DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

[Timmah!]

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be successful using them. You don't need to be an experienced mechanic to be successful following our tutorials. If you have a willingness to learn, you're willing to invest in some tools, and you have a decent level of patience, you can really do most of your own work and avoid the expensive labor rates dealerships and independent shops will charge you for their time. By doing your own work, you're not only going to learn a ton, but you're also going to have assurance the job was done right. Just because you bring your rig to a professional shop doesn't mean the work is going to get done right. Shops screw up quite a bit.

So, I'm going to slowly add our library videos to this thread so members can easily find them. If you have questions, you can ask them in this thread or PM me. If you'd like to see more of our content that's not in this thread, you can go directly to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9EMiD9KPy61kJ6hdXcbjxA

You can use the Table of Contents to quickly jump to the video you need. Happy Wrenching!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1) Slip Yoke Binding Fix

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

2) Valve Cover Gasket Job (3.4L 5VZ-FE V6)

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

3) Steering Rack and Sway Bar Bushing Replacement

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

4) Instrument Panel Light Bulb Replacement

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

5) Lower Ball Joint Replacement

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

6) Transmission Cooler Installs (In-Series and Bypassed)

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

7) Starter Removal and Solenoid Repair

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

8) 30,000 Mile Service

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

9) Basic Suspension Lift

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

10) Brake Fluid Bleed/Flush

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

11) Fan Clutch Replacement

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

12) Transmission Fluid Flush/Exchange

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

13) Fixing High Coolant Temps

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

14) Denso Alternator Brush Replacement

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

15) Rear Differential Extended Breather Mod

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

16) CV Axle Reboot w/ boot stretch Mod

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

17) Lower Control Arm Bushing Replacement

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Hey Dudes, through my Timmy the Toolman channel I run with my buddy Sean, we have built up a huge library of videos to help out the DIY Mechanics in this community. What is unique about our videos is the detail we offer. We tailor our videos to the absolute beginner so everyone can be...

www.independentoffroading.com

18) Drive Belt Replacement

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

If you want to renew your 3 drive belts (Alternator, Power Steering, and Air Conditioning) this video will show you how to do it.

www.independentoffroading.com

19) Tundra Brake Upgrade

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

If you want to renew your 3 drive belts (Alternator, Power Steering, and Air Conditioning) this video will show you how to do it.

www.independentoffroading.com

20) Body Lift Installation

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

If you want to renew your 3 drive belts (Alternator, Power Steering, and Air Conditioning) this video will show you how to do it.

www.independentoffroading.com

21) ToyTec Boss Complete Suspension Lift

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

If you want to renew your 3 drive belts (Alternator, Power Steering, and Air Conditioning) this video will show you how to do it.

www.independentoffroading.com

22) Overdrive Off = Transmission Temp Drop

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

If you want to renew your 3 drive belts (Alternator, Power Steering, and Air Conditioning) this video will show you how to do it.

www.independentoffroading.com

23) Front Differential Axle Seal Replacement

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

If you want to renew your 3 drive belts (Alternator, Power Steering, and Air Conditioning) this video will show you how to do it.

www.independentoffroading.com

24) Steering Rack Replacment

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

If you want to renew your 3 drive belts (Alternator, Power Steering, and Air Conditioning) this video will show you how to do it.

www.independentoffroading.com

25) Cooling System Flush

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

If you want to renew your 3 drive belts (Alternator, Power Steering, and Air Conditioning) this video will show you how to do it.

www.independentoffroading.com

26) 3rd Member Replacement

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

If you want to renew your 3 drive belts (Alternator, Power Steering, and Air Conditioning) this video will show you how to do it.

www.independentoffroading.com

27) Toyota Rear Axle Seal/Bearing Replacement (Non-ABS Rearend)

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

If you want to renew your 3 drive belts (Alternator, Power Steering, and Air Conditioning) this video will show you how to do it.

www.independentoffroading.com

28) Toyota Rear Axle Seal/Bearing Replacement (ABS Rearend)

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

If you want to renew your 3 drive belts (Alternator, Power Steering, and Air Conditioning) this video will show you how to do it.

www.independentoffroading.com

27) Toyota Rear Axle Seal/Bearing Replacement (Part 2)

DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

If you want to renew your 3 drive belts (Alternator, Power Steering, and Air Conditioning) this video will show you how to do it.

www.independentoffroading.com

 

[Timmah!]

