Changing my own sparkplugs

Hello everyone, I'm going to attempt to change my spark plugs with my cousin this upcoming week. My 2004 Toyota Tacoma Pre-runner 3.4L is at 235,xxx and I haven't change my spark plugs since 2021... Yes I know I haven't been taking care of my vehicle maintenance. I'm trying to change these bad habits and do better. Back in 2021 they changed my spark plugs and used the NGK Spark Plugs also did a spark plug wire set remove and replace. I'm wondering if NGK Standard spark plugs are good but is there something better ? Thank you !!!

 

Your Tacoma is a 1st generation, not a 2nd gen. (This is the 2nd gen forum.)

This thread will probably help you:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-replacing-spark-plugs-and-wires-on-5vz-fe-3-4-v6.261034/

Also, spark plug changing intervals aren't done by calendar time in months or years. They're done by mileage. How many miles have you driven since the shop replaced your plugs in 2021?

 

Welcome to TW!

Time is likely irrelevant to spark plug replacement unless you do a ton of miles in your truck consistently year over year.

That said, Denso or NGK plugs are the recommended brands in tacomas.

 

Thank you I accidentally posted in the 2nd gen but didn't know how to delete the post so i just kept it up lol and 3 years ago it had 178,753 and now its at 235,xxx. Its my daily driver so I been wanting to do some maintenance. Thank you for that link I will for sure use it.

 

Pretty sure they’re half Denso half NGK. Don’t know why. Or if there’s an issue with doing all the same.

 

The 3.4 in my T-100 specified the dual electrode plugs. Check that for your 1st gen.
And, use a torque wrench so you don't strip anything out.

 

Question I was about to change my plugs for the first time since I owned my truck it has 160k miles but still runs great so I went to remove the first plug and this is on a cold engine. The plug felt like it was getting tighter as I was trying to remove it so should I remove them on a warm engine or just try to get them to come out on a cold engine ?

 

Not a big deal at all,just put new plugs in and off you go.

 

IF they are scaring you a bit about how hard they're coming out, loosen each one a quarter turn or so, hose some WD-40 down the tube and let them sit for an hour or so.
Give it a try again.