Do the spark plugs really need to be replaced at 60K miles on Gen 3?

I had a independent shop (which I have used for 15+ years on all my cars) say they did not need replacing at 60k when asked them to do it. Said it is a waste of money for me

 

Been looking into this more since earlier. Sure as shit they are iridium plugs (the 3.5L V6).

You don't need to change them at 60K miles, but it might be a good idea to pull one and just inspect them to be sure.

 

I put off replacing mine until 80k, but should have checked earlier because one was visibly bad and the boot looked affected too. Replacing 6 myself wasn’t that bad - couple hour job

 

Wait until you have to change the plugs on a vehicle that has a transverse V6... Fun times.

 

Different engines but looks like the spark plug process is identical

 

I bought Denso plugs at Auto Zone. I had $10 off $50 or more. My plugs came to about $10 something each. I changed them at 50K miles. I figured for $60 dollars why not change them early. I did the driver side first because I wanted to finish the job on the easier passenger side. Change your plugs when the engine is stone cold. Came out easy and went back in easy.

 

And don't forget to torque them properly..

 

Yes, good point. BTW, my old plugs were torqued properly at the factory. Some TW members reported their old plugs were loose.

 

Pull a couple, inspect them.

Personally, if I’m pulling plugs at 60k to inspect, just throw new ones on. Cheap enough.

Preventive vs Reactive maintenance.

 

That is what the mechanic said he did - pulled one and and still looked brand new did and I have no reason not trust him. Also claims he sees a a lot of Tacoma', which I am sure does, and has never seen or heard of a issue to wait. It was money he turned down since I was following the manual for the 60k check-up. Overall, he has been very good to my vehicles and Wifey's.

 

What is the correct torque spec?

 

I recall the days of changing everything out once a year on my '92 pickup-truck - easy as pie. Now I can't even find the damn things.

Had the plugs replaced on my kids 2003 Corolla at 100k miles and they looked brand new.

Still, I take all of my maintenance to a small independent shop around the corner, good work, reasonable price, skilled professionals -
Who could ask for more?

I only have like 12,000 miles on my 2021 so I'm still 4-5 years away from hitting 60k - if I make it -
I'll make a note for my son to find in the glovebox advising him of 'things to do' with his new truck LOL ...

 

Even worse if its a push-rod transverse V6. I don't miss having to change those.

 

Double check... But I'm pretty sure it's 12 or 13 ft lbs. I also don't know if these heads are aluminum or what, but it may be a good idea to throw some anti seize compound on the threads as well. Look into it

 

Another great point on the anti seize. I had one spark plug stuck on my old Xterra. It was a pain to get it out.

 

For some reason, there was an argument on here a while back, AGAINST using antisieze... all the arguments against it were dumb.

 

Don’t use antisieze. It’s dumb

 

I feel I am missing the point or advice. Why would you need a lift to change spark plugs?

 

13. unless your in the anti-seize crowd, then you will have to do the math.

 

80K.

Could have gone to at least 100K.

(no anti seize)