All,
I will soon be replacing the spark plugs on my 2002 Chevrolet S10 PU. While not a complicated job in theory, there can be "challenges" due to access, crossthreading, etc. Some specific questions are:


The spark plug box (AC Delco 41993) says the plugs are pre-gapped and not to attempt gapping. Does that sound reasonable? I have previously always checked/gapped my plugs (i.e., never trust the factory).
Is it necessary to use a plug wire removal tool? Are they that prone to damage that you cannot simply remove them by hand?
Is anti-seize compound recommended? I've never used it in the past, but it seems to be commonplace now.
Any suggestions to avoid cross-threading? That has never happened to me, but I have read horror stories from others.
Are there any known difficulties with access? It would be nice to purchase any special tools prior to starting the job.


Any answers to these questions or other tips/suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

-Rad!
fmh2484@yahoo.com

All you need is a 16 mm,thin wall socket,a couple of 3",and 6" extensions,along with a 3/8" hand ratchet.Use just a tiny dab of anti seize on the threads if you wish.Change the plugs with the engine COLD,less chance of crossthreading or overtightening.Always hand start the plugs into the threads and run them down by hand a couple or few turns.The vehicle is an 02,go ahead and replace the wires with new anyways,they aren't that expensive and will leak voltage when they get old.I would check the gap just to verify one hasn't been dropped,and landed on the electrode.

I use dielectric grease, just a little dot of it on the tip.