So long story short, I have a brand new 02 sensor for a 96 Taco 3.4 and recently bought a 02 Taco with 3.4, went to put new o2 in and guess what, the plug is different. My question is can I cut the plugs off and switch them, it seems logical to me that they would be the same right.

 

The reason I ask is that someone said the pin configuration may be different and I may end up frying the o2, would like to know if anyone can confirm this before I fry it.

 

If you are talking front sensor, the '02 is probably an air/fuel ratio sensor and not the standard O2 sensor you would find on a '96. This is why the plugs are different. The technologies are very different. I have no idea what would happen if you swapped plugs other than 100% certainty that it would not work.

You can confirm this by looking at the listings here:URD O2 Sensors

 

It is a valid question. I don't have any knowledge to back this up, but could see how two different part numbers could be the same sensor itself with a different connector or connector length. However, it is not hard to believe a sensor for a '96 would not be compatible with a '02
Do you have a part number on your new sensor? Is it a Denso?
If it is a 234-4153, I'll take it off your hands.

 

I think that I may have the second sensor which is a NGK, plus I just noticed that there is a grommet on it. Go figure, you know a GM sensor is only like $35 bucks.

 

The front sensor for the 02 is an air/fuel ratio sensor and is different (more expensive too) than the front O2 sensor required for a 96.