I do all the work I think I can do, which is a lot. I also like to take my Jeep into the dealer every once in a while when something (typically electrical) is up and get the list of stuff wrong that the dealer wants to fix. I typically thank them, say I need to save up my pennies for the work and tackle the list myself. They wanted over 1000 dollars to replace my "bad" axels. I found it was just the axel seals, which are like $20, watched a UA-cam video on how to do it, which required a $100 tool and $40 in diff fluid. Bang - done. Good luck with your next trip.
I do everything. Replaced the inner axle seal a few months back after it threw all it's diff oil up in the fenders. 7 years and it's never seen a service center.
So many complacent helpless people these days. So used to paying other people to do the technical work. That doesn't help you when you are out in the middle of nowhere and something goes wrong. Doing my own mods, etc has informed me what tools I need for the specific vehicle. Anything special I've purchased for my vehicle stays in my vehicle. It also keeps you informed of the functional characteristics and quality / weak spots of the OE suspension. Helps you be informed about what should be upgraded, etc, etc, etc.
This is critically important info.... Thank you a million dollars, Dan. This is the only channel i have watched every single video on the channel, always spot on For me.
As i have become familiar with my Land Cruiser i do more. Its just that few things are repetative so a fresh learn each time. I do not have the equipment to do some things. I am learning to trust few when its my vehicle also motivates me.
It is easier to watch a youtube video on how to do something at home than on the trail. Great video. I do all my own work. I also try to fix other people's cars with only tools in my vehicle. Gives me ideas on what I am missing.
I do all of my own work for many reasons, but mostly because I don't trust any mechanic with my vehicles. Also great for when you need to do trail repairs. My own knowledge and tool kit has saved many of trail days and trips.
Oh shit, this was an hour ago! I bought a 2004 Volvo xc70 5 cylinder recently as an overlander. Needs a lot of work. Always wanted to learn how to work on cars. Maybe I'll do my lower control arm bushings as my first job? If I fuck up I have the privilege of calling a mobile mechanic and having them fix it. Haha. Went with the xc70 because it'll have nice road manners and with all terrains I'll be able to drive on most forest roads. It'll end up being my daily so I didnt want nothing crazy
I do some work on my own vehicle, but for a lot of it I pay to have it done because I don't have a good location or the tools to do it (or the time). But I'm also not yet travelling out of the first world, so it's still easy to get it worked on.
Basic troubleshooting would really help. I carried a voltmeter, but I found trouble just by inspecting wire and jiggling them looking for engine light to come on. 4XO and Paul Marsh did a daily inspection video.
The problem is when you start doing bigger jobs and you realize that certain things really do require a pretty substantial toolkit to handle. Suddenly you feel under-equipped if you're just carrying a full socket set, full spanner set, the 36mm socket for for the wheel hubs, the electrics tools and supplies box, the bag of assorted pliers, wrenches and screwdrivers, the big hammer, the set of long extensions for your sockets, the breaker bar and the gloves, WD40 and the Haynes manual with all the extra guides you printed and laminated from the Land Rover workshop manual... And then there's the crippling insecurity that comes from realizing that yes, sure, you've tackled everything from an oil change to replacing a gearbox, but for all of that you had time, a place to do it in peace, all the forums in the world and your dad for moral support. What if something that you haven't fixed before breaks? Kidding aside, perhaps the most important reason to work on your car is that it familiarizes you with the various channels for finding others who have done it before. For most overland-type vehicles there is a huge community of people who have done everything under the sun and documented it with pictures, videos and lists of specialty tools required. Once you have done a couple of jobs, you'll know where to look.
Good advice! Get started will the little things like changing tires, oil, spark plugs and all the other easy things. Then work your way up to more difficult jobs. Every Overlander should have some skill in this area.
