How To: Change #3 spark plug

[rlith]

So many threads have gotten started asking how to change the #3 plug because the intermediate shaft is in the way. "Typically" people say to wedge the socket on, use a wobble, this that an the other thing. They end up fighting with something they don't have to.

So I've decided to show the "EASIEST" way to change the #3 spark plug, (It is by no means the only way). My how-to can be done in about 5 minutes.

Tools needed.
11mm socket
Socket Wrench
2 or 3 Extensions
Flathead screw driver (or prybar if rusty)


Step 1: Turn your wheels straight and leave the ignition key forward enough to keep the steering wheel unlocked.

Step 2: Open the rag joint cover at the base of the intermediate steering shaft.

Step 3: Remove the 11mm bolt at the base of the intermeiate

Here in the picture we see the plastic rag joint cover. The red arrow points to the circled 11mm bolt that has to be removed.



Here is a pic of the bolt removed



Step 4: Use a large flat head screw driver at the base and pry outwards. The steering shaft will start telescoping in on itself. (If your intermediate shaft is a bit rusty, simply spray the shaft with wd40 or similar and use a prybar instead of the screwdriver. Don't worry about prying to hard, the shaft can take a lot. )



Step 5: Lift Steering shaft out of the way (don't worry, the top is fairly mobile)



Do not worry about how you put the shaft back on. The shaft and the splines on the steering box are keyed. (Meaning it only goes on one way) Avoid spinning your steering wheel all the way around though. You don't want to bust the clock spring in the steering wheel.



Here we now see the # 3 plug fully accesable. Simply use a couple of extensions and a spark plug socket to remove.



When putting in new spark plugs, even if you are told they are pre-gapped, take no chances. Check your gap with a gap tool. It's a .25 cent tool, get one! Also you can spread anti-seize on the threads of the sparkplug so you don't have difficulty later. Also use dialectric grease inside the plug boots. This way you won't have a prob when you need to pull them off later and it will create a better contact between the wire and the plug.

Here is a shot of the AC-Delco Rapidfires that I installed. Note the gold tone, that is the anti-seize.



Total time to change all 6 plugs was 20 minutes. This includes collapsing and reinstalling the intermediate shaft. This way you don't have to worry about trying to work other tools in there.

[zoideraserb]

not tryin to say this way isn't a good solution but, why not just do it an easier way..? Put the plug socket on and use a wrench on the end of the socket to loosen/tighten it? worked for me just fine.

[rlith]

Quote: Originally Posted by zoideraserb

not tryin to say this way isn't a good solution but, why not just do it an easier way..? Put the plug socket on and use a wrench on the end of the socket to loosen/tighten it? worked for me just fine.

A lot of the time that can't be done. The positioning doesn't allow you to even get it on top of there. Your solution works if you're one of the lucky ones, but if you're like mine there isn't a way to do that. My solution works for everyone and it's quick.

[red-bowtie]

the socket and wrench worked for me as well

[rlith]

Like I said, some can, some can't...

[Bennelton]

the socket and wrench did NOT work for me. I change my plugs the same way as was demonstrated except it takes me much longer since i have to put the truck up on stands, remove y-pipe, remove headers, and then remove plugs.

[rlith]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bennelton

the socket and wrench did NOT work for me. I change my plugs the same way as was demonstrated except it takes me much longer since i have to put the truck up on stands, remove y-pipe, remove headers, and then remove plugs.

Even with the Edlebrocks I've never had to do that, wtf do you have in there?

[s10blazerman4x4]

Yeh but it depends though doesnt it if your first gen second gen. I noticed the guys with the socket and wrench are first gens where rlith you got a 95 which is alot tighter than a first gen.

[Bennelton]

Quote: Originally Posted by rlith

Even with the Edlebrocks I've never had to do that, wtf do you have in there?

gibson headers

[rlith]

Quote: Originally Posted by s10blazerman4x4

Yeh but it depends though doesnt it if your first gen second gen. I noticed the guys with the socket and wrench are first gens where rlith you got a 95 which is alot tighter than a first gen.

Hmm, didn't think of that... So let us say this is better served for the 95 and up...

[rlith]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bennelton

gibson headers

Weird, shape wise they're not that much different than the edlebrocks... Can't see why you would need to disassemble all that...Any pics?

[Bennelton]

Quote: Originally Posted by rlith

Weird, shape wise they're not that much different than the edlebrocks... Can't see why you would need to disassemble all that...Any pics?

not right now but i'll see if i can get some for ya in the next few days

[86MCSS]

Quote: Originally Posted by zoideraserb

not tryin to say this way isn't a good solution but, why not just do it an easier way..? Put the plug socket on and use a wrench on the end of the socket to loosen/tighten it? worked for me just fine.

wErd. Works perfect everytime.

