Hey All,
It's time to do spark plugs on my truck, and this is my first time doing it, so firstly, what plugs have you guys had good luck with?
This is a 3vz-e 3.0l V6

Are the bosch platinum 4's really what they're cracked up to be? at $6 a piece....i wonder if they really make that much of a differnce. anyways, i know im probably going to lose some skin on my hands cause it's tight in there, but are there any special tools i need? or is there anything i should know before i get in there. sorry for so many questions, but..im new to this whole thing. Thanks!

 

You are gonna need a spark plug socket. Make sure you get the right size for your plugs. I would go with the factory recomended plugs (Nippo Denso) Also get Spark plug thread Grease/Lubricant. It's a good idea to change the plug wires at the same time. Make sure you take one wire off at a time and replace it with the matching wire. Or your car won't start. Also don't over tighten the plugs. I usually turn the wrench a 1/4 turn when I feel a good resistance. If you make it to tight you will strip the thread. If it is too loose the pug will shoot out. It's fairly simple! Good Luck!!!

 

Thanks for the info Josh! do you by any chance know the size of the socket for the stock plugs?

 

Sorry, not off-hand! If you go to any parts shop, they should be able to tell you or let you see what socket fits! I believe there are only two sizes and I think Toys use the smaller one? I would also pick up a Chilton/Hayne's Toyota repair manual for your make/mode/year. They are about $15 and come in real handy! They walk you step by step. If you need any thing else let me know!

 

I had a set of Bosch platinum plugs in for about a month and did not think my truck ran as well or started as well. I put a new set of the standard Nippon Denso plugs back in last weekend and it sure runs better than it did. Not sure why but I am not sold on these new and more expensive plugs.

The driver's side is easy to do if you loosen a couple of clamps and remove the big tube from the air cleaner to the intake.

The passenger side is easy for the front 2 plugs but a bit more difficult to do the back plug. Not really hard - just harder than the others.

I think the plug socket is 3/4".

Randy

 

Hey Randy, thanks for the info. I figured that would be the case with the platinum plugs. I think while i have that air duct off i might clean the throttle body a bit too. Thanks again for the ideas & info

Jesse

 

Great Thread!
Thanks for all the info guys especially regarding the plugs. I had been wondering which ones I should use. There goes another item on the 'to do' list. Also on the wires would it be advisable to use a brand like magnacore, NGK, or Nology? I'm not even sure if they make sets for runners, but has anybody had any experience with them?

Outkast`

 

That is correct and a double swiveling plug wrench will do wonders for you! It is still a fairly tedious job. Be prepared for tight spaces and bruised knuckles. I went with NGK the number is BKR5EYA gapped to .031" Good luck I think you will like the results. My 3.0 was happy to get new plugs and she let me know it!

 

No Kidding,
That's why i love it here. The amount of information and experience between all the members is just awesome.

 

A really long (30" or so) socket extension would help you a ton as well. Just like UK said, and swivel will help immensly.

 

If you haven't ordered your plugs yet check out www.Sparkplugs.com, I had great luck and really low prices!

 

Thanks for the Link Wyoming!!

Outkast`