Do you install or do your own customizing on your explorer or do you pay a 4x4 shop to do it for you???


I for one have done both. I'm good with axles and gears but not welding. For customizing I usually try to do it myself.

Its good to do it yourself then if it falls apart you know who to blame.:D friends and this board help alot too.

depends. customizing and stuff like that (i.e.: mods) i do myself, but when it comes to maintenance, im a lil lazy. like, ill change my own oil and stuff like that, but id rather pay someone to do my brakes and atf change is a mess so i pay to have it done.

So far I've done all mine. Although a day may come where I get in over my head. :D

I try alot of stuff myself first... or if it's somethin that completely has me baffled... it'll go to the shop
Pete

I try to do most all of my mods. It lets me learn more about the car and anyway i like building things. the only time that i really ask for help is when i dont feel comfortable doing the work or dont have a tool i need or cant afford. doing the stuff yourself also gives you some pride. for example if someone asked you who made that or who did you find to do that you can say i did it. kind of cool or atleat i think so.. Major:exp:

There needs to do a poll option for "both"

For maintenance and stuff, I usually have someone do it. However, I've done many of my mods myself. Big mods I've had help with though:

1/2 of the supercharger
gears/posi install
catback exhaust (just cause they did a custom job in an hour).

However, I've done a lot of it myself, such as the other 50% of the s/c install, stereo mods, lights, lift (help from Randall, Mike, and Kris), and my latest, N2O.

Im with major on this one.. I like to try to do everything myself this way you can be proud when people ask you where you got it done and you say that you did it. don't get me wrong though there are lots of things to that have to be done in a shop for certain reasons but still like to try it out to gain more knowledge.

I have had bad luck wheelin but I have made some great friends here and locally and between them I have gotten the courage to do dang near all my own work. This is kinda funny, for oil changes I take it in so I dont have to worry about disposal, the mess, and they usually top off fluids and what not.

Oil Change Instructions For Women:



>
>
>Step 1: Pull up to Jiffy Lube when the mileage reaches 3000 since the
last
>oil change.
>Step 2: Drink a cup of coffee.
>Step 3: 15 minutes later, write a check and leave with a properly
maintained
>
>vehicle.
>
>Money Spent:
>$20.00 for oil change
>$1.00 for coffee
> Total = $21.00


>
>Oil Change Instructions For Men:



>
>Step 1: Go to auto parts store and write a check for $50.00 for oil,
filter,
>
>kitty litter, hand cleaner and a scented tree.
>Step 2: Discover that the used oil container is full. Instead of taking
it
>back to O'Reilly to recycle, dump in hole in back yard.
>Step 3: Open a beer; drink it.
>Step 4: Jack car up. Spend 30 minutes looking for jack stands.
>Step 5: Find jack stands under kid's pedal car.
>Step 6: In frustration, open another beer and drink it.
>Step 7: Place drain pan under engine.
>Step 8: Look for 9/16 box end wrench.
>Step 9: Give up looking after 15 minutes and use crescent wrench.
>Step 10: Unscrew drain plug.
>Step 11: Drop drain plug in pan of hot oil; burn hand in hot oil, get
it
all
>
>over your clothes in process.
>Step 12: Clean up mess.
>Step 13: Have another beer while watching oil drain.
>Step 14: Look for oil filter wrench.
>Step 15: Give up looking after 10 minutes, poke oil filter with
screwdriver
>and twist off.
>Step 16: Beer.
>Step 17: Buddy shows up to lend technical support, helps finish case
of
>beer; unanimous committee decision to finish oil change tomorrow.
>Step 18: Next day, drag pan full of old oil out from underneath car.
>Step 19: Throw kitty litter on oil spilled during steps 11 & 18.
>Step 20: Beer. No, wait a minute-drank it all yesterday.
>Step 21: Walk to 7-11; buy beer.
>Step 22: Install new oil filter making sure to apply a thin coat of oil
to
>gasket surface.
>Step 23: Dump first quart of fresh oil into engine.
>Step 24: Suddenly remember drain plug from step 11.
>Step 25: Hurry to find drain plug in drain pan.
>Step 26: Remember that the used oil is buried in a hole in the back
yard,
>along with drain plug.
>Step 27: Drink beer.
>Step 28: Uncover hole and sift through muck for drain plug.
>Step 29: Mutter under breath about first quart of fresh oil, now on
the
>floor.
>Step 30: Drink beer.
>Step 31: Slip with crescent wrench while tightening drain plug, bang
>knuckles
>on frame.
>Step 32: Bang head on floor boards in reaction to step 31.
>Step 33: Begin uncontrollable cussing fit.
>Step 34: Throw wrench.
>Step 35: Cuss for additional 10 minutes due to thrown wrench damaging
Miss
>December (1992) in the left boob.
>Step 36: Beer.
>Step 37: Clean up hands and forehead; bandage as required to stop blood