This was my very first video. I shot if with my GoPro camera strapped to my head. You know that issue of that bump feeling as you roll to a stop, like someone accidentally ran into the back of you? I believe that is coming from the slip yoke becoming unbound. As you're applying the brakes, the suspension compresses and the slip yoke slides further into the main propeller shaft (driveshaft). As you roll slowly to a stop, the suspension decompresses and the slip yoke extends back to its relaxed state. If the splines of the driveshaft and slip yoke are insufficiently lubricated, they won't slide along each other very smoothly. The unbinding of the slip yoke isn't smooth but sort of jarring and that's the bump feeling you're experiencing.

The zerk fitting for the slip yoke does a piss poor job of lubricating those splines. These videos cover the removal of the slip yoke and manual greasing of the splines. If you're lucky, this will get rid of your rear end thump. It did work for me for a while but the problem would come back. I believe for some like myself, the improper lubrication of the splines caused excessive wear and no amount of greasing is going to get rid of the issue. The only option is to replace the driveshaft if the issue really bothers you. I just got use to the rear end thump and live with it. If I was going to replace the driveshaft, I'd order one from Tom Woods. They build high quality driveshafts for a fair price.

 

[Dan H]

I had that issue on my prerunner taco. I set up a camera underneath and watched it. I was getting bad axle wrap. It was weak ass 3rd gen leafs. Changed to leafs with wheelers 3 add-a-leaf. Gained 3 inch lift and stops smoother. I have a 4 inch lift on front.

 

[Timmah!]

I had that issue on my prerunner taco. I set up a camera underneath and watched it. I was getting bad axle wrap. It was weak ass 3rd gen leafs. Changed to leafs with wheelers 3 add-a-leaf. Gained 3 inch lift and stops smoother. I have a 4 inch lift on front.

Yeah, I forgot to mention axle wrap for Tacoma owners with leaf springs. Thanks for mentioning this.

 

[Timmah!]

This was the video that was the catalyst that launched our Timmy the Toolman channel. I did a valve cover gasket job on my 2000 4runner and commented on a thread on T4R.org about it. This guy Sean messaged me asking if I'd be willing to help him do the job on this rig since we lived in the same area. I said sure, let's do it. I had a GoPro camera I got as a gift that I barely used so I asked Sean what he thought about making a video to help people out. He said sure, let's do it. So, we filmed the job on his rig and he edited it using iMovie. The result was people liked it. We got to talking and decided we'd like to keep doing it. That was around 6.5 years ago. The way we came up with our channel name is my nickname at the fire department I work for is Timmy. I remembered the show Home Improvement with Tim the Toolman Tailor so I asked Sean, what do you think of Timmy the Toolman as our channel name. He liked it and our channel was born.

 

[Timmah!]

In this video, we show you how to renew your steering rack and sway bar bushings. If you're steering starts to get sloppy and wanders on you, there's a good chance your steering rack bushings are shot. A set of new poly bushings can tighten up your steering and get your steering feeling more responsive. The sway bar needs to come out to do the work, so it's the opportune time to renew those as well. If the steering rack bushings are shot, there's a good chance the sway bar and end link bushings are shot as well.

 

[Timmah!]

In this video, I show how to access the dash instrument cluster to replace a burnt out bulb. The video was an afterthought. I got everything apart and decided this would be a helpful video so this isn't shot in the logical order. The video starts with the dash torn apart already and I show you how you would do the job by showing the reassembly of everything.

 

[Timmah!]

This is a job probably everyone will do at some point due to the history of LBJ failures with these rigs.

 

[Timmah!]

