Books on Toyota Trucks


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In a message dated 97-06-23 19:17:54 EDT, you write:

<<   So I was hoping someone
 could recommend a good resource (internet or book/magazine) that would
 show me what the various parts of the truck are and more importantly why
 they are necessary.  That's really important because it does me little
 good to know where the gear box is and not know what gear ratios are
 available and why each one is used and what factors go into choosing a
 ratio.  THis is a pretty simple request and I want to say thanks in
 advance for any help.  
 
 Mark McColl
 87 4runner 182,000 in fantastic shape >>

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Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 16:03:10 -0700
From: Barney McNamara 
Subject: Basic info
To: spoonee@juno.com, Toy4x4@tlca.org

Mark,
You can read a ton more stuff on my home page. I don't know if
it will really help. I started with a book by Jay Kopycinski, who
is on the list, but doesn't talk about his book. It is a real good 
intro to the sport, and is specific to Toyotas.
_____________________________________________________________
Barney McNamara              JENNY - 83 Toyota Short Bed  
( barney@flowpoint.com )     stock 22R motor ; 3" body lift
Santa Cruz, Ca.              8" alloy rims; 31" BFG A/Ts
homepage: http://www.scruz.net/~barneym/barnhome.htm
______________________________________________________________

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Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 16:48:19 -0700
From: Scott Muir 
Subject: Basic info
To: spoonee@juno.com, toy4x4@tlca.org

I think this depends on what your 'end result' is.  There are people
here with 'keep it stock but keep it running' people.  Others are tuning
their machines to get every last bit of suspension travel/every bit of
power hounds.  

As a basic reference for the nuts a bolts of your truck with some
diagnostic info, i would think that a Haynes manual is a mighty good
first purchase.  Mine has gotten me through modifications to the
electrical system, as well replacing kingpin bearings in my front end to
name 2.

As for the rest of the stuff, back issues of this list, or just post
questions.  This list is certainly not just for the techies.

Good luck...

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Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 20:22:40 -0400 (EDT)
From: DRM033@aol.com
Subject: Basic info
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org

real simple answer for this one.  Two things:

1.  Get your hands dirty!  This is a MUST to learn.  You can follow the
second hint I give all you want, but nothing sinks in 'till you have it in a
million parts on your lap.  Don't get me wrong, don't go in over your skill
level.  Instead find a friend who has "been there, done that" and watch
learn, listen, and hand him wrenches.  It may sound stupid, but it works
2.  Read.  Those nice little magazines on the news stand are a wealth of info
about many, many topics.  I hear a lot of peaple complain about the mags, but
I love to read about ALL vehicles ( maybe 'cause I own quite a few different
ones).

I say these things because I lived them.  3 years ago I could not have
changed my oil - no joke.  I got involved with a club and started working
with the members on my truck and theirs.  If you had told me then that in 3
years I would be pulling engines, tranny's, installing lift kits, rebuilding
axles, etc. I would have told you you were crazy.  
It worked for me, and I still use this method:  never stop learning!

David
DRM033@aol.com

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Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 21:48:25 -0500
From: Chris & Nicki Yorke 
Subject: Basic info
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org

I have to agree with David on this. I got involved with automobiles in
high school and would just take something apart that needed to be fixed.
It is amazing how much you will learn by doing this. When I started at
the Toy dealer I'm working at I thought i knew quitwe a bit, but I was
very wrong. I was trying to make everything harder thatn it was because
i was always told the Japanese cars are a PITA to work on. Well people
dont know what they are talking about. The Toyota products have to be
the easiest vehicle to work on because they are so basic.
Just jump in and start going at it you will be able to put it back
together.

Chris
yorke@bellsouth.net

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Date: Tue, 24 Jun 1997 00:52:31 -0700
From: nickkrest@batnet.com (Nick Krest)
Subject: Basic info
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org

Mark McColl  wrote:

        "I am just getting into working on vehicles...
        I have a very basic knowledge of the truck
        mostly from the simple repairs that I have
        done myself...I realized how little I knew
        about my truck...recommend a good resource
        (internet or book/magazine)..."

I think the John Muir book "How to Keep Your Toyota Truck Alive" is
probably the best book that combines theory with practice. No, I don't have
the ISBN #, but www.amazon.com carries it, and can provide the ISBN so your
local bookstore can order it for you. It runs about $20.

Good luck,

 - Nick

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Date: Wed, 16 Jul 1997 15:53:51 -0700
From: Brandon Miller 
Subject: How to keep your toy alive
To: "Toy4x4@tlca.org" 

Mark B McColl wrote:
> 
> Authored by Larry Owens
> John Muir Auto Series Idiot Book
> ISBN # 0-912528-89-3
> 
> I got my at Barnes and Nobles and it was in stock.  Its a good book but a
> little lacking in illustrations.  Good supplement to Haynes Manual.
> 
> Mark B McColl
> spoonee@juno.com
> 
> The Worth and Excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its
> love. - Henry Scougal

If you know anything about the workings of a vehicle this book is
useless, if you are new to playing with toys go for it.  When I bought
it every time I tried to do something the book told me to "bring it to a
professional."  What kind of manual is that?  I say buy the factory
manual, you wont regret it.  Use the idiot book as a supplement, he has
some funny jokes and inside tips that are useful like loosening the
crankshaft bolt by wedging a breaker bar between the steering box and
the frame and hitting the key (make sure it is not going to turn into
the fan!).
- -- 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Brandon Miller                     email: sac78483@saclink.csus.edu
Sacramento, CA                            millerb@gaia.ecs.csus.edu
                     url: http://gaia.ecs.csus.edu/~millerb/4x.html
                  
1983 Toyota LB locked F&R, 5.29:1 gears, roll cage, etc. etc.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 08:50:31 -0500
From: Michael Pluimer 
Subject: '94 Factory Manuals Wanted
To: toy4x4@tlca.org

Anyone have their '94 Toy 4x4 PU V6 factory service manuals that
they'd like to part with?  I don't really want to fork out $160 to order the
two manuals new.  Otherwise, does anyone have any opinions
regarding the Haynes or Chilton's manuals?  Is one better than the other
or are they both pretty lousy?  Thanks.

Michael Pluimer
'94 Toy 4x4 PU, Reg. Cab, V6, 5 spd.

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Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 11:05:18 -0500
From: John Vargus 
Subject: '94 Factory Manuals Wanted
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org

Well i have all 4 sets ( kind of redudnant i know ) but each served a
purpose at the time.

Haynes  - was the first manuals ever bought - they were sufficient for
light duty work and some specs ive since got rid of most of them.

Factory Manuals - Very specific to the t and i's dotted. Also have factory
manuals for exact specifications and procedures.  Contain very good
troubleshooting procedures for the specific car that the manual covers.
160 covers one model in great detail.

Chilton Anniversary issue import guide - Very thorough and covers just
about everything needed to do a job. Step by Step ie... remove radiator
bolts...watch this and that. General troubleshooting but covers many cars.
Great tips sections. Definitely worth the 20.00

Chilton Professinal series - Very good but expect a mechanic background
somewhat.  They leave the little stuff to common knowledge. But cover the
hard stuff in detail. 110.00 will get you a range of about 5 years. all
imports.
Have to purchase through a chilton representiative.  If you decide on this
book i can get them here and pass them on to you, I have a pretty good deal
worked out with the guy. 
This goes out to anyone, if i can be of assitance let me know

Depends upon your mechanical abilities and money. 
Personally I like factory and chilton.

Just my opinion...

John A. Vargus

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