spark plug hole stripped

Hello I have an 02 2wd with the 2.4. One of the spark plugs went out and I had a dead cylinder leaving work one day last week. I haul the truck home take out the coil packs and discover the 3rd cylinder spark plug is catching on the last thread. I eventually get it out but am unable to thread the new one in. Now I have the head off the block and am trying to insert a helicoil but have no idea how to tap safely with the spark plug tube as long as it is. Has anyone had this issue and found a solution? Do they make longer taps for this? I am really stuck and don't want to ruin a good motor more than has already happened.

 

You might be able to make or find an extension for your tap wrench

Not knowing your skills I have brazed extensions on taps over the years .

If things can not reach where needed .

 

I would call a head shop and see if they have any way to repair it. They can repair cracks usually, I would think a stripped spark plug might be doable.

 

They could also Have a custom made tap just for these heads .

making it a simple job.

 

Check out timesert... did the repair on a stripped lower unit drain hole on a outboard years ago and couldn't be happier on how it turned out. Didn't want to take the chance of dropping the tang into the lower unit with the heli coil. The timesert spark plug kit for your truck/motor will have everything you'll need including the correct reamer and tap.
https://www.timesert.com/html/install.html

 

I appreciate everyone's quick replies but I was actually able to fit the tap into the female end of a 3/8s extension. Very carefully tapped new threads and inserted a helicoil. Everything looks good and feels snug gonna need a head gasket but she's ready for reassembly.