How do you remove the two spark plugs numbers 4 and 2 behind the steering shaft on 2001 GMC Jimmy vortec v6?

Walkthrough with Pictures

I've added a link at the bottom of the page that will take you to a walkthrough with pictures. The plugs are actually numbers 3 and 5...... 3 being the hardest (the one right behind the steering shaft). All the sparks plugs can be accessed through the wheel wells. To get the last one, you simply move the steering shaft. Moving the steering shaft only takes a couple minutes and saves a lot of struggling and busted knuckles. The steering shaft has one bolt at the steering box, simply loosen the bolt and then the steering shaft will collapse into itself and out of the way. It is keyed to only fit one way, so there is no need to worry about misalignment when reinstalling. Using this method, all 6 plugs can be changed out easily and efficiently in less than 30 minutes.

See the Related Links below for "How to replace the spark plug behind the steering shaft." for the walkthrough with pictures.

Answer

it is so to do . first remove your 2 front tires (the plugs are way easier to do through to wheel well) take a 3/4 or 19mm that you are not fond of and cut it in half, trust me. take your 5/8 spark plug socket and remove the boot inside of it, trust me. slip the socket on to plug # 5 make sure it goes all the way on, use the box end of the wrench you cut to turn the socket if you cannot get it to start turning grab a pry bar put it between the exhaust manifold and use that to help your half wrench i have done that for about 30 tune-ups never failed me once!

Answer

not all sockets are the same length, try one that you can put a wrench on, or a long extension through the wheel well, Snap-On is great for those fancy tools, they have a plug socket 5/8 that is on a ball socket (60 bucks for it!) You will probably have to use a wrench on a socet to crack it and then a very short extension with ratchet or a reducer extension that goes 3/8 to 1/4 so you can use a 1/4 ratchet....HTH

Answer

I have a 96 Jimmy with 5 new spark plugs. Number 4 is still right behind that steering shaft! Here are some general tips on changing spark plugs in Vortec engines.

1) get a spark plug boot puller ($10 at Crappy Auto) It will be very handy.

2) Jack the truck and remove the front tire. Pull the rubber splash shield aside, and you should have a good view of at least a couple of the plugs.

3) Use a long extension ($15 @ Sears) and universal adapter ($10 @ Sears) to get the plugs out.

4) Pull the boots and change the plugs one at a time. That is, don't pull all the wires off, take all the plugs out, etc... The plugs can be stubborn to get in, so take 'em one at a time.

5) Plan at least 90 minutes for the job if you have a good deal of experience, more time if you have less. It took me two hours, including 20 minutes or so trying to get by the steering shaft.

6) Have patience, and good luck!

Answer

I just ripped into what I thought would be a traditional 30 minute change out of spark plugs. YOWIE...was I wrong. 6 bandaids later and over an hour invested, I have 5 new plugs in and one behind the stearing column. Runs ok right now. As I sit here laughing I wonder how long before I attempt that stuborn plug again.

I read the posting on loosening and then changing to a 1/4" rachet. I don't have room for an adaptor nor a swivel. 2001 Jimmy might win a trip to the dealership.

First answer by Blazee. Last edit by Blazee. Contributor trust: 230 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 64 [recommend question].