This weekend did a tune up on my 2003 blazer. New cap rotor plugs and wires. Nothing but the best for Blaze. Was having trouble with #3 plug and did a search on Google and saw were it can be so much easier to disconnect the steering column and it only takes a couple of extra steps but well worth it in the long run. And now my 2003 Blazer bought with 70.000 miles at 100,000 runs so much better. Just on the drive home it only took 1/8 a tank of gas were usually ¼ for the same trip

 

Is the 2003 so bad you have to disconnect the steering col?

The older gen 1 you could work through the wheel well with long extensions.

 

Its just very tight with the steering shaft directly in front of the plug. For me it is faster to move the steering shaft than to fight trying to get around it. To pull the steering shaft out of the way its only 1 11mm bolt and the shaft slides up off of the steering gearbox allowing you direct access to plug #3. But make sure you have keys out and the steering wheel locked in position. if the wheel turns while the shaft is disconnected you can damage the clock spring.

 

Yes on mine the plug was directly behind the steering shaft. I might have been able to stick the plug socket on it and tried to turn with a ratchet wrench but was afraid it would come out and stop up against the shaft. So did the easiest thing ever like other said remove air box then the 11 mil bolt and the shaft just slips off the gear box. #3 easy as all the rest quick and easy.

 

i have headers they are all easy

 

all i ever did was take a socket,slide it on the plug. then use a long large flathead (enough to slide into the 3/8" socket and lock) then use some channel locks on the pliers to turn it loose. Tighten the same way. Worked good so far on the dozen ive done.

 

Yes your all probably rite sure I could have stuck the plug socket on by fingertip and as said before use one of my ratchet wrenches to remove and replace but the air box comes out in seconds and gives me a chance to blow it out with compressed air and unbolting the steering shaft is also very easy so for me its the way to go.

 

So with advancing the design to 2nd gen. it didn't get any better then...