In the first video, I show how to install an external transmission cooler and swap out the radiator and thermostat. For this cooler install, I ran it in-series with the stock cooler in the bottom of the radiator. I also chose the easiest way to mount it by using the supplied zip ties that you slide through the AC Condenser and radiator. A radiator should be replaced as preventative maintenance to avoid a potential catastrophic failure. The top is made of plastic which degrades over the years of heat cycles and it can fail leaving you stranded. If you have a lot of miles on your rig and still have the original radiator, it might be time to consider replacing it especially if you go 4wheeling in remote areas.

In this second video, I decide to use a bigger transmission cooler and bypass the stock cooler in the radiator. The reason to bypass is to avoid a potential failure of the stock trans cooler which allows the ATF and coolant to mix and then destroy your automatic transmission. They call it the Pink Milkshake because when the ATF and coolant mix, it makes this frothy pink concoction. At first I didn't think bypassing was a good way to go but I have since changed my mind about it.

 

[Timmah!]

In this video, I show you how to remove the starter and service the solenoid by replacing the contacts and plunger. Quite often, you can salvage your OEM Denso starter by simply replacing the contacts and plunger. If you find the starter is having more involved issues like the bearing for the gear shaft is shot, you'll probably just want to buy a rebuilt starter rather than trying to fix it. I suggest getting a remanufactured Denso and not one of the cheaper ones you can pick up at an auto parts store.

 

[Timmah!]

In this video I show you how to do a basic service to renew your fluids, grease driveshaft zerk fittings, and do a brake inspection. Keeping up with the basic maintenance is what's going to keep your rig on the road for a long time. Doing Sic Mods is great, we agree, but you should first concentrate on the basics to keep your rig in tip top shape.

 

[Timmah!]

This video shows you how to install a basic lift in your rig which involves swapping out the coils and shocks. There's no coverage of installing aftermarket upper control arms or shocks with external reservoirs in this video. This video covers just the basics of what's involved with installing a lift.

 

[Timmah!]

This video shows you how to perform a Brake Fluid Bleed/Flush of your system.

 

[Timmah!]

This video shows you how to test and replace your fan clutch.

 

[Timmah!]

This video shows you how to perform a full exchange/flush of your automatic transmission fluid. You can effectively keep you ATF in good shape by doing regular drain and refills of the pan, but if you found the fluid was in bad shape and you want to renew it all at once, this video will show you how to get it done.

 

[Timmah!]

If you find you're having some overheating issues with your engine, this video covers some of the things that might be the culprit.

 

[Timmah!]

If your battery light comes on letting you know something is wrong with your charging system, most of the time, it's an issue with your alternator. Before giving your high quality Denso alternator away to satisfy a core charge, try to fix it first by replacing worn out brushes. Brushes wearing down is a common reason alternators stop charging effectively. If you find a new set of brushes isn't the magic fix, I recommend buying a rebuilt Denso over other brands like Bosch that you can get at auto parts stores.

 

[Timmah!]

If you plan on 4wheeling and might cross some deeper creek crossings, this would be a good modification to reduce the chance of water being sucked into your differential. It's also a good modification for those who live in areas where the roads are salted because now the breather will be protected from the elements behind the gas fill hatch. If the breather ends up rusting shut, the pressure in the differential has to go somewhere and it will push gear oil out past the inner axle seals and then you might be pulling axles, replacing damaged seals and maybe replacing wheel bearings too since the gear oil can wash out the bearing grease causing premature wear.

 

[Timmah!]

This video shows you how to reboot your CV axles with a bonus boot stretch mod. It was done on a 3rd Gen 4runner. Tacoma axles are a little different. To remove the tripod on Tacoma Axles, you first have to release and slide down a c-clip under the tripod. Then you knock the tripod down the shaft a little bit to expose another c-clip above the tripod. Once you remove the upper c-clip, you can slide the tripod off the shaft. The rest of the job for the Tacoma axles is the same for the 4runner axles.

 

[Timmah!]

These videos give you two techniques to remove your Lower Control Arm Bushings. One method is using a bottle jack (Part 1) and the other is by using a press (Part 2). You would want to watch Part 1 for most of the knowledge on how to remove the LCAs. Part 2 is also for learning how to cut out your cam adjusters if you unfortunately learn one or more of them are rusted and seized inside the bushing(s).