Another great video Dan! I completely agree that it's important to do the work yourself whenever possible. The exception I'll probably make to that rule for the vehicle I'm building is the initial engine and transmission rebuild. While I know I can replace most any part should it come up, I want to make sure that I'm starting from a place where everything works and has been verified by someone professional. This would be different if the vehicle was stock, but since the vehicle I'm working on isn't all original I want to make sure everything works together as it should first.
Great channel! A little tip back to you.. Look into Fluid Film, your car will like it :) Quick and easy to do yourself if you got access to a compressor.
I agree whole heartedly having used Fluid Film for years. The dealership has never seen the under side of a vehicle with the incredibly small amount of rust that mine has. Takes me 45 minutes twice a year to completely cover the under carriage using a compressor.
Great video and advice, per SOP. Doing most of my own work has helped me on the road, and with making sure I have the tools needed for maintenance. It's hard to resist taking more than I need sometimes. As someone else said, "What if weighs a lot".
Fitting time for this video as I just ordered new automatic transmission fluid and differential gear oil today. I typically do all my own work, but will likely never change the parking brake shoes and hardware myself ever again; that job was way too frustrating.
5:51 that "using the wrong tool" thing is here in California, too. The dedicated brake shop 1. didn't flush my lines right 2. left an airbubble/spongey brakes 3. tightened the bleed screw with the wrong wrench 4. rounding off all the corners! and needing me to apply a PIPE WRENCH to replace it. yeaaaah, I like to skip mechanics and do everything myself, whenever possible. When U do your own work, you already know the quality of the job.
Great advise Dan, I fully agree. I've started my serviceman "career" from servicing my lawnmower tractor and motorcycle first. Changing oil 'n' filters can sound easy but it shows what component hides under what cover. Replacing brake pads is also good basic training. But I don't feel confident until I have to change CV joint in my rig, that is off-road basic service knowledge in nearly any IFS 4x4. I've also decided to make electrical upgrades myself (heated seats, mirrors, 12V inlets, hook wires dragged from battery) coz I know for sure I've used proper wires, fuses and relays, cables are protected from abrasion and now I know where to look if anything wrong. For it I had to dismantle nearly all panels inside cabin except dashboard and roof lining. :) Working with my own vehicles is a pleasure and build my confidence. Cheers.
Good video, thanks. But I'd like to say that you shouldn't be using a high lift jack to hold your Jeep up. They are notoriously flaky. I know you put the tyre under the body, but a bottle jack would be a lot safer. Cheers.
I agree, but I simply don't have one, and have no place to store one even if I did! I also put a big cinder block under the frame and then lowered half the weight onto it. I was confident it was fine.
Great advice Dan! I used to do most of my own work however as I grow older and stiffer (in all the wrong places) I find it harder to do a lot of my own work. And as I've downsized over the years the place I currently live doesn't like you doing much work on vehicles. But with a decent retirement and a good local shop that doesn't charge outrageous prices I let them do most of it now. You're also right about finding out about those odd size tools you'll need and a one of a kind wrenches that only fit one vehicle. And don't forget the 10mm socket that is always needed and can never be found!! I keep several in my tool kit since each job requires you to sacrifice at least one of them to the shop gods!!! lol
Awesome video, very informative. Thank you so much for this content. I also believe that being connected to your vehicle is important, one never knows when you getting things done is a must.
Great advise. I have been doing my own work for 34 years and also as a professional for 30. I do believe if you are going to use your vehicle for off road travel you should have basic knowledge. I agree that the more you work on and maintain your vehicle the more you are in tune with it and can sometime feel when something is wrong. Looking forward to your new adventure.
Since my first car im fixing things alone. Onley 2 times my ex cars soo the garage. Yes I doo agree you should learn to do things by your self if you go travel internatinal.