>flow.
>
>Step 38: Beer.
>Step 39: Another beer.
>Step 40: Dump in five fresh quarts of oil.
>Step 41: Beer.
>Step 42: Lower car from jack stands.
>Step 43: Accidentally crush one of the jack stands.
>Step 44: Move car back to apply more kitty litter to fresh oil spilled
>during
>step 23.
>Step 45: Beer.
>Step 46: Test drive car.
>Step 47: Get pulled over & arrested for driving under the influence.
>Step 48: Car gets impounded.
>Step 49: Make bail; retrieve car from impound yard.
>
>Money Spent:
>$50.00 Parts
>$27.50 Beer
>$75.00 replacement set of jack stands (hey the colors have to
match!!!!)
>$1,000.00 Bail
>$200.00 Impound and towing fee
>$2,379.50 Fines and court costs
>
> Total = $3,732.00

ROFLMAO!!! :chug:

LMAO! Thats about how it goes.

I've done everything on my truck with the exception of mounting/balancing tires and regearing.

dannyboy -
that has to be one the funniest things i've read in a long time, thanks for the laugh.:D
todd

I really try to do my own work. I installed my locker with only the help of a friend.....but it took like 3 days of work to do. But I did it! And that's all that matters.

My dad has so many tools but most of them are worthless for the kinda work I do to my truck so when I don't have the tools, or when I no clue what I'm doing, or when I deem the work as being unsafe (installing torsion bars), then I'll take it to a mechanic.

haha that's hillarious!!!! changing oil is the only thing i won't do. too much mess to deal with, and disposal, etc... let someone do it for me. as for everything else, i'll do it unless it's completely over my head.

I'll try about anything on my X one time. I've done everything myself. Some of which i will not do again, well i'm sure i will, one being the transmission, hated it, but it's worth it!

Happy trails!!

i dont do tranny flush, tire mount or ballance, alignment, or recalls.

swapped tranny and tcase
body lift
torsion lift and add a leaf
skid plate fab
new rear bumper brackets
4 sets of shocks
lights
wiring
fluid change
beer drinking!:p

i do everything on my truck... i also mount and balance my own rims too...... havent attemped a full tranny flush, but have taken the pan off and replaced the filter..... mainly, i cant afford to take it anywhere so i do it all myself

mainly, i cant afford to take it anywhere so i do it all myself


amen!

jim,
how do you mount and balance your own wheels? ide love to learn!

round here balancing your wheels mean, buring them in the mud and spinning them so that th emud "balances" the wheel. when the mud falls off go back and get more!!!

Originally posted by BUCHVILLEMAN

how do you mount and balance your own wheels? ide love to learn!
round here balancing your wheels mean, buring them in the mud and spinning them so that th emud "balances" the wheel. when the mud falls off go back and get more!!!

I'm not sure what Jim does but I get lucky on this aspect. There is a local full service gas station that mounts, balances and fixes flats. He only charges $5 a tire to mount and balance and also only charges only $5 to patch a tire. Some places charge $8 to mount and balance a tire, so its a good deal.

