I changed mine on an '02 SE at 100,000 and they looked just fine. I'd also recommend getting a quote from somewhere. I'm paying to have mine done next time, although I will watch closely. By the time I got done, my forearms looked like I had hugged a few hundred cactus.

Yeah it'* tight. I keep hoping someone else will come up with the magic bullet, but it'* looking more and more like I'm going to have to be the one to come up with it. When I do, I guarantee everybody that I'll be writing a long report.

Honestly, once you get that hoist bracket off the back and have done the plugs once it'* a breeze. The first time can be a little trying on your patience and your wrists but i can change all my plugs out in about 10-15 minutes and I'm not a gearhead by any stretch of the word. Just be persistent and it'* not too bad.

Yeah, my main concern is squirming around back there and breaking something. I'll definitely leave the A/C hoses alone, but everything else is fair game for removal.

Those picture make my 95 look like they could be done blindfolded. I didn't realize they were that bad to get to on the newer body. Well I guess I'll have my turn someday too.

I had my son change mine...he'* 19 but looks to be about 14. Skinny thing....and boy, let me tell you... I thought he turned into the RainMan he cussed so much. I had a UIM failure, making it necessary to change them.

If it'* worth it to you, you may try a ratchet extension with the "u-joint" on it. Forgot the "official" name for it, but it sure makes it easier to turn the ratchet once you get the socket on there.

Thank you for the suggestion, but if it were that easy, I'd run out and get one right now.

The rear cylinder bank is tilted back on it'* V angle back past the firewall. I'm not complaining about how GM did it, I'm just a little frustrated by what is normally as easy as changing a light bulb on other cars.

Well, I didn't mean to sound that it'll make it a piece of cake, but it sure made it "easier" for me to get those plugs out.

Are you talking about an extension with the universal joint all one piece? If so, I know what you mean. Would that be better than a regular extension with a separate universal attached?

I had envisioned using a flex head ratchet with a short extension and then the socket, but I really don't know what to do. At this point, I can't even get my hand back there; let alone the tools.