Hi Dan, in refer to the weight of a winch and the necessary surroundings I like to ask you or your experiences is it worth to carry all the weight in front. How many times did you take the winch into action to rescue yourself, did you spent some thoughts in alternatives like manual equipment like a Greifzug or similar. Less weight flexible in front and rear, but bulky and quite some effort to set up rope etc. Or does carful driving, checking the critical sections before entering limit the necessity of a winch close to zero? Weight especially in areas extending the axels is negative for the overall driving pleasure. Looking forward to here about your resumption Cheers Achim
Excellent video as always Dan. When you were travelling around Africa I assume you did your own oil changes, buying oil from larger towns or cities along the way. I am wondering, how did you dispose of your oil in these countries? Do garages or certain types of places take plastic containers of used oil?
Locals ALWAYS wanted the used oil - they would use it in their engines, or paint fence posts with it or who knows what else. Plenty of times gas stations let me use their pit to change the oil on the condition I gave them the used oil!
if The Road chose you Europe for your next continent and if you're ever gonna pass through Poland, let me know! especially if you by any chance are going to visit scandinavia.
I noticed in the video that you don't have any sway bar end links. Is that just a personal preference to drive without them? Or perhaps you are just replacing them or something?
Sure, high lift jacks look cool while mounted on the truck and are ok when you're offroad without options, but there's not much of an excuse for using one at home on pavement. Get a proper hydraulic floor jack--much much safer.
I couldn't agree more mate. A note to add for some of the more modern overland vehicles, a good OBD scan tool to check fault codes!
I do all the work I think I can do, which is a lot. I also like to take my Jeep into the dealer every once in a while when something (typically electrical) is up and get the list of stuff wrong that the dealer wants to fix. I typically thank them, say I need to save up my pennies for the work and tackle the list myself.
They wanted over 1000 dollars to replace my "bad" axels. I found it was just the axel seals, which are like $20, watched a UA-cam video on how to do it, which required a $100 tool and $40 in diff fluid. Bang - done.
Good luck with your next trip.
I do everything. Replaced the inner axle seal a few months back after it threw all it's diff oil up in the fenders. 7 years and it's never seen a service center.
So many complacent helpless people these days. So used to paying other people to do the technical work. That doesn't help you when you are out in the middle of nowhere and something goes wrong. Doing my own mods, etc has informed me what tools I need for the specific vehicle. Anything special I've purchased for my vehicle stays in my vehicle. It also keeps you informed of the functional characteristics and quality / weak spots of the OE suspension. Helps you be informed about what should be upgraded, etc, etc, etc.
This is critically important info.... Thank you a million dollars, Dan.
This is the only channel i have watched every single video on the channel, always spot on For me.
Agreed!
Nice to see the Kenyan insurance sticker on your Jeep
As i have become familiar with my Land Cruiser i do more. Its just that few things are repetative so a fresh learn each time. I do not have the equipment to do some things. I am learning to trust few when its my vehicle also motivates me.
It is easier to watch a youtube video on how to do something at home than on the trail. Great video. I do all my own work. I also try to fix other people's cars with only tools in my vehicle. Gives me ideas on what I am missing.
I do all of my own work for many reasons, but mostly because I don't trust any mechanic with my vehicles. Also great for when you need to do trail repairs. My own knowledge and tool kit has saved many of trail days and trips.
When I was in the army as a driver of a 35.000 kilo armor tank, we did all our maintenance ourselves, no problem....
what tank?
Oh shit, this was an hour ago! I bought a 2004 Volvo xc70 5 cylinder recently as an overlander. Needs a lot of work. Always wanted to learn how to work on cars. Maybe I'll do my lower control arm bushings as my first job? If I fuck up I have the privilege of calling a mobile mechanic and having them fix it. Haha. Went with the xc70 because it'll have nice road manners and with all terrains I'll be able to drive on most forest roads. It'll end up being my daily so I didnt want nothing crazy
As a professional nerd, I love wrenching on my Jeep to get me away from the computer. :D
I do my own maintenance as well. In fact, I am thinking of rebuilding the 4 cylinder engine in my YJ myself next summer. Thanks for the video!
Very good video and information. I could not agree more. From the guy who has actually done this. Well done.
Totally agree. Also, you wrote another great article in the latest issue of Overland Journal.
