Pep talk for our non-mechanically inclined forum members

[Zorba]

Sometimes its just best to pay someone else to do it.

And many times you can do it yourself, do it better and cheaper and learn something along the way. The choice as to do/farm out differs between individuals. I tend to farm out when it becomes a pain in the ass job because I can't get at it.

 

[Gunnersmate]

I literally just finished changing my ball joints, u-joints, steering, big brake kit, and installed an Aussie locker.

Yet I'm intimidated at changing a lower control arm bushing that is worn. Already have the bushing but thinking of just paying someone. I'm about exhausted from all the work I just did and really don't want to put it back on the stands.

there not bad at all the contol arm bolts have flag nuts on them piece of cake to get the control arm out with an impact just do one at a time so the axle does not roll out of place

 

[glowell222]

The best way to learn something mechanical is to do something mechanical.
And the best way to avoid mistakes is to have fucked it up once already before.
Jump in and go for it, it's broke already worst case scenario..., is it's still broke when your done.

You are the Silent Bob of the forum: not much for talking, but when you talk, the words are golden.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Stuff that! I have been fixing my vehicles for years through necessity, let somebody else graze their knuckles and get dirty!

I used to do all the work on all my vehicles. Now I weigh my options. If it's below zero or above 90 degrees outside and I have to have work done, I pay my trusted mechanic. I always tell him how long it would take me to do the job and we compare notes. He wanted $150 to swap my radiator and I had to say no. One hour of my time isn't worth me overpaying him.

 

[AndyG]

Only if you have a garage. Not so bueno in the gravel.

You cant beat a cheap sunshade to lay on, even in wet conditions, light and stores under the seat.

This thread brings a lot to mind. I had no intention of wrenching when I got mine whatsoever....but I have come to really enjoy that part if it, and get a lot more pride and satisfaction from it. I worked as a mechanic in my late teens and resurrected my first car from the weeds. Working with my hands has been my life.



It is a good mindset and lifeskill to be able to fend for yourself out here, that has been sort of going out of style in our world it seems. My sons tackle most all their mechanical challenges and I love to see that as well.

 

[suicideking]

Definitely easier said than done. I would like to do some of my own work, just never done it before. When I changed a tire in my garage without the Jeep flopping sideways, I was pretty damn proud of myself.

Current project is painting door hinges for half doors. Then getting the doors put on myself.

That's about my level. I can take a computer apart and put it back together blind folded, just don't have much comfort with the Jeep. I need one friend to sit in my garage, drink beer, and tell me what to do. Might do that with some easy stuff eventually.

 

[mrblaine]

One hour of my time isn't worth me overpaying him.

If you can swap a radiator correctly into a TJ hood up to hood down in an hour, you are seriously making the rest of us look like totally inept fools who have never held a wrench.

 

[mrblaine]

Definitely easier said than done. I would like to do some of my own work, just never done it before. When I changed a tire in my garage without the Jeep flopping sideways, I was pretty damn proud of myself.

Current project is painting door hinges for half doors. Then getting the doors put on myself.

That's about my level. I can take a computer apart and put it back together blind folded, just don't have much comfort with the Jeep. I need one friend to sit in my garage, drink beer, and tell me what to do. Might do that with some easy stuff eventually.

I've seen your work, stick to computers.

 

[TheBoogieman]

If you can swap a radiator correctly into a TJ hood up to hood down in an hour, you are seriously making the rest of us look like totally inept fools who have never held a wrench.

It was actually on my XJ.

 

[TJPurist]

I spent about fifty years behind an auto parts counter because I learned in high school auto class that I wasn't cut out to be a mechanic ! My semi-retired mechanic has a $40/hour shop rate and prefers older ,simpler cars. He even set up the 4 wheel mechanical brakes on my '29 McLaughlin-Buick. At that shop rate, why even get my hands dirty ? I do some basic stuff on my pre-war cars but have to keep tabs on my short temper.

 

[Head Lice]

On your plywood/cardboard . . . with a felt pen, write down the torque/socket size/etc. for your oil pan drain plug/trans case plug/etc./etc.. any info pertinent to the job at hand.

 

[AndyG]

On your plywood/cardboard . . . with a felt pen, write down the torque/socket size/etc. for your oil pan drain plug/trans case plug/etc./etc.. any info pertinent to the job at hand.

This reminds me of Paul Akers, a huge proponent of lean work. He asks every employee to contribute one idea a day, and they do. A bright sheet of paper in the copier signifies when to change paper so it never runs out, etc.

It is amazing the mental and physical energy you can save yourself by making small improvements. Fix what bugs ya.

 

[StefTCK]

Totally agree with the post! Had a moment of clarity this weekend while doing the entire cooling system on my 4.0. The jeep is simple and will be good to you as long as you're willing to do it! Got everything done in a few hours.

 

[Gunnersmate]

If you can swap a radiator correctly into a TJ hood up to hood down in an hour, you are seriously making the rest of us look like totally inept fools who have never held a wrench.

I once changed a clutch in my 1988 Ford 4wd 300 CID straight 6 NP435/Np205 in 45 minutes should note it had a body lift all the bolts were easy to get to and I had a 2 post lift at my disposal.

 

[AndyG]

I once changed a clutch in my 1988 Ford 4wd 300 CID straight 6 NP435/Np205 in 45 minutes should note it had a body lift all the bolts were easy to get to and I had a 2 post lift at my disposal.

I tiled a 40’ bath floor in 13 minutes, thought it was a fluke so did the second in 11 minutes. 6x6 tile on a slab. Had a very like minded assistant. I know that sounds crazy, but it was nice, straight , flat work.
Took me 12 years to learn to be that proficient .

I’ve also had jobs that took way to long. Lot of stories.

 

[Cheetokps]

I also bought my Jeep last September without even knowing how to do an oil change and no intention to do anything more, but since then I have done and learned so much. Working on the Jeep is now my favorite part about it, and one of my favorite things to do in general

I did spend a crap ton of time on here and other places researching, and had to buy a decent amount of tools, but it was so worth it. There are so many little upgrades and repairs that I have done that I would not have been able to justify paying somebody else to do something so small

 

[mrblaine]

I once changed a clutch in my 1988 Ford 4wd 300 CID straight 6 NP435/Np205 in 45 minutes should note it had a body lift all the bolts were easy to get to and I had a 2 post lift at my disposal.

None of which changes that neither you or he can do a correct radiator swap in a TJ in an hour hood closed to hood closed.

 

[Gunnersmate]

None of which changes that neither you or he can do a correct radiator swap in a TJ in an hour hood closed to hood closed.

Ok the the gauntlet has been thrown down I will give it a try need a mishimoto radiator anyway, I let know my time when I get to it

 

[mrblaine]

Ok the the gauntlet has been thrown down I will give it a try need a mishimoto radiator anyway, I let know my time when I get to it

No one does a correct job without checking the thermostat.

 

[mrblaine]

Ok the the gauntlet has been thrown down I will give it a try need a mishimoto radiator anyway, I let know my time when I get to it

I told my helper about this. He started to run his mouth some about how he could do it easily and then I reminded him to be very careful about what he says he can do since that will be the norm the next time we have to swap a radiator. He got real quiet after that.