through reading through these forums someone suggested to me (since i've only had my truck a few weeks) that i should replace the o2 sensor to help with speed/gas mileage and whatnot. so that's fine, i figured i was going to give it a full tune-up anyways. i went to autozone, and he showed me the 2 that were normally used. both were made by bosch. 1 was $60, and the other was $150. the $60 was a "universal" type one. the $150 was the O.E. type one. obviously i like saving money, just like everyone else. my question is do you guys think the universal one will cut it? or should i stick with the O.E.? does the O.E. really make about +$90 worth in difference?


oh, another thing, like i said, i'm doing a tune-up on it. (haven't bought the o2 sensor yet). yesterday, i changed the plugs, gave it an oil change (which the previous owner said it was done about 2000 ago, but just to be sure, i'm changing it), and checked the air filter (which was suprisingly clean). still gonna do the distributor cap, wires, adjust the TPS, check the fuel filter, etc. as i have time. anyways, AS OF YET, the only thing i've done is the plugs. bosch platinum 1's, gapped them to .031 per owner's manual specs, and changed out the old ones. the old ones (just happened to also be bosch platinum 1's) were in pretty bad shape. it's been a LONG time since they've been changed. out of curiosity, i checked the gap. they were all gapped about .010 too big. after i finished what i was doing on the truck, i took it out for a spin. i was absolutely AMAZED at the increase in performance of my truck with JUST new plugs. i've changed some pretty bad plugs out before on other vehicles, but it never made anywhere NEAR this much of a difference. i'm definitely gonna be all over that rotor to see how it looks when i get a chance in hopes i'll get more performance. my tiny 4cyl actually CAN spin the 31x10.5 BFG's!

 

You might want to update your profile so we can see what your vehicle specs are.

I don't suggest using Bosch platinums in any Toyota engines.
Many people have had lots of problems with them so almost everyone sticks to Denso or NGK ONLY!

As for the O2 sensor you might be able to get an OEM cheaper at:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/ (they have good prices on OEM plugs too)
...or http://www.oxygensensors.com/

 

Also check out the ones at www.URDUSA.com

Gadget

 

Just as another option...

I just replaced the O2 Sensor on my '95, and I realize these will be different sensors, but I got mine for approx. $90 from TOR (Todd, who works at a Toyota dealership) here on the board. It is a OEM Toyota O2 sensor. Install was a snap...10 minutes and it was replaced - plug and play, with no problems.

For me, the small price increase was definitely worth the ease and peace of mind (and I'm a college student without a lot of money just floating around!).

 

I bought the Bosch o2 sensor ....Unirersal from autozone also....I was told to stick with Denso....So just to be safe I ordered it from sparkplugs.com...The Denso is longer and will go further in exhaust....People have had good luck with Bosch and some not.....I just took the bosch back to autozone and installed the Denso.....My engine Loves me now!!

 

Bosch o2 sensors suck. period. Go get a factory one, and avoid putting a new one in in another year.

 

so you guys recommend denso or OEM? advantages/disadvantages of each? how much did the denso cost?

 

I do suggest the Denso simply because it was the OEM factory manufacturer for Toyota.
They should be about $80 from (TOR) or Gadget's URD site.

 

I went to Autozone and checked out the 2 sensors by Bosch. They are the exact same sensor, with the only difference in the connector. The $150 came with a connector where the $90 one used your old connector. It had to be crimped or soldered on. Well worth the $60 savings, but buy the OEM one if it is the same price.

 

Bought a Bosch from Autozone not long ago...opened the Bosch box and guess what's branded on the sensor?
Denso.

 

I bought one of those Bosch sensors when I had a Tacoma. A mechanic told me the Bosch was the OEM sensor. He must have meant it is that Denso makes Bosch, or maybe it is the other way around.

 

is "TOR" a person in the forum or a company?

 

The Denso was longer and the Denso looked completely different than the Bosch one I bought from autozone....I got the universal Denso from sparkplugs.com $59.00 ......works great

 

Sorry it was $49.00

http://www.sparkplugs.com/

 

He is a person - Todd Packer, and he works in the parts department at a dealership in Texas.