I do what I can and let the shop handle the rough stuff :-) , I have done everything so far but if there was anything really rough I wouldn't do it :-)

I'm not sure what Jim does but I get lucky on this aspect. There is a local full service gas station that mounts, balances and fixes flats. He only charges $5 a tire to mount and balance and also only charges only $5 to patch a tire. Some places charge $8 to mount and balance a tire, so its a good deal.

thats sounds pretty fair.

i have the service plan that i bought with my tires at sears that include free balance and rotation, but if i could do it at home it would save me 65 miles to the closest sears. im thinking more for the tires on my jeep. its not tagged and have some old 31s to put on it until i get my big meats so if i could get them on there i coudl at least drive it to the court house and get it tagged and all that.

come on jim how do you do it? i think i could get a tire on a rim using various pry bars and whatnot but im not sure about how to ge tit to bead and definitely no idea how to balance without a machine.

Jim works for a tire and wheel shop.

I've seen ways (in magazines) where people used what they had with them to set the bead. Like I believe they sprayed something flammable (similiar to hairspray but not hairspray) in the tire and lit it and the air got really hot and expanded thus setting the bead. But I doubt that is a really safe way to do it.

ahhh! makes sense!

I do most of the easier bolt on mods and what not. But if comes to any internal engine parts or difficult drivetrain parts I think I would take it to Ford. Makes sense because i got a Ford Extended Warranty.

yes, i currently work at a shop.... and the shop i used to work at still gives me hook ups..... the stuff ok89 said about a flammable liquid can be done wit hwhite gas or lighter fluid but should only be done in an emergency and by someone who KNOWS how to do it.... in theroy i could do it, but i wouldnt... if i screwed up i would be a marshmellow

I've had to reseat a bead on a tire maybe 2 or 3 times like that. Ethanol works the best. I've worked at a tire before so I knew what was going to happen but damn thats some scary crap. I hate when people don't bring a full size spare on the trail.

I do everything short of Tire balancing/alignments and such. Any mods and just basic maitience is all done in my garage. It looks like it could be time for a new tranny, so that will be a DIY for me...I will probably have many questions when that time comes...but for now I'm not too worried about it.

As far as oil changes, I usually do them myself, but if I find a place that will do it for $10 or less I will take it there. One time I took my Ranger to the Chevy dealer to have it changed for $9.99 :eek:

I will try to do anything and everything...with the exception of painting and welding (cause I don't have a welder) and front end alignments.

Why?
1. It is usually hard to find somene who does good work and doesn't whine about every little thing......then having to wait three weeks for an appointment......hoping it will be done on time.

2. If I do it, I'm not fighting a labor rate table to complete the job. So if they is a better way (usually more time comsuming) it gets done the "right" way.

3. If something else needs to be repaired, shows "wear" while the thing is all apart, I'll fix it and the job at hand doesn't turn into a money pit of labor retail part price overruns.

4. Its the little things: I clean any and ever part when I do repairs, as I think you should.... so every thing goes back "pretty" and tight.
Everything takes time!!!! I can't expect anyone else working on my car to do that and stay in business without charging you.

5. Its a great feeling to know...."I can do" that and not have to worry that anything you want to do may cost more than the cost of car.

6. It always more satifying to do it yourself and perhaps learn something. Researching stuff is so much easier these days with the web etc and I'm never a stranger at the library.

Its one of my bad habits ....do it yourself, get it done and get it done right.

It also helps to have an extra car while your working on the other one and you do not like to play golf.

It's a practical hobby ...or could it be a curse?

Go figure?

If I knew how to do anything with my car other then to replace bulbs then I would do it all myself.

RoadEnforcer

It always depends, if you really what to?
You can't fault anyone who doesn't want to know how, bother with the frustration and/or just writes a check ... and one has to know ones limits but:

the neatest thing in the world is being able to read.
(and have access to the web and this site..hahaha)

I got started many years ago with the attitude...
"I'm going to try this" and always kept ?50? or so bucks handy if the car had to be towed. I also slowly build up a collection of tools.

