Beginners Guide ----- >

Jim Oaks · Sep 3, 2010

I've been thinking about this lately and a recent question reminded me of it;

I want to create a beginners guide that will have some brutally basic tech. Stuff like:

How to replace your front hub
How to replace your front axle shaft
How to change your brakes

and so forth.

Some may already be mentioned in existing articles, but I don't feel we necessarily cover these basic procedures that people should know.

If you have any input, suggestions, photos, etc....please let me know.

Thanks.

Rouphis · Sep 3, 2010

I think thats a great idea. I know that while very handy, and good with cars, all my experience is with slant-eyed cars. SO some very basic ford stuff escapes me. For example, the quick disconnect fittings on the clutch/brake systems.

-Rouphis

_@_ · Sep 4, 2010

I'd love this.

Ranger44 · Sep 4, 2010

Proper brake procedures

A proper brake replacement guide should be a good one.

- Pads/Shoes - Replace them with a higher quality brand. Wagner thermoquiets for example. Bendix, Raybestos, etc, etc.
- Rotors/ Drums - ALWAYS, ALWAYS have them machined if still within specs. Reduces pulsation, uneven pad wear, and shaking while breaking. ALWAYS turn them, even if they are NEW. One wouldn't believe how many NEW rotors and drums aren't true.
- Hardware - Inspect for bent, worn, or rusty pins (95+) and split pins (pre 95'). Replace if in doubt. Lube tube them! As a rule of thumb, I always replace spring hardware when doing a drum brake. Note: a good way to inspect drums, other than visual shoe inspection is to lift the seals on the wheel cylinders, if they are leaking, replace them. Also use the palms of your hands to knock the shoes side to side, the wheel cylinder pistons should move relatively easy. If not, they are more than likely frozen.....replace them)
- Calipers - If you have badly unevenly worn pads, more than likely, either of 2 things is happening. The hardware(pins, split pins) is messed up, not lubed, or the hard parts they glide on are messed up, OR the calipers need replaced. This is especially true on dual piston setups.

These guide lines, though generally making the brake job more expensive, will provide a better brake job, better results, and make all the hard work last longer.

Hope this helps, I do 1-4 brake jobs daily as an auto tech. No come backs. :icon_thumby:

rangerbum · Sep 18, 2010

Agreed that it would be helpful to alot of people. Every level of mechanical ability. Some things are more modern than some folk's areas of experience, and visa versa. Not to mention that people just getting into it would benefit alot from the step by steps.

LittleHorse · Sep 18, 2010

I wouldn't mind one for how to break loose a seized distributor hold down bolt on a 2.9 when you can't get any leverage on it with the engine installed. :annoyed:

MountainMike · Sep 19, 2010

Man all I do is simple stuff, change shocks and the like. If you want me to pull some stuff from my build threads and elaborate I could easily do that.

alwaysFlOoReD · Sep 19, 2010

I'd like to see an article on using a multi-meter in diagnosing electrical problems, from lights to sensors to ???. I'm illiterate with electrical :sad:

Richard

Sasquatch_Ryda · Sep 20, 2010

Jim, I could do an axle shaft replacement/install how to for a D35 TTB if you want. I've got the front end out of my truck right now.

red85 · Sep 20, 2010

A basic guide to replacing u joints would be good too. This simple stuff is the foundation to keeping a Ranger rolling down the road.

alwaysFlOoReD · Sep 20, 2010

Sasquatch_Ryda said:
Jim, I could do an axle shaft replacement/install how to for a D35 TTB if you want. I've got the front end out of my truck right now.

Don't ask, do it. I like to see tutorials, the manuals leave little things out all the time, and don't give the 'easier, quicker' way of doing things.

Richard

gman · Sep 20, 2010

This would be great. id contribute next time i tackle a project on my truck

Jim Oaks · Sep 21, 2010

Sasquatch_Ryda said:
Jim, I could do an axle shaft replacement/install how to for a D35 TTB if you want. I've got the front end out of my truck right now.

Ya, that would be great. Heck, I'd like to see some of these done as videos to.

88_Eddie · Sep 21, 2010

axle shaft and hub replacement is brutally basic?!?!?! i guess i dont know as much as i thought i did about cars, lol. that would actually be great as i am a few weeks away from doing those things

Sasquatch_Ryda · Sep 22, 2010

Jim Oaks said:
Ya, that would be great. Heck, I'd like to see some of these done as videos to.

Ok, I should have pictures done by the end of the week. Video would be awesome, but I don't have a camera!

I'll keep ya updated.

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