need help learning to work on FJ

**outinthewoods** · 02-27-2008, 10:53 PM

Let me say thanks to everyone, this forum has been an amazing wealth of information! The thing is, the more I read the more I learn. Every question I get answered I end up with a new question, so what I could really use is some suggestions on how I can learn the mechanics of the FJ and autos in general. Short of going to school for it, any books, websites, whatever you can recommend?

I have more then average knowledge of auto mechanics, but man, there's so much! I want to be able to work on it myself, as well know what I'm talking about when I do go to the shop. Plus it's hard to know what parts/mods are key, and how they will effect other components.

Thanks for any help!!!

RomaBoy · 02-27-2008, 11:06 PM

Just keep reading and asking questions then one day...

**Cashnutz73** · 02-28-2008, 12:45 AM

Here's a good place to start.
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...t-answers.html

**1911** · 02-28-2008, 05:14 AM

Quote:

outinthewoods previously said:

Short of going to school for it, any books, websites, whatever you can recommend?

I have more then average knowledge of auto mechanics, but man, there's so much! I want to be able to work on it myself, as well know what I'm talking about when I do go to the shop. Plus it's hard to know what parts/mods are key, and how they will effect other components.

No shortcuts for experience; get the factory service manual and start doing all your own maintenance, upgrades, and mods. Look/ask for help here when needed. Make friends with some local owners and watch/help them with their projects. Have fun!

Catt22 · 02-28-2008, 09:27 AM

1911 nailed it again. Get the factory service manuals. They are pricey, but there is no good substitute. The Haynes manuals and such are generally crappy and incomplete.

You said you have above average automotive mechanical skills. That is a very good start. With every car I have owned, there is what I call a familiarity curve.
Each time you perform maintenance or do any kind of mod, you will reinforce that familiarity. You will know where the drain plugs are, where the grease fittings are, where the spark plugs are (I had to hunt for the plugs at first

), why there is no dipstick for the auto tranny, where the fuse boxes and relays are located, etc.

The hardest part you apparently already know and that is how to use tools, how to read and follow service procedures, what torque specs are, what to do when things do not go according to plan, etc., etc.

When you come to anything that is unusual, you can come here and likely find it with some searching or just ask and more often than not, someone here will know something about what you are trying to do and help you out.

The expert gurus here seem to know more about the FJC's than the Toyota service departments do. I find the detailed descriptions and pics to be extremely helpful and it seems there is something to be learned every time I visit this site and you can also find pictures of hot girls here too!

Trail Gator · 02-28-2008, 09:31 AM

I know that the Tacoma service manuals where online on TTORA for download. You might try seeing if you can find the FJ one online for free.

Since I started really getting into the auto forums I have learned a great deal. 9 months ago I didn't even know what a leaf spring was, all I knew was how to drive and pump gas. Now I am planning on installing a CAI by myself as well as doing the breather mods ect. Reading a lot and and just asking questions when you need to goes a long way. It surprises a lot of people how much stuff I know. Especially at car dealers. 99% of the time I know more about the vehicle I am looking at than anybody at that dealer who is trying to sell it.

I still wouldn't mind taking a class to learn as much as possible.

**outinthewoods** · 02-28-2008, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Da Hui previously said:

I know that the Tacoma service manuals where online on TTORA for download. You might try seeing if you can find the FJ one online for free.

Since I started really getting into the auto forums I have learned a great deal. 9 months ago I didn't even know what a leaf spring was, all I knew was how to drive and pump gas. Now I am planning on installing a CAI by myself as well as doing the breather mods ect. Reading a lot and and just asking questions when you need to goes a long way. It surprises a lot of people how much stuff I know. Especially at car dealers. 99% of the time I know more about the vehicle I am looking at than anybody at that dealer who is trying to sell it.

I still wouldn't mind taking a class to learn as much as possible.

Exactly, how I feel. The thing is I can follow directions, but as stated before when things go wrong, or taking a global view (as in doing this will affect this, which affect that) is where I get nervous.

I have a downloaded copy of the service manual, but it's hard to deal with in that format. I'm going to try printing, maybe buy a hardcopy.

Thanks for the feedback! It's kind of funny: running from the garage to the computer, and back again!

codymurfy · 02-28-2008, 11:39 AM

If anyone finds the site for a free download of the service manual...let me know

STEFJ · 02-28-2008, 11:56 AM

It is somewhere on this forum but I copied it from my favorites.

Toyota FJ Cruiser: Resources & Documentation Archive

bcsfj · 02-28-2008, 01:26 PM

you beat me to it STEFJ. That is one of the first things I found on this forum and not only is it my favorites, but I have a copy downloaded onto my computer and my pda and whenever I get my onboard laptop installed, it will be on that. I will always have complete and full access to everything I would ever want to know about the factory fj