Doing your own maintenance.

[4GIVEN]

Im new to working on trucks and was wondering how do I learn more? I just bought my own truck and didnt want to spend a whole lot on it. I used to work on cars for a living and Im sure they are totally different. What are some good resources to use and how about some good tools to buy? The truck is a 99' international 9200i with a C12 cat and a eaton fuller 10 speed. Thanks guys and gals!!! God Bless!

[Doghouse]

Jump into the engine with both feet :wink:
Really, its not too different from auto mechanics (I was a head mechanic (ASE) at a Volkswagen dealer, a few years back,...OK,.... about 20 years ago), a lot of the trouble shooting transfers over.
The tools are just bigger (I now have a full set of 1"drive sockets,torque wrench and all). I thought I would have had more problems working on my truck, but so far everything from brakes to A/C have been just like a car,...only bigger.
Take your time, get the DVD of your engine, and a book on your chassis, and you should be good to go.If you are any good at figuring out mechanical problems,...you will be just fine.

[Mackmechanic]

A full set of Standard wrenches from 1/4" to 1 1/2

Full set of metric wrenchs

Same with sockets

A pair of large filter pliers and a good filter wrench

Several prybars, from 6" - 36"

Good 3/8 and 1/2 ratchet

Couple of heelbars

A 1" drive socket set and a big damned ratchet



Have fun

[4GIVEN]

Sweet!! Now where do I get a CD on my engine and a book on my chassis? And what about air brakes? That seems to be the only thing I'm worried about. Thanks fellas!!

[sodbuster]

I bought some used manuals on E-bay.

[heavyhaulerss]

you dont want to spend a lot of time on your truck ?? spend time on it or you'll pay some one else to. learn all you can & have tools & some spare parts on board, not only to say many bucks but also downtime $$$$

[4GIVEN]

I meant that I didnt want to spend a lot of money having it fixed. But great info, thanks.