30K service and dual "tang" spark plug gap-
 

Howdy Folks,

I'm doing the 30k service on my 02 TRD Tacoma 3.4 4x4, and I'm a bit embarassed to admit that I've never installed plugs with two "tangs."

A buddy told me that the plugs come "pre-gapped," and there's nothing to do but apply anti-seize and thread them in, but i'm bothered.

Also, the dealer says it's time to replace the gear oil in the trans, xfer and both diffs. What do you think?

I'd appreciate your ideas-

Thanks,

Eric M

P.S. Sell me your right front mud-flap!

The Denso dual electrode spark plugs I bought at the dealer came pregapped. Put anti-sieze on the plug threads and coilpack bolts. It deffinately wouldn't hurt to change the gear oils either.

Hi Eric,

Welcome, newb! :D

There are several writeups on this forum about changing spark plugs and diff and transfer case fluids. On the latter, check out my writeup at http://www.4runners.org/articles/difftsf

For the spark plugs, i highly recommend you SEARCH the term "changing spark plugs". I believe waskilly wrote a good writeup on that. You will probably find a post I wrote about my experience of not checking (even eyeballing) the spark plug gap. And yes they come pre-gapped, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt check it :)

Bob

Gentlemen,

Thank you very much. I'll look for those write-ups.

Eric M.


... But... what about that mud-flap?

eric,

as the maintenance mod, i forgot to mention that there are two things you might be interested in. in the top stickied thread in the maintenance forum, you will find links to a toyota maintenance search engine that will tell you what items you will need serviced at your mileage interval. also, there is a link to toyota's online maintenance manual (FSM) . you can download anything for $10 per day. quite a bargain as compared to buying the book manuals.

as for the flap, put an ad in the classified's "wanted" section

bob

Bob,

I've been reading, for over an hour and a half, all the threads related to the 30K service, plugs, anti-seize and what tools I'll need.

The search feature/function is just what the doctor ordered; thanks for the tip/link.

It all looks like a piece of cake. I just hope my wire boots haven't "welded" themselves to the plugs. The mileage is so low that I can't believe it will be a problem, though.

Thanks for the added info too.

As for the mud-flap, I already have an ad in the wanted section; I was just trying to be funny.

Thanks again,

Eric M.

Howdy folks,

I just wanted to say thanks for the input-links-writeups.

I changed the plugs this morning, and everything went as smooth as I could have asked.

I did remove the manifold support bracket on the left bank and the "plumbing" on the right bank for easier access.

All is well in Eric land.

Thank you very much.

Eric M.

The parts guy at the dealer told me the spark plugs were pre gapped. I checked the and they were all different. Check your gaps.

Oops,


Too late...

Oh well... it seems to run OK...

It even seemed to pick up a bit of upper 2k to low 3K torque. I'm guessing it's because of the new air filter; the old one was a bit dirty/clogged...

Thanks.

Eric M.