I just started in on "doing my own" for auto stuff except for replacing the odd "appliance" (starters, alternators, etc.). I'm finding out that Toyotas are built a lot different from Fords...

But anyway, I'm looking for a good set calipers, now. I only mention that because I haven't seen that tool mentioned on this thread, yet. But knowing what you've got seems to be a big part of the battle with fixing stuff. Feeler guages might not be a bad thing to have handy, either.