Changed plugs replaced antenna and air filter

Just finished replacing my plugs (Denso's from local Toyota dealer), the radio antenna (wire to the mast broke off under the fender) and air filter (very dirty paper filter replaced with K&N drop in). What a difference in performance!

I just bought this truck two weeks ago and was generally happy with its performance, but didn't have any info on whether the plugs had been changed or not, so better to err on the safe side. I am glad I did. Truck has 110K miles on it and turns out these were the original plugs - Denso plugs on the passenger's side and NGK on the driver's side.

While I was at it I also removed the secondary air filter. I used a pair of craftsman "end nipper" pliers to just clip off the rivets and a 90 degree pick to get behind the filter and pop it out. Put in the K&N drop in after finishing with the plugs.

Now to the really fun part! The antenna cable broke behind the fender. No AM radio, and limited FM. Thought I could just unscrew the retainer and solder the wire back on then reinstall. Nope! The retainer had corroded so bad that it shattered when I tried to unscrew it. Wound up having to drill it out to get it off. Next thing I did was put up the soldering iron and then make a trip to the dealer to get an antenna, and those plastic clips to put the wheel well cover back in place.

For those who have to replace the factory antenna and want to go back to factory, the antenna and cable are about $75.00 and the retainer and cap are about $25.00, so it is a bit steep, but none of the aftermarket stuff I saw looked like it would work as well as the factory stuff.

It was not as bad as I thought it would be to get to it.

1. Remove the splash guard under the fender well.
2. Remove the 10mm bolt that secures the bottom of the mast.
3. Remove the retainer nut from the top of the mast assembly (hopefully you will not have to drill it out like I did)
4. Remove the Glove box
5. Remove the A pillar on the passenger side (this is where the connector for the new antenna assembly is.
6. Unplug the old antenna cable.
7. Pull the plastic retaining clips that keep the antenna cable snugged.
8. Pull the old antenna cable out.
9 Install your new antenna assembly
10. Run the wire through the firewall to under the dash.
11. Snake the cable up to the A pillar, make you connection and then put everything back together.

You will probably want to get some of the plastic retainers (Toyota part number 90189-A0002). I was able to reuse about half of mine, but broke some of them too. I picked up 10 of them and have 4 left over. They are a bit steep for what they are (.92 each).

Sorry I didn't have pictures, but I really thought this was going to be a quick soldering outing as far as the antenna was concerned.

Big thanks to Chris4X4 for his spark plug how to! Nice to know what you are getting into before you start!

 

oh nice it's a great idea to do a full tune up once u buy a used vehicle... never know how the old owner treated it! I got my truck with 125k miles and the first thing i did was change all fluids, spark plugs, air filter then took it in for a smog and passed with really good numbers! Hope u enjoy ur new truck!

 

good job... i just changed my plugs today also and what do ya know the originals also!! ha ha... truck has 81k on it with new plugs now!( i got it used with 70k)

 

Are there any upgrade plugs like the Irridium type for the Tacoma?
I realise they most likely don't need them but wondering if anyone uses different than factory plugs?

What is the reason for the Densos and NGKs???

 

There's been a lot of questions asked about the whole Denso/NGK thing, but I haven't seen anything definitive. As far as Iridium, I think I read somewhere that they actually cause loss of performance in the Tacoma's and that OEM Denso's are best.

 

Welcome Doc, glad your enjoying the truck. Post up some pictures when you get a chance. Was your Flux Capacitor still in working order or did you have to replace that also?

 

only toyota knows why they did that. and as said before stick with the toyota denso's!

 

No. The Flux Capacitor is still "fluxing". I do wish I had a a "Mr. Fusion" so that I wouldn't have to use gas anymore

 

So if you cross refference the NGK and Densos they are exactly the same?
This is interesting to me as they usually do not buy 1/2 of one suppliers parts and 1/2 of another companys products.
Generally they can get a better price from the supplier if they buy a million instead of 500,000 units???

I am sure there is a good reason BUT WHAT IS IT??????

 

i need to do the plugs in mine sometime soon too. yours was the v6 im assuming?

also the increase in performance is most likely from your new plugs, but the air filter could help as well. when i took that secondary carbon filter out i noticed zero change.

i have a little stubby antenna and it works just as good as the factory one, so yeah you may wanna look into other antennas in the future if you are going to change it again. might be something cheaper and just as good out there for ya.

 

Yes, V-6. I think you are right. It most likely was the plugs with maybe a little help from the K&N drop in. Just included my take on how to get the secondary filter out.

 

From what I understand it's protection from a supplier going on strike. If one company goes on strike they already have the other company under contract supplying product. Why they mix them in the engine, I don't know. They also could have been yanking my chain when they told me that.