[Crew Cab Sonoma]

good write up rlith, maybe this will help convince some people that moving the steering shaft out of the way isnt hard at all.....

and for those who say: "just put a socktet on and turn it with a wrench", understand that on some trucks you can get away with this.... and some you simply CAN NOT do it. there just isnt enough space to get a socket on #3 with the shaft in the way. like my truck.

[PSYKO_Inc]

Damn, wish I woulda known it was that easy to get the steering shaft off last time I changed my plugs. I had to fsck with the damn thing for an hour before I got that plug out. I ended up putting the socket on the plug, tying a piece of rope to the box end of a 3/4" wrench, dropping the wrench down there from the top side, getting my wife to position the wrench on the socket, and then pulling the rope from the top side to get it loose!

[nater006]

Quote: Originally Posted by Crew Cab Sonoma

good write up rlith, maybe this will help convince some people that moving the steering shaft out of the way isnt hard at all.....

and for those who say: "just put a socktet on and turn it with a wrench", understand that on some trucks you can get away with this.... and some you simply CAN NOT do it. there just isnt enough space to get a socket on #3 with the shaft in the way. like my truck.

Exactly. All of the "socket and wrench works fine on all trucks" people have obviously never worked on one that it really doesn't work on. Mine's included on that list, too.

[chevy power]

On a 98 blazer I changed plugs in I had to move the shaft no was I could get in there with a socket I could hardly get it on the plug. Good Write up.

[seek007]

On my dads 95 blazer, All I did was slap the spark plug socket on there, and use a real short 3/4 wrenched on the end of it, to break it loose. Any normal 3/4 wrench WILL hit the firewall and prevent it from working, but I found one in my garage that was about a quarter inch shorter and worked like a charm.

[02_Black_XBlazer]

The steering shaft idea is very helpful for header installs on the 4.3. as well....

[tfpets]

As a mechanic....I never knew this was even an issue...but I guess right tools for the right job....anytime I do an s10 I put it up on the rack and remove the front tires....then I lift the wheel well skirts and do them through there...I do most v6 and v8 chevy trucks and vans that way...I have a spark plug socket built onto an extension that has a swivel on it that moves a long ways...I paid 7.99 for it at harbor freight and it works great for a lot of cars!! Just a thought!

[j894]

Probably wouldnt hurt to remove it for extra clearance when changing the motor mount? ya think

[sonoma-project]

Or you can install a 2" body lift. Made changing my spark plugs super easy.

[rlith]

Quote: Originally Posted by sonoma-project

Or you can install a 2" body lift. Made changing my spark plugs super easy.

Heh, I have a 2" bl on mine and I still remove the intermediate shaft... Again, only takes a couple of minutes and makes it much easier...

[00s104.3]

Quote: Originally Posted by zoideraserb

not tryin to say this way isn't a good solution but, why not just do it an easier way..? Put the plug socket on and use a wrench on the end of the socket to loosen/tighten it? worked for me just fine.

That's how I did it also. I'm glad I didn't need to remove the steering shaft.

[76Stingray]

Glad I found this thread! I just got done chaning 5 of my 6 plugs and decided to call it quits b/c I spend longer trying to get #3 out than I spent on the rest combined (and it was getting dark).

I've got an 00 4.3 4wd blazer, so I will post back here sometime this weekend as to whether or not the wrench and socket combo worked, or if I had to remove the shaft.

P.S. the plugs I took off were the original AC's......109k miles (I just bought it, so don't yell at me!)

[76Stingray]

I had to remove the shaft. My spark plug socket didn't stick out far enough to get a wrench on it, and even if it did, my wrench was too long to maneuver around, and even if it were shorter, I still don't think there would have been enough room.

Steering shaft was quite easy to get off, 11 mm bolt is correct.

Getting it back on was the hardest. I had to use a pry bar to get it back on. Still wasn't *that* hard.

[Supernoma]

Does anyone have a good way to make sure the steering shaft goes in the same place it came out? I changed mine this way and I think my steering wheel is out of alignment now.

Suggestions?

[j894]

There is no way.
Its keyed, it can only go on one way. Unless you turned the wheel while it was disconnected

[turbine]

I want to thank you guys for this post. I changed my plugs today for the first time , and would have had no idea how to change the middle plug on the driver's side. With this post and the post that recommended removing the front tires and working through the fenders, the job was very easy. I appreciate your help!

[scott.sonoma]

I know if your like me, you dont like removing anything thats not broken (unless your going to upgrade). So heres another little trick that worked for me. Get a spark plug socket with a 3/4 inch hex end on it and use a ratcheting wrench on the end. its still a slight pain in the ass but you don't have to worry about messin with the unbroken components of your steering system.

