First plug change at 210k miles

Yep

I'm almost scared to see the engine bay on that monster.

The only time consuming part checking out at the auto parts store. It takes about 30 minutes to change the belt/plugs. I use a Husky brand torque wrench to install them and repeat every 30k.

I usually devote an afternoon to greasing the drivetrain, changing motor/diff oils, belt, plugs, filters. When I'm done I usually detail the engine bay, check the tires, change the cabin air filter, grease all the hinges, ect. I know it's a deteriorating assett, but I try and slow that as well as I am able.

 

They are annoying but not that bad once you get use to them, Im a tech at a ford dealer so here is a 3.5L (non eco boost) from a current ford explorer.
Blue part is the intake manifold and red part is the airbox to throttle body, I remove the red part so its easier, then pull the blue part of to get to the rear bank of plugs. I can remove blue part, replace plugs and reassemble one of these in less then a hour, its just being careful and double checking you havent forgotten any lines/wires the first time you do it. Also I put painters tape over the intake when the manifold is off, dropping shit into the engine is not fun.

 

Yep, I remove the engine cover, intake tubing from the filter outward, and one of the right side intake manifold support brackets. I use two extensions with one on a swivel for the Tacoma. Pretty smooth. I once found a squirrels nest and a pile of acorns in there. Needless to say we no longer have ground squirrels at our place in the sticks.

My other motors at home are all different but , only the VW GTI is sideways and that sucker is still easy to swap plugs in. Just replaced the three cam chains on that one, along with the updated cc-tensioner. I did not enjoy that particular job.

My Miata is super simple, and I feel the Tacoma 4.0 has been a breeze too.

Sounds like you are careful, which I like.

 

@joeyv141 , P.S. When I said engine bay I was talking about the OP's lol. Thanks for that though, always learn something new. Definitely a good move to cover up the intake on that puppy.

 

I'm going to put another 210,000 miles on my truck before I change the oil.

 

Just make sure you use Amsoil.. that'll do the trick

 

Might as well run the tires until the wires regenerate the rubber.

 

lol.... right the plugs on this motor are a breeze to change.... zero point to pull them and gap them when they are cheap. just change them like toyota says at 30k.

You want a bitch of a motor... try the #3 plug on my honda 919 motorcycle... backbone spine covers the hole... if you are very crafty you dont have to pull the valve cover to remove the plug!!!!

 

Reminds me of the airbox on a 87 Honda XL600R. I swear the bike was designed AROUND it... Like Louis CK says, it was like trying to fold a bowling ball to make that fit back inside there.

 

Surprised that one plug even came out. Less surprised people wait that long to change plugs

 

I’m not going to feed you negativity OP.
It’s good you got them changed.
I’m betting the truck runs better now?
Now all that’s left to to is drive it like it was intended.

 

U still have to check the gap on a new plug before installing. Takes 30 seconds or less to clean it.

 

I am basically incompetent and I was able to easily change the plugs in my 4.0. The gearwrench 9/16 magnetic spark plug socket with the wobble extension is a big help. No reason not to change them out regularly. It was actually fun and gave me a sense of accomplishment. Can’t wait to do it again!

 

You could just leave them in long enough to have the threads come out with them.

 

So tell me how do you clean your plugs put them in the dishwasher?

 

This just proves to me that 30k is a little on the short side for these plugs. I planned on every 50k from the beginning and thats what i am gonna stick too.

 

Did the stumble go away?

New plugs = < mileage doesn’t make sense or does it?

 

So you don't think burnt out spark plugs waste fuel? The 30K mileage Toyota recommends is all about emissions it is stated in your owner's manual will they last longer? I'm not going to debate that it's called responsibility vers being cheap.

 

I couldn't agree more. There's too much effort in pulling each plug to only re-gap them. I just replaced mine at 34k.

 

Then you can install the new quick disconnect plugs. Just spark "plug-n-play"