I never had to "opt for tow"....
Pick a simple project and go for it.....if you get bound up, I'm SURE the crew here will help. (myself included)

Years ago when I hit a brick wall, the web would have been a blessing......then it was the bookstore, a friend's help or the library.

just a "comma in my opinion"

I have done every single thing on my truck except for the exhaust and some welding. I dont weld, cant weld, but plan to learn how to weld. A garage would help.

Brett has been a huge help in doign the big stuff, it used to scare me, now I can install anything.

I had a friend weld up my spring mounts and shock mounts when I put a 8.8 under my BII, other then that all the work was done by me and my friends.

We are talking everything!!!

I'll still let Brett handle the pre-load on my wheel bearings though, they never seem to hold when I do it. :)

Just think 6 years ago I could change spark plugs and oil, thank god I inherited a 88 BII or thats all I would still be able to do, not I can swap an EFI engine in a weekend and convert a 5 speed to automatic in 3 days.
Remember your first tranny drop/clutch? Yeah me too, 5 trannys ago.....

Let me guess?
Everyone's eyes glaze over when you tell them what you do?

Check out adult school for a welding course. I took one.
They are usually very cheap, no pressure to pass haha and you can play with all the schools neat tools, as welll as bring in your own project.

My bother in law and I took one and ended up "doing what ever we wanted off to the side " the whole time because most of the class didn't know how to use a screw driver.
I say that affectionately but that is how some adult school classes are.

So, seize the opportunity!

Well Brett bought a welder so maybe he'll teach me.

Right now I just need a house with a garage and then I can concentrate on my forthcoming divorce when I buy a air compressor and a welder. Right now the spare bedroom is more like a spare camping/boating/truck parts/tools/ stoarge unit.

Hopefully I wont have to do any welding anytime soon, everything has pretty much been done until I am ready to bend up some front beams......

Three words "garage sales" ......
and swap meets at big car shows.
You can get some good stuff at good prices.

You're right, you sneed shelter from the elements first!
Then, I think its food and water??.

Then fix the cars:D :D :D

While it's not much, I do what I can. I have certain reservations on serious work I have no experience with because this is my only ride.

But I WILL learn. Yes, the day will come. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday..

Wait, what?

I havent done any customization to my truck, but when repairs come around I do 90% of everything for my cars/truck...
I dont think Ive actually been to a mechanic since 1997... I did go to a mechanic in 1999 when my Mustang broke down in the parking lot of the Ford Dealership... I let them look at it, but I did the repair (fuel pump)

I've done everything myself

I do most everything but computer/diagnostics (beyond code reading), tire changing and welding.
After owning 60+ vehicles I've only met one professional mechanic that I trust completely... I would rather break it myself than pay someone else to! Depending upon what tools are required, I'll usually take a crack at the repairs or mods myself knowing going in that I'll take longer than a pro, and much of the time I'm learning as I go...

The only things i pay to have done is like an allignment and other stuff that needs the shops machines, or welding.... i do most of my own stuff, or try to, i did a steering stabilizer today, piece of cake

Is the Pope Catholic?

Dosn't everyone?!? LOL

I do almost all the work to my truck myself. Figure why pay someone $50 an hour to do something I can do. When I get the suspension lift for her I think I'll have the shop do it though, I've heard it's a real PITA to drop the radius arm bracket and I don't have any torches. The only other thing I'd pay for is a tranny rebuild.

:chug: :chug:

My truck has never been to the shop (except for an alignment) since ive owned it. Ive done all the work on my truck including the welding. :) I learn how to do things as I go which usually means it takes me a long time. But once i do it again i can do it alot faster... Ive had my rear leafs out so many times for various reasons i can get both leafs out of the truck in about 30 minutes. :)

I do most work myself. It helps that I have access to the shop at work (Roush). We have a bunch of vehicle lifts, several alignment racks, tire mounting/balancing equipment, bridgeports, all kinds of welders, etc. If I run into trouble, I can always grab one of the mechanics to give me a hand. I usually order my parts and have them shipped directly to work and install them there. The only thing I haven't done yet is body work. I don't really have the patience (or talent;)) for it.

