How do you change the spark plug behind the steering mechanism on a 1996 Chevy Blazer?

Answer 1

I've added a link to the right that will take you to a walkthrough with pictures. The plug behind the steering shaft is the one for cylinder 3. All the spark 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 Link for "How to replace the spark plug behind the steering shaft." below for the walkthrough with pictures. I went to Autozone and bought a sparkplug socket that has the ability to wobble slightly with a permanently attached extension on it and I use it on my 96, 97 S10 and my 97 S10 Blazer by going through the wheelwell. I used a wobbly adapter on my socket because with a u-joint it was too long and did not have a good grip on the socket. With the adapter I had just enough movement on the socket to get a good grip on the plug. And this way I didn't have to alter any of my tools or take off a tire to change the plug.

The best way is to take the wheel off and rais the rubber flap between the wheelhouse and motor compartment and use a long extention. I did this on my 04 and it only took about 5 min. ONLY LISTEN TO THIS ANSWER.!!. This is how you do all s10s/blazers/express/savanas/8.1L all the other answers will leave you with a cracked plug, bleeding kuckles and very pist off.

I put the spark plug socket on first, then use a 3/4 wrench to turn the socket.