I'm slowly mastering maintaining my own bike, but I'm still having trouble installing new front and rear derailers on mtn bikes. Know of any good tips?

Patience is #1.... Don't even think about working on drivetrain stuff (especially derailleurs) if you are the least bit out of sorts or agitated.

Specific instructions depend a bit on the exact derailleur, ring, cassette parts used, but here is a general link that's pretty cool:

https://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html

And Zinn and Art of MTB Maintenance is a decent general reference....

And of course, the MFGs instructions are usually your best source for getting it right....

Hmmm, oh here's a general one.... Don't try to get the front adjusted before the back is working smoothly.... you'll just be wasting your time....

If you have a specific prob, try to describe it in detail, and I'll try to help ....

Clay

I don't know if this will help but I just installed a megarange dérailleurs and the thing that I found 1 put a new cable on it . 2 line the small sprocket up first front and back first 3 take your time 4 shift the gears to the largest gear and be carefull not to take out the spokes and adjust only in small amounts
I don't know if this will help as I too am trying to learn about my bike but I now have it shifting very smooth if you are in a hurry you will open your wallet to your lbs
best of luke on your bike

what exactly are u having trouble with may one asks.