Beyond Maintenance

I think with the assistance of this site and the internet in general, most maint items can be done by the backyard hack mechanic, myself included. And I think most of the posts on these sites are related to those maint items.

With the help of youtube and step by step DIY's, just about everything is covered from simple oil changes to driveline bushings.

What I don't see are the more in depth items like internal engine component replacements. Is it because these items, like internal seals and rods and piston rings last a LONG time and should only be messed with when they fail, or is it just because they are too difficult to get to and replace?

I would think with the proper step by step procedure, they could be done, and the cars could go on for a LONG, LONG time.

What is the most common, in your opinion, failure item in this regard? Pistons, seals, rings??? Beyond the bushings, mounts, shocks/struts...things that are discussed on here normally. And what can we do to prolong those type failures - of course changing the oil with a recommended oil, stuff like that - but is there anything else?

Who are the Einstein mechanics out there that are holding back their secrets that we all need to know, that haven't posted them yet?

Oh well, thought this was an interesting topic so i posted it.