Self-Teaching Through Trial And Error

It's a good idea.

 

What is end goal, own truck or work on them? Be pretty easy to find part-time gig working on them.

 

I'd say that depends on location. If you're talking modern diesels though I don't think you're gonna get far without expensive diagnostic equipment.

When I read the first part of your post before you said you already had a job I was thinking just buy a truck! Every owner/operator becomes a part time mechanic, like it or not.

 

I picked up an '04 387, with intentions of making it my camper. I developed a cracked head, so with the the help of YouTube and especially folks from this site, I rebuilt it. I have a lot of money into it that I more than likely will not get back. It was a retirement gift I gave to myself and it feels pretty good going down the road. It was a great learning experience and I had a lot of great conversations with people that were willing to help me.

 

I spent 18 months working on my bucket of bolts as I call it. The key is having a job already to keep the bills paid while you replace / rebuild / learn.

I replaced every moving piece of the suspension and brakes on mine, along with all the rubber air lines for the brakes. Seals in the pinions and new U-joints were replaced too.

Since the engine was blown, the engine was addressed as well.

Having a job gives you time to study what you don’t understand, ask questions if needed, and fix it properly without getting in a big hurry and messing it up.

Best of luck…..

 

many many moons ago.... (early 70's)

I taught myself to rebuild motorcycle engines with the help of the old Chiltens manuals.

had to ask someone what a spanner was. lol

rebuilt many Triumphs and BSA's over the ensuing yrs.

so, yeah go for it!!!

 

Honestly just go work for someone. Get paid to learn and fix things instead of paying out of pocket for parts.