Thanks Terry, I haven't seen it yet!
@@TheRoadChoseMe I really appreciate you. I hope we meet one day.
Zen and the Art of Wrangler Maintenance
Once again - Great Video Dan! Couldn't agree more! It's all just nuts and bolts.
I do some work on my own vehicle, but for a lot of it I pay to have it done because I don't have a good location or the tools to do it (or the time). But I'm also not yet travelling out of the first world, so it's still easy to get it worked on.
Basic troubleshooting would really help. I carried a voltmeter, but I found trouble just by inspecting wire and jiggling them looking for engine light to come on. 4XO and Paul Marsh did a daily inspection video.
The problem is when you start doing bigger jobs and you realize that certain things really do require a pretty substantial toolkit to handle. Suddenly you feel under-equipped if you're just carrying a full socket set, full spanner set, the 36mm socket for for the wheel hubs, the electrics tools and supplies box, the bag of assorted pliers, wrenches and screwdrivers, the big hammer, the set of long extensions for your sockets, the breaker bar and the gloves, WD40 and the Haynes manual with all the extra guides you printed and laminated from the Land Rover workshop manual... And then there's the crippling insecurity that comes from realizing that yes, sure, you've tackled everything from an oil change to replacing a gearbox, but for all of that you had time, a place to do it in peace, all the forums in the world and your dad for moral support. What if something that you haven't fixed before breaks?
Kidding aside, perhaps the most important reason to work on your car is that it familiarizes you with the various channels for finding others who have done it before. For most overland-type vehicles there is a huge community of people who have done everything under the sun and documented it with pictures, videos and lists of specialty tools required. Once you have done a couple of jobs, you'll know where to look.
Good advice! Get started will the little things like changing tires, oil, spark plugs and all the other easy things. Then work your way up to more difficult jobs. Every Overlander should have some skill in this area.
Another great video Dan! I completely agree that it's important to do the work yourself whenever possible. The exception I'll probably make to that rule for the vehicle I'm building is the initial engine and transmission rebuild. While I know I can replace most any part should it come up, I want to make sure that I'm starting from a place where everything works and has been verified by someone professional. This would be different if the vehicle was stock, but since the vehicle I'm working on isn't all original I want to make sure everything works together as it should first.
Very useful info. It gives you great confidence traveling with a vehicle you know in detail.
Indeed!🙌🏽
Great channel! A little tip back to you.. Look into Fluid Film, your car will like it :) Quick and easy to do yourself if you got access to a compressor.
I agree whole heartedly having used Fluid Film for years. The dealership has never seen the under side of a vehicle with the incredibly small amount of rust that mine has. Takes me 45 minutes twice a year to completely cover the under carriage using a compressor.
Great video and advice, per SOP. Doing most of my own work has helped me on the road, and with making sure I have the tools needed for maintenance. It's hard to resist taking more than I need sometimes. As someone else said, "What if weighs a lot".
Fitting time for this video as I just ordered new automatic transmission fluid and differential gear oil today. I typically do all my own work, but will likely never change the parking brake shoes and hardware myself ever again; that job was way too frustrating.
5:51 that "using the wrong tool" thing is here in California, too. The dedicated brake shop 1. didn't flush my lines right
2. left an airbubble/spongey brakes
3. tightened the bleed screw with the wrong wrench
4. rounding off all the corners! and needing me to apply a PIPE WRENCH to replace it.
yeaaaah, I like to skip mechanics and do everything myself, whenever possible. When U do your own work, you already know the quality of the job.
Great advise Dan, I fully agree. I've started my serviceman "career" from servicing my lawnmower tractor and motorcycle first. Changing oil 'n' filters can sound easy but it shows what component hides under what cover. Replacing brake pads is also good basic training. But I don't feel confident until I have to change CV joint in my rig, that is off-road basic service knowledge in nearly any IFS 4x4. I've also decided to make electrical upgrades myself (heated seats, mirrors, 12V inlets, hook wires dragged from battery) coz I know for sure I've used proper wires, fuses and relays, cables are protected from abrasion and now I know where to look if anything wrong. For it I had to dismantle nearly all panels inside cabin except dashboard and roof lining. :) Working with my own vehicles is a pleasure and build my confidence. Cheers.
