After gettingprice quotes of $400.00 ( dealer and a local shop ) to change plugs and wires on my 2002 S10 4.3 4x4 I decided to do the job myself. Bought premium Bosch platinum plugs & wires for $130.00 from AutoZone. The job took me 1.5 hours - this included putting the vehicle up on jack stands and removing / reinstalling both front wheels + lubing all the grease fittings. The "dreaded" middle plug on the driver's side was easier to handle than I thought. All plugs are visible once the rubber splash shieldsare removed.I took the suggestions of other forum members and used a 5/8 socket that could be turned via the use of an open end wrench. I was able to get behind the steering shaft without too much effort. The job would have gone even faster if a had a racheting box wrench.

Don't get suckered by dealers & shops that give the "BS" story that they need to charge for "extra time" because the 4.3 plugs are a nightmare to change. I could easily have done this job in an hour or less if I had the prior experince and the truck was up on a lift.

 

Easiest way I found to get to #2 & 3 plug is to jack it up and turn the wheel all the way right. You can get to it easily through the inner fender.