60k Mile (Spark Plug) Service-- What is a fair price?

I have watched a couple different youtube videos and I am getting a little more confidence in myself haha, but I am going to see if I can find that $100 helper for sure.

 

Ouch $500 for plugs

 

You can do this

 

Hit up @Superdave1.0. He did mine. Super good work and knows what he is doing and talking about.

 

Paid $235 last month at the dealer.

 

Mine have almost 71k on them and it still drives great. Fuel economy hasn’t changed.

 

If you change them at 60K miles...take a look at the plugs you removed. They will look brand practically new. I can almost guarantee, you will feel, hear, and see no difference after you change them.

 

I say go for it. It’s not that difficult. Afterwards you’ll definitely feel good having saved a bit of money and better familiarized yourself with your truck. Step outside that comfort zone and take your time if you need to. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

 

Whatever you decide, save money by buying the Denso plugs online (got mine at Rock Auto). It’s the

$29 Denso 3491 FK20HBR8 Spark Plug

Denso 3491, FK20HBR8.

I ordered mine, last minute a buddy decided to do his at the same time so he went to the local dealer and picked up a set same day…. Only difference was the box and he paid $40 more for his. Plugs are the same brand, same markings, same part number on them.

Then find a shop with a decent labor rate, or someone local to help you out. It’s def doable, couple of them were a pain in the ass. I think it was 90 minutes for us to do the first truck and then less than an hour to immediately turn around and do truck number 2.

 

This ^^

 

That’s not necessarily true. I had 2 plugs with blow by on them and gunked up by oil, probably not cinched down from factory is all I can imagine. Here are mine, I believe this was at 70-75k but no reason they didn’t look like this at 60k……

Did I notice much or any difference after installing new plugs? No. Basically same mileage and drivability. But I would recommend swapping them out at the recommended interval if for no other reason then to make sure they are installed properly. Several posts about this.

 

I have to say the I would go for it if you are comfortable with oil changes and other small repairs. I would be comfortable with it. I have done my brakes and tune ups on many of my cars in the past before there was youtube where you could watch a video and learn what tools you need and what places you could get hung up on as well as what you really need to take off or move out of the way. The car car nut video is decent. since I'm not close to the milage I have not watched any others yet. having a buddy with you is probably a good idea or find a nearby member here and pay with pizza and beer, that should be pretty easy to do in S.Cal compared to PA.

 

In my opinion: The Plugs will likely last to 100k. But one of the reasons you do them sooner (60k) is so that the threads don't seize to the threads in the block. Its good to exercise those threads. If you do them yourself, put some anti-seize on the threads of the new plugs. Plus be careful not to overtighten them. I have also seen online where a lot of 3rd gen Tacoma's plugs are not tight from the factory.

I've done plugs on around 50 vehicles in my lifetime so if anyone wants their's done in the Denver area, $160 labor plus the cost of plugs and I will come to you to complete it.

 

Ooo, I'm in Golden too but its gonna be a few years before I hit 60k lmao, I'll try to remember this comment. Thats a very fair price

 

Are Bosch plugs some of the better ones?

 

FWIW, I did the plugs on my '06 4.0L in about 1 hour with basic Densos. My truck doesn't need any fancy plugs, just basic copper Densos. Cost of the plugs was <$3/ea from Toyota. Check your Owner's Manual for the correct plugs your engine needs.

The task isn't difficult. Start on the passenger side. It has better access after the air cleaner box is removed. Do ONE plug at a time to avoid mixing wires up. When you finish the passenger side, you will have a bit more confidence for the driver's side. Bit more restricted access, but disconnect a couple hoses for clearance.

You can use anti-sieze. Use the high temperature version, copper based. ONLY a small dab is enough, keep off the beginning threads. No need to do a Rembrandt paint job.

Careful when tightening using anti-sieze. Run the plug into the block by hand until the gasket makes contact, then use a wrench to tighten 1/4 turn. Thats it. Reinstall the coil pack, move to the next plug.

 

The 3rd gen Tacoma with the 3.5 liter def needs to more expensive long life iridium plugs.

 

Willl be changing mine soon by myself and just wanted to know if people are replacing their wires and coil packs also when doing this?

 

i have 81k on mine and haven't replaced them so they are still good but will be doing them soon

 

I think the 4 banger Tacoma's have 100K plugs while the 3.5 gets 60K.