to get an oil filter wrench. Beyond that it’s just normal household tools I’d expect most people to have.

 

[edgeflyer]

If I'm not mistaken there are how to's on both motors from members here on the YouTube.

 

[MayhemMike]

“ You have to feed and water them?” Said a first time horse owner after finding their horse dead on their front yard, prior to motorized vehicles being invented. Remember folks, Uber won’t be available during Armageddon . It is great you are looking to learn how to complete basic maintenance on your vehicle. Don’t be intimidated. Some basic tools will get you there. Buy a Haynes manual for your specific vehicle as well.

 

[thestep90]

Metric.

Is it? thats wild lol, good for me though, I have way more metric tools cuz of my motorcycles

 

[M&M Beer]

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.

 

[palley6]

The clearance underneath is a god-send. I've done two oil changes already on mine and generally speaking its a breeze in that regard. If it ever seems above your head, dont mess with it.

 

[NC_Pinz]

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.

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