Taking the pluge to being a do it yourselfer

TX-TahoeLtd · March 21, 2004

Well, today started off rather nice, but ended up really crappy. I was in my wife's Liberty and it broke down. It's under warranty, so I'm not too worried about that part.

I've always wanted to be a do it yourselfer, but never really had the guts to take the plunge. So, what I'm hoping for is some sound advice from folks as to what are some of the basic things that I need to put in my garage.

I do have a very basic socket set and some other general hand tools, but nothing that would really qualify as a complete set of tools.

So, where do you pick up factory service manuals?

About how much are they (2000 5.7 - Limited Ed Tahoe)?

Special tools that would qualify as 'must have'?

Other manuals or general advice?

As it stands now....

58k on it, about to need to do the 60k maint. stuff.

Firestone told me I needed a new serpentine belt (cracked, and I visually verified it) as well as a tune up (new plugs is what they said) along with the lube and grease and visual inspection of several things.

So, the total bill was around 350 they said. Given that my wife's Jeep just broke, and I can't get rid of my Tahoe any time soon, I need to make her last as long as possible.

I've got some car common sense, and maybe even a little more knowledge, but by no means am I a certified technician.

So, let's here your comments on what are some of the basis that I need.

Anyone in the D/FW area that's willing to turn a wrench and teach someone in the proess is certainly welcome too.

Thanks!

tmf6902 · March 21, 2004

a plug socket is a must have tool....I don't have that many tools, but i have found that instead of going out and buying a huge set of tools, it's easier to just wait till you need one and buy it. I'm slowly adding to my collection doing it that way, and I don't have anything I don't need, saving money for other stuff that will break my truck....and bank.

Shaners · March 21, 2004

3/8" and 1/2" socket sets, both standard and Metric with some deep well sockets will get you through most bolts/nuts. A 1/4" drive set will help you under the dash and in tight spots.

Most specialty tools can be borrowed from places like AutoZone for a Deposit, so I wouldn't worry about that stuff.

Of course you'll need pliers, ChannelLocks and ViceGrips too...

trout31 · March 21, 2004

Here are some baseline essentials you will need besides what has already been listed.

- a BFH, also known as a "persuader", also known as a 3 to 5lb sledge hammer.

A rubber head on one side is handy for when you don't want to mess up what you are "persuading"

- a hydralic floor jack. Due to the size of our trucks, get nothing smaller than 3ton

- heavy duty jackstands 2 minimum, 4 preferred, don't climb under raised truck without them!

- grease gun, I haven't found one yet that I like but most will do the job. Some are just more messy than others.

- torque wrench capable of indicating 120 ft-lbs (thats what your wheel lugs require)

- repair manual for your model/year, start with a Haynes (available at autoparts store), covers basic stuff. For serious stuff you will need to graduate to the official Helms set. These are mail order at www.helms.com

- plenty of light. I screw up more from a bad view of what I am doing than anything else.

- Soon you will not want anyone else touching your vehical. They will never take as much care as you will. Have fun!

Tucson_02Silverado · March 21, 2004

Don't forget to look into non credit classes at your local community college. They'll go through the basics like oil changes/lube, plug change, changing belts. That way you won't go in completely "cold", and experimenting on your truck

As for tools, quality tools like craftsman or your preference of course.

The main ones is socket and open/box wrenches: 7mm, 9mm, 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 3/8, 1/2, 9/16, 7/8. Sears usually sells close to complete 13pc open/box wrenches, much cheaper than buying them individually. Same with socket sets.

Like others have said before, jack stands 3ton - 6ton, high lift floor jack, ramps are nice for the oil changes (I use Rhino Ramps $20-$30 at wally megalo or Checkers/Kragen, Pep Boys)

99silveradoz71 · March 21, 2004

I was going to suggest the Haynes manual. That's what I have used for basic work on my truck. As for tools, those noted above are right on. I'd consider a socket/wrench combo set that Sears offers. Pickup one of their Craftsman Power & Handtool catalogs and see what kind of packages they offer there. You tend to be able to get a nice set containing what you'd need that way without breaking the bank. If you're planning on doing your fluid changes, I'd suggest some drainage pans, funnels, an oil filter socket type wrench, plenty of paper towels or shop rags.

The 3 ton floor jack and 4 stands are key. I've done the oil changes on mine with just the front lifted, that being mainly because I could do it with the truck on the ground if I wanted, but having the front up, gives me more room to crawl and turn. I also leave the floorjack under it while doing so, just in case I were to have a problem with 1 of the stands.

Also, I'd pickup a deep socket which matches up with your lugnut size. That and a breaker bar or ratchet will make it a heck of a lot easier to get the rims/tires off if you need to clean them up or rotate them.

Finally, when you've got all your supplies together, check out the large number of guides this site offers, plenty of good pictures and advice, and best of all, the guides were put together by members, so if you have a problem/question/concern, you can contact someone for advice or an answer. Good luck

MountaineerTom · March 21, 2004

Concerning torquing the lug nuts, my owners manual states 140 ft lbs, which is what I torque mine to.

Check yours to see if they are different.

99silveradoz71 · March 21, 2004

Concerning torquing the lug nuts, my owners manual states 140 ft lbs, which is what I torque mine to.

Check yours to see if they are different.

Good grab Tom, I knew I forgot something in my novel of a post. I torque to 140 as well.

trout31 · March 21, 2004

I stand corrected.

Per the manual, wheel lugs on both the 6 bolt and 8 bolt should be 140 ft-lbs, NOT 120 ft-lbs as stated in a previous post.

Thanks guys for catching that error. I should not have quoted something that important from memory.

willfxp · March 21, 2004

So, the total bill was around 350 they said. Given that my wife's Jeep just broke, and I can't get rid of my Tahoe any time soon, I need to make her last as long as possible.

$350 for the 60k tune up and serp belt? I think that's fairly, expensive. I'm looking at my '01 Silverado 60k maintenance, and you should be able to get that same thing done for a lot less. You'd only have to buy the belt, fuel filter, and passenger compartment air filter (I just use compressed air to clean it...). Just inspect the rest!

Anyone in the D/FW area that's willing to turn a wrench and teach someone in the proess is certainly welcome too.

Where is that?

99silveradoz71 · March 22, 2004

Anyone in the D/FW area

Where is that?

He's referring to Dallas/Ft. Worth I'd believe. Trout, no worries, the tire shop I go to for rotation/balancing was actually going to torque mine to 120 according to their book until I mentioned it to them.

TX-TahoeLtd · March 22, 2004

Thanks all for the great replies!

Yes, that's Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas.

I'll certainly take this advice when looking for tools. I need to go evaluate what socket sizes I have, I'm pretty sure I have 1/2 and 3/8 sockets, metric and standard, not sure about 1/4 though. I do need to get under the dash to find some annoying rattle, so that might come in handy.

Any good places you recommend looking on line for parts? If for nothing else, to ballpark pricing for parts from a parts house.

Thanks again for the information!