[BuickGSXJuiced]

I remember that one, man what a pain, I did get it, but I forget how I got it. next time I'll prolly just remove the steering shaft.

I do remember bitching and cusing like a sailor along with pacing back and forth

[James1549]

It is possible to get the steering shaft back together with it out of alignment. If you think you put it back on incorrect, drive it and see how far it is out. Loosen bolt, and turn your wheel all the way to one side and carefully bump the stop. You will hear the shaft jump one spline at a time if you are careful. Tighten and drive again to see if your wheel is straight.

James

[King_Ice_Flash2]

If you pull into the garage with the tires straight, the wheel will naturally fall downward into the correct angle. If you don't move the tires, just leave the wheel centered, and pop the shaft back on. If it is off by a notch, you will see it when you look at your steering wheel.

[James1549]

Since I am always changing our spark plugs on our company fleet, I made this up and it works easier than anything else so far...

[03SCV6]

Great advice.I couldnt even get a socket on my #3 plug much less put a wrench on the socket.I did this on my 03 and it only took about 40 minutes for the whole job including removing the front tires.I know I didnt have to take the tires off but it's easier that way.

[Carraig042]

I think the easiest way is to take off the front tire and move the piece of plastic that it in the way. You will have great access to the middle and back one. This way you also get to check on your breaks, which is great.

-Brett

[joelowrider]

Hey just buy the right tool snap on part number s9723 made for this sprakplug about 45 sec to change

[onecrazynoma]

hmm im gonna have to make one of those, 30 bucks sheesh, even if its snapoff

[tisyaboytd]

I dont think id go out and buy a 30 dollar tool just to help change 1 spark plug when it took less than 5 minutes to get that shaft out of the way.

awesome how-to!

[Nate8727]

You guys do realize there is a much easier way right?

Take the drivers side wheel off. Pull back the rubber flap that's there. You have instant access to the spark plugs on that side. No guesswork involved.

Woolah...

[rlith]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nate8727

You guys do realize there is a much easier way right?

Take the drivers side wheel off. Pull back the rubber flap that's there. You have instant access to the spark plugs on that side. No guesswork involved.

Woolah...

In most of our trucks that doesn't matter as the steering intermediate shaft comes right in front of the #3 spark plug, hence the reason for this how to. Some are lucky in the positioning, but 90% of us are hampered by the intermediate shaft, so coming in from any direction is a pain.

[Redzpike]

wow, i just ran into this like last weekend...

I liked the idea of putting on the spark plug socket and using a wrench, however even getting the spark plug socket on proved to be impossible. I also ground down the sides of a 5/8 socket to get a wrench on it, but the wrench would hit the manifold...

MY FIX ?
On the steering column, slid down the orange rubber sleeve, and pulled up the plastic cover and I was able to encourage and sparkplug socket with an elbow built in to it and it worked then.

[1994_s10_4x4]

Quote: Originally Posted by rlith

Hmm, didn't think of that... So let us say this is better served for the 95 and up...

94 & up ya mean

[5speedz34]

Anyone have trouble getting the shaft back on?

Mine was a pain. I had my dad wiggle the steering wheel and I sprayed some PB Blaster on it and it slid right on!

[lprobert]

Time to put this thread to rest!

I took off the driver's side wheel and couldn't get to #3. I tried slipping the socket on and using a wrench but there was not enough room to back it all the way out.

So.....drum roll......I disconnected the steering in under a minute and had excellent access to #3 and #5. It took slight tapping from a mallet to get it back on, but that was easy enough with some lube.

Warnings: Disconnect your airbag sensors before screwing with the steering too much, and don't turn the steering wheel while it is disconnected (duh).

This was a '97 4.3 X-VIN.

[evny1984]

i just put the socket on and turnded it witha screw driver never touched the shaft i was easy after you take the tire off lol

[rlith]

Quote: Originally Posted by evny1984

i just put the socket on and turnded it witha screw driver never touched the shaft i was easy after you take the tire off lol

So, how long did it take you to jack up the truck, and remove the tire? 15, maybe 20 mins just for that portion? Where as you can disconnect the intermediate shaft in under a minute...

[evny1984]

for me it was easier because you can do the whole drivers side fron behind the tire so you don't have to move all the intake stuff in the way 98 s10 everythings in the way for thedrivers side

[rlith]

dropping the intermediate shaft, you don't have to move any intake stuff either and you can still go through the wheel well if you want. The point is the intermediate shaft is the easiest way...

No creating special tools
No jacking up the car and removing the wheel
No fighting to get a spark plug socket on 3 or 5
Takes about a minute to move the shaft

[evny1984]

i don't diagree that but i just like it my way it's cool wasn't trying to start a fight