how do you change the #3 spark plug on the 4.3L? Do you have to pull the steering column? Thats the only plug I have had trouble with.

There are two thoughts here on the forum:

1. use a box end wrench and a spark plug socket to remove the plug or

2. disconnect the steering column and go through the wheel well with the tire removed.(this is the method I used with much success)

Do a search of the forum and you will find many posts on this.

The #3 plug (driver's side is odd cylinders)...

I was able to use a standard deep socket (not a spark plug socket) and a 15* swivel extension to get mine through the wheel well. If you can't get it that way, then you may have to remove the shrouding from around the steering column and rotate the steering wheel until the flat on the shaft gives you more room.

If you dont have the right socket you can pull the steering shaft off the box, or up by the firewall, and just move it out of the way. When you goto reassemble the shaft, make sure you lube it up nice and good so if you need to do it again it will come off again. Korey.

make that a 3/4 inchratcheting box wrench batzer and the 5/8 sparkplug socket works great everytime. sure as hell saves alot of time messing with extensions and steering columns, and that pain in the ass flap in the wheel well blows too

Taking off the steering column is too much work. Use a swivel socket like this one, http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=1347&store=snapon-store, or this one http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=1350&store=snapon-store

Use a 6 inch extension and go through the wheel well. Jacking the front end up taking the load off the tire gives you more room to work if you need it.

ORIGINAL: rooster

make that a 3/4 inchratcheting box wrench batzer and the 5/8 sparkplug socket works great everytime. sure as hell saves alot of time messing with extensions and steering columns, and that pain in the ass flap in the wheel well blows too


I haven't got the best assortment of tools....I just used what I had and found that the wheel well/steering column worked best with what I had. I will have to grab a ratcheting boxend and try that next time...Thanks for the info.