I have successfully used nothing but articles from the Internet to learn to perform major maintenance on my Jeep without any real mechanical knowledge other than the very basics of which tools to use. The Internet is a huge resource, and for Jeeps, there is an endless supply of write ups about how to do different things. No need to buy "Chiltons" any more, because the Internet has almost everything you need to get started.

The Internet is Your Friend. Don't Make It Your Enemy!

A fast way that I have found to get help with your Jeep is to register at some of the better web forums out there and post my questions.

I've also learned the hard way that this can also be a great way to make around 100 people angrier than hornets. In order to have a more pleasant, positive experience on web forums, I try to:

1. Always search the Internet using Google to find the answer myself first.
   
   
2. When I turn to forums, I use the forum search function first before posting a question that has already been asked and answered 10,000 times
   
   
3. On a web site with forums, there is usually a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions file) which may contain the info I am looking for. I look for it, find it, and read it. before you post a question.
   
   
4. I never post anything and say "I need an answer fast!" And I try to avoid sounding like I am demanding answers from other participants. They do not work for me. If I need timely help, I can take my Jeep to a local mechanic or to the stealership.
   
   

Useful Web Site Links

JeepForum.com - an extremely helpful site with technical information, many expert Jeep off-roading enthusiasts, and amateur mechanics. Lots of help for the novice with problems and answers for questions. There is a FAQ built into the forums, and there are tens of thousands of articles archived there. Usually if I use the search function, I find what I am looking for there. Also, the makers of many of the most informative web sites hang out there and can point you in the right direction.

Stu Olson's Jeep Site - Stu Olson has a lot of online tutorials for how to do things. I learned to change my front brake pads by myself for the very first time by doing nothing other than following this web site's excellent pictures and explanations. A great site!

Jeep Horizons - More technical assistance and photographic guides than you can possibly use. Fantastic!

Quadratec - Quadratec sends out a great catalog of aftermarket products for your Jeep, and has some excellent equipment for sale online. They also run a pretty good forum with some help with your Jeep. Definitely get on their list to receive their catalog regularly!

4WheelDrive Hardware -This is another fantastic catalog. Get on their list to receive one and browse all of the neat things for your Jeep that you never new existed!

4x4 Explore - Tutorials and write ups on all sorts of Jeep modifications and maintenance. Required Reading.