Good video, thanks. But I'd like to say that you shouldn't be using a high lift jack to hold your Jeep up. They are notoriously flaky. I know you put the tyre under the body, but a bottle jack would be a lot safer. Cheers.
I agree, but I simply don't have one, and have no place to store one even if I did!
I also put a big cinder block under the frame and then lowered half the weight onto it. I was confident it was fine.
Great advice Dan! I used to do most of my own work however as I grow older and stiffer (in all the wrong places) I find it harder to do a lot of my own work. And as I've downsized over the years the place I currently live doesn't like you doing much work on vehicles. But with a decent retirement and a good local shop that doesn't charge outrageous prices I let them do most of it now. You're also right about finding out about those odd size tools you'll need and a one of a kind wrenches that only fit one vehicle. And don't forget the 10mm socket that is always needed and can never be found!! I keep several in my tool kit since each job requires you to sacrifice at least one of them to the shop gods!!! lol
Awesome video, very informative. Thank you so much for this content. I also believe that being connected to your vehicle is important, one never knows when you getting things done is a must.
Great advise. I have been doing my own work for 34 years and also as a professional for 30. I do believe if you are going to use your vehicle for off road travel you should have basic knowledge. I agree that the more you work on and maintain your vehicle the more you are in tune with it and can sometime feel when something is wrong. Looking forward to your new adventure.
Hah! I just changed a rear abs sensor yesterday.
If you break down in a remote and isolated place, wait for a Land Rover to come along - They're great mechanics.
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Nice tips👍
Well said
Great Chanel 🙏
Since my first car im fixing things alone. Onley 2 times my ex cars soo the garage. Yes I doo agree you should learn to do things by your self if you go travel internatinal.
Hi Dan, in refer to the weight of a winch and the necessary surroundings I like to ask you or your experiences is it worth to carry all the weight in front. How many times did you take the winch into action to rescue yourself, did you spent some thoughts in alternatives like manual equipment like a Greifzug or similar. Less weight flexible in front and rear, but bulky and quite some effort to set up rope etc. Or does carful driving, checking the critical sections before entering limit the necessity of a winch close to zero? Weight especially in areas extending the axels is negative for the overall driving pleasure.
Looking forward to here about your resumption
Cheers Achim
Excellent video as always Dan. When you were travelling around Africa I assume you did your own oil changes, buying oil from larger towns or cities along the way. I am wondering, how did you dispose of your oil in these countries? Do garages or certain types of places take plastic containers of used oil?
Locals ALWAYS wanted the used oil - they would use it in their engines, or paint fence posts with it or who knows what else. Plenty of times gas stations let me use their pit to change the oil on the condition I gave them the used oil!
@@TheRoadChoseMe that is good to know. Appreciated and thank you.
So True! 🙏🏼
if The Road chose you Europe for your next continent and if you're ever gonna pass through Poland, let me know! especially if you by any chance are going to visit scandinavia.
I noticed in the video that you don't have any sway bar end links. Is that just a personal preference to drive without them? Or perhaps you are just replacing them or something?
Sure, high lift jacks look cool while mounted on the truck and are ok when you're offroad without options, but there's not much of an excuse for using one at home on pavement. Get a proper hydraulic floor jack--much much safer.
I agree it's not ideal, but I have no place to store a different jack, so I don't own one!
Just curious, when on the road and doing your own oil change, where are you disposing of the used oil?
Locals are always extremely happy to take it
Would you recommend an engine rebuild before a very long trip? To avoid potential engine failure?
There really should be no need on a relatively new engine that doesn't have huge mileage.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Thinking of doing it to my vehicle as its currently on 120k miles. Just to stay on the safe side