The Basics of DIY Maintenance and the Foundation of Every Build

The simple fact is that whether you're looking at a big-budget SEMA build or the rustiest daily driver in Ohio, any car or truck is going to need maintenance. From a tired 5.4 powered F150 to the newest Ranger and a bumper to bumper warranty, there are plenty of DIY maintenance and upgrade projects you can tackle to ensure your truck is running at its best. Here’s a look at some practical and performance-oriented DIY tasks anyone can take on.

Now, obviously, a LOT of new cars and trucks come with extended maintenance packages for the buyer, but most of those are done for if you aren’t the first owner, or you’re past a certain number of miles. So even if you’ve got a “fresh” ride, you might want to begin taking care of basic maintenance yourself – it really is the cornerstone of keeping your truck in excellent condition. These tasks are manageable for most DIYers and save time and money compared to taking your vehicle to a shop.

1. Oil Changes: Regular oil changes are essential for engine health. With the right tools—a jack, drain pan, and a wrench—this job can be completed in under an hour. Use high-quality oil and filters, particularly if you drive under demanding conditions.
2. Gear Oil Changes: Maintaining your differentials with fresh gear oil ensures smooth operation and prevents costly damage. Check your owner’s manual for the correct oil type and interval.
3. Transmission and Transfer Case Maintenance: For automatic transmissions, changing the transmission fluid and filter can extend its lifespan. Transfer case fluid should also be checked and replaced regularly to ensure smooth shifts and proper 4WD operation.
4. Air Filters: Replacing the engine air filter is a quick and simple task that improves fuel efficiency and performance. Cabin air filters are another easy swap that enhances interior air quality.

These Are Just Stepping Stones for Performance

Here in the Stage 3 offices, we actually JUST had a team member swap out the gear oil in his diffs and he immediately noticed some differences in drivability, and while it might seem “cooler” to jump right to performance goodies, sometimes, just catching up deferred maintenance from previous owners can give you a seat-of-the-pants improvement and a boost to fuel economy.

…But there’s always “more” to be had, and we wouldn’t be focused on performance if we weren’t sharing upgrades to take your truck’s performance and efficiency to the next level.

1. Cold Air Intakes (CAIs): A cold air intake system is one of the simplest ways to boost performance. By improving airflow to the engine, CAIs increase horsepower and throttle response while delivering a satisfying intake sound. Stage 3 Motorsports offers CAIs for nearly every model, including F150s, Rangers, Tacomas, and Ram 1500s.
2. Throttle Body Spacers and High-Performance Throttle Bodies: Throttle body spacers provide a minor bump in torque and efficiency, making them a cost-effective upgrade. For those seeking more noticeable performance gains, a high-performance throttle body can enhance airflow to the engine, especially when paired with other upgrades like a CAI.
3. Exhaust Systems: Upgrading to a performance exhaust system reduces backpressure and enhances both power and sound. From aggressive growls to refined roars, Stage 3 Motorsports has options tailored to your truck’s personality.
4. Suspension Enhancements: Adding leveling kits or upgrading shocks improves handling and off-road capability. Whether you’re lifting your Raptor for off-road dominance or leveling your Ram 1500 for a more aggressive stance, these upgrades are highly rewarding.

Planning for Bigger Builds

For owners looking to go beyond basic upgrades, tuners and performance modules offer a lot of bang for your buck and can be the first OR second step in a performance build. We still recommend making sure your maintenance is up to speed, though. Tuners like the COBB Accessport V3, SCT BDX, and aFe Scorcher’s GT Module can unlock hidden power by optimizing your truck’s ECU. Once tuned, your truck is ready for even more ambitious modifications, such as turbo upgrades, intercoolers, or larger fuel injectors. The flexibility offered by tuners ensures that each successive upgrade works in harmony, maximizing performance.

Tools of the Trade

Before diving into these projects, make sure you’re equipped with the right tools:

• A high-quality jack and stands for safe lifting.
• Basic hand tools, such as wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers.
• Fluid transfer pumps for differential and transmission fluid changes.
• Torque wrenches to ensure proper tightening.
• Diagnostic tools to monitor engine health and reset codes, especially when working with tuners.

It’s important to remember that very few of us started out with a full workshop of tools. We learned to wrench on stuff and bought as we needed things, or as good deals came along. So even if your new to DIYs, start with routine maintenance like oil and filter changes to build confidence. Once comfortable, explore performance upgrades that align with your driving needs.

Stage 3 Motorsports is your go-to source for DIY-friendly parts and performance upgrades. With a wide selection tailored to Ford, Toyota, and Ram trucks, we provide the tools and guidance you need to take your vehicle to the next level. Whether you’re just starting your DIY journey or planning a full performance build, we’re here to help you make the most of your truck.

Tackle a project this weekend and experience the satisfaction of improving your truck’s performance and reliability. With the right parts and a little elbow grease, you can transform your vehicle into a machine that’s truly your own.