Hello All,

PS: I posted this first in the newbie forum and was redirected here, so reposting.

I recently bought a used 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Daytona Edition last year after having done many days of research and looking around various forums. However, the truck started having problems 2 months into ownership and having been to the dealer a few times and spending a couple of extra thousand on power steering pump, alternator and O2 sensor replacements I feel that I want to learn how to repair this beast. I see a lot of truck modders on the forum and want to learn how to be one over the next few months/years.

I love the truck. It is a great ride until it stops being one.

Where do I start ? I have downloaded the 8000+ page Factory Service Manual. I have an OBD-II code reader.

However, what kind of tools do I need to check and fix basic things in the truck that doesn't necessitate trips to the dealer and spending $200 every time. How do I go about fixing minor things like say my truck makes noise during turning, or how do I check if the 4-wheel drive needs servicing or if something else is wrong ? What kind of equipment do I need ?

Please advise. I really appreciate the forum members expertise. So many questions have been answered in quite some detail.

Thank you.

Dodgy Ram.

 

A good complete set of wrenches, sockets, deep sockets, extensions, pliers, a floor jack, and jack stands will get you 99% of the way there.

 

enroll at a local jr. college for shop 101 would also do you wonders man, will teach you the basics and more. Good luck to you, post up any questions you have

 

Could you please recommend some floor jack and jack stands ? I am not knowledgeable about them. What kind of weight and size features should they have ?

Thank you!
Dodgy Ram.

 

Could you please give the full name of a course that teaches this stuff ? Searching for "shop 101" didn't get me anything.

Thank you!

Dodgy Ram.

 

Look at your door sticker for the weight of your vehicle, get one that has at least that much capacity. Generally 3-5 ton floor jacks are sufficient for most work. Check harbor freight tools. Here's the one I have:


http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-s...ump-68048.html


Your better off looking at your local community colleges websites and see what beginner automotive classes they offer. I believe the "101" reference is to the "beginner" type classes offered these days, for example, "English 101" would be the first English class one would take, etc. My local community college offers a course called "automotive servicing":


Title: Automotive Servicing

Course Section Number: AUT-213-100T

Description:

Emphasis is placed on shop operations, troubleshooting, testing, adjusting, repairing, and replacing components using appropriate test equipment and service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform a variety of automotive repairs using proper service procedures and to operate appropriate equipment.


A Haynes or chiltons manual is better from a beginner standpoint than the factory service manuals. Factory service manuals are just that. Service manuals used by factory trained technicians and the manuals assume you already have the knowledge and skills to perform the repairs/adjustments, which tools to use, etc.


A Haynes manual is more beginner oriented. There's also you-tube which contains how-to videos on just about every automotive repair imaginable. Even if it is not a video specific to your vehicle, the information presented is still relevant. Changing the front brakes is pretty much the same on all vehicles.

 

Thank you for the information jkeaton.

 

I suggest a good 2 ton aluminum jack, they are lighter and easy to handle. Hand tools are necessary, but air tools will save time and energy.

 

Go to Sears and get one of their 200 (some-odd) piece "Mechanics Tool Set" kits. It has just about everything you will need to do basic DIY stuff. Then, get yourself a good breaker bar in each of the three different drive sizes, a decent torque wrench, and an oil filter wrench. That should do most jobs for you (well, the jack and stands, included).