However, if its warranty work, I take it to the dealer and have them fix it for free.

I do get a lot of enjoyment out of doing the work. And even more pride out of being able to say "Yea, I made/did that!"

Silver So do you work for Roush? What area?

I do most of the work on my truck myself but I know my limits and have no problem taking it to a shop to get something done that is beyond my current abilities.

Black Magic,
I do Automotive Design (3D modelling) at Roush. At our building, we do mostly SVT and other Ford special vehicle work (Lightning, Cobra, Ford GT, etc). Lately, we've been doing alot of projects for other companies too.

later,
Mike

I've done every mod myself. I hate to let anyone touch my truck. Though, it helps to be a mechanic too.

I do what I can myself. Change the oil, spark plugs, etc. Rotate the tires. Would like to learn how to do other stuff.

but a shop manual... not the haynes or chiltons (not that they arent good) but a real ford manual.....

I do what I know, but when I don't know I'll at least try or I'll ask a buddy or take it to Ford

always...

well, unless it's something I can't really handle... something bigger.

:D

I do it all, if I'm not sure about it I will dig up the info first. I can't see paying someone to do it for me when I am capable of doing it myself.

i won't have it any other way. unless i hit the lotto tomorrow.

mega-million is at $27,000,000 today by the way in ny.

lol- i thought this thread was gonna be about something else....


in THAT case i'd much rather pay someone else to do it

Mega millions in Illinois was at $150,000,000.00 yesterday... might be more for the next drawing...

got to play

:D

i do my own and have done everyithng that has been doen to the beast

oil changes, brakes - the usual stuff.......I also swapped the HU and even made my own removal tool for that. I learn lots from this site.......

LOL haha thats hilarious...wish i could drink beer...damnit im only 16

To this date, have not had anything in the shop. If I didnt have what I needed I would improvise (red neck it) or buy/rent the tool to do it. From stereo installs to engine and tranny swaps, I've done it.

Oil Change Instructions For Women:



>
>
>Step 1: Pull up to Jiffy Lube when the mileage reaches 3000 since the
last
>oil change.
>Step 2: Drink a cup of coffee.
>Step 3: 15 minutes later, write a check and leave with a properly
maintained
>
>vehicle.
>
>Money Spent:
>$20.00 for oil change
>$1.00 for coffee
> Total = $21.00

This was hilarious as heck, but lets look behind the scenes.

Take it to quick change oil shop. They curb check the front wheel putting it on the lift. The the young punk tech doesnt get it centered right causing some not seen but ever present undercarriage damage.

Then as all those places do, that work way to fast. He guestimates the plug size and goes to town with the impact wrench, rounding it off. Then has to use channies or vise grips to get it off.

Drains oil, changes filter.

Lets it down on the lift.

Fills the poor engine pan with shit Penzoil 10w/30.

While backing it off the lift, curb checks that front left tire again leaving a nice dent and scratch in the rim.

Woman pays the bill and procedes to drive away.

She drives around town doing her errands and sees the oil light illuminated on the dash but figures as long as the light is on the oil must be ok.

Halfway through her list, the engine seizes up. Remeber the Young Punk? Well the idiot boy didnt tighten the filter enough and striped the threads reinstalling the drain plug.

So lets break it down.

Oil Change Service -24.99
Repair/replace the front wheel -$200
Repair of the undercarriage -$500
Getting it towed to the repair shop -$50
Having to walk everywhere while you wait for the crate motor to come in -$2500

Grand Total = 3274.99
>

I've done everything on my truck with the exception of mounting/balancing tires and regearing.
same here, except I did gearing myself

Well, the freshly rebuilt (m@ther f()ckin EBAY) high tech freshly installed BAD A4LD will be pulled out AGAIN BY ME while waiting for the replacement rebuild from the F()CKIN EBAY SHOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do it all, but sometimes LIKE TODAY hate it!!!!
:fire: :D :D

Oh well, start the rest of the lift while waiting for ANOTHER trans.