This past week, I did all this:
1. Drained and refilled both front and rear differentials and the transfer case.
2. Replaced the transmission fluid via "transfusion".
3. Changed all the spark plugs and wires.
4. Changed the brakes and bled the entire system.
I learned some valuable lessons along the way. This was also the most difficult job I've ever done, and not because I didn't know how to do it, but because of...other things.
1. While tightening the front diff fill plug, it got stripped. Gonna have to replace the plug next time I do it.
2. I forgot I disconnected the transmission cooler pipe and turned the truck on for 15 seconds. Spilled about 3/4 quart of transmission fluid into the engine bay.
3. Spark plugs were much easier than the horror stories I've read, especially about the two in the back (on the driver's and passenger's side). It only took me an hour, and that's because I was working very meticulously and it was my first time doing it. I can do it in 25 minutes now. I started with spark plug #8. Stuck a 5/8 spark plug remover tool on it, and then got my wrench on it with a 3/4 socket. Plenty of clearance to move around and get it out easily.
4. The brakes were a royal PITA. More accurately, the caliper brackets. The boots have to be changed with a pressing tool. I don't have one, so I had to resort to getting them off with a screwdriver, a rubber mallet, and elbow grease. Getting the new ones on required the rubber mallet, intense amount of striking precision, and a ridiculous amount of time.
5. Unfortunately, I stripped at least one of the brake bleeder valves, and will have to replace it next time I do the brakes for sure. I didn't tighten the driver rear bleeder valve enough, left the cap off accidentally, and drove it around like that. Only discovered it when I found brake fluid everywhere. No ill effects because I simply re-bled from that wheel and tightened it.
Not having a lift and having a rocky uneven driveway has led to the most pain I've experienced for a long while now. I need to invest in power/air compressor driven tools.
1. Drained and refilled both front and rear differentials and the transfer case.
2. Replaced the transmission fluid via "transfusion".
3. Changed all the spark plugs and wires.
4. Changed the brakes and bled the entire system.
I learned some valuable lessons along the way. This was also the most difficult job I've ever done, and not because I didn't know how to do it, but because of...other things.
1. While tightening the front diff fill plug, it got stripped. Gonna have to replace the plug next time I do it.
2. I forgot I disconnected the transmission cooler pipe and turned the truck on for 15 seconds. Spilled about 3/4 quart of transmission fluid into the engine bay.
3. Spark plugs were much easier than the horror stories I've read, especially about the two in the back (on the driver's and passenger's side). It only took me an hour, and that's because I was working very meticulously and it was my first time doing it. I can do it in 25 minutes now. I started with spark plug #8. Stuck a 5/8 spark plug remover tool on it, and then got my wrench on it with a 3/4 socket. Plenty of clearance to move around and get it out easily.
4. The brakes were a royal PITA. More accurately, the caliper brackets. The boots have to be changed with a pressing tool. I don't have one, so I had to resort to getting them off with a screwdriver, a rubber mallet, and elbow grease. Getting the new ones on required the rubber mallet, intense amount of striking precision, and a ridiculous amount of time.
5. Unfortunately, I stripped at least one of the brake bleeder valves, and will have to replace it next time I do the brakes for sure. I didn't tighten the driver rear bleeder valve enough, left the cap off accidentally, and drove it around like that. Only discovered it when I found brake fluid everywhere. No ill effects because I simply re-bled from that wheel and tightened it.
Not having a lift and having a rocky uneven driveway has led to the most pain I've experienced for a long while now. I need to invest in power/air compressor driven tools.
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