Getting new spark plugs

Hey all so I just doing some research into spark plugs and I saw a post where I can use either NGK or Denso. So I guess my question is, is there really a big difference between the two? Since I have no idea of when the spark plugs were last replaced, I figured go ahead and replace them now (along with the ignition coils, but that will come maybe in 2 weeks).

 

I don't think you're going to see a tangible difference as long as you buy quality plugs from either. I distinctly recall in Toyota literature (Owner's manual? FSM?) where they actually give you two options, Denso or NGK.

I personally use NGK b/c it's what I've used forever. More than anything though, I'd warn you it's probably less important what you buy, more than where you buy. I know it gets said on here a lot but it bears repeating: DO NOT BUY AUTO PARTS ON SCAMAZON OR FLEABAY, risk of knockoffs is real, and not worth the money you'd potentially save. Shop online for local store pickup using a coupon. For example, "RMN15" coupon almost always works for Advance Auto for 15% off, and sometimes they'll give you a 15% or 20% coupon just for joining their mail list. It should get the price close. Else, if you have time, RockAuto or Summit Racing usually get close (sometimes beat) the two fraudlets I mentioned earlier.

 

I keep hearing how Amazon and EBay are really cutting down on knockoffs. I just ordered some Dorman and Standard ignition parts for my Jeep, as those being well known aftermarket brands. 1 Dorman item came in a nice Dorman box, all the paperwork. The other Dorman item and the Standard item came in an unmarked generic box, not even a single item number anywhere listed on the part our the box, and the parts quality was incredible poor.

Amazon “verified” to me they were name brand. I sent them back.

Thank being said my bro in law just bought all Aisin electric water pump thermostat and housing seals ect for his Lexota CT 200h and it all came very well packaged with the Toyota logo ground off of everything, as it should be.

 

That's some good PR on their part, eh. But it's all showboating, they've seen INFORM Act recently passed, and we're waiting on the other shoe to drop with similar to button it all up (example). By their logic, if they just make people believe they aren't (likely funding and) allowing the sale of knockoffs on their platform with a well-spent PR campaign, then maybe they can convince lawmakers it's not necessary. The reality is, it is necessary, because end consumers don't have the resources to go after anyone once they've been victimized. There's nobody/no leverage to collect damages.

This has been my experience also, mostly with appliance parts. I've gotten the white-box treatment too often, versus anything that even looked like legit parts. Which is bullshit. Even if it comes in factory-looking packages, I've found packages that, when references against recent locally bought stock, are clearly not legit bags/boxes. The whole thing is shady as hell.

 

Leave the coils alone if they are working properly (my .02). Denso and NGK are both good.

 

Yep so I wasn't about to go on scAmazon anyways as I used to work for them. However, if anything, I was actually looking on Rockauto to begin with and I saw 2 slightly different Denso & NGK. Also someone in these forums posted some sort of photo with possible Toyota literature where it showed the differences between the V6 & V8 engines. So I do appreciate the quick feedback there. I don't really use the truck much, but still want to take care of it and make it 'feel' as close to new as possible.

 

Totally get it.

In the Owners Manual for the truck, I believe in the very back “specification” or “measurements” or similar section you’ll find the specs for the spark plugs; including the part number for each engine. Use that your cross-reference at the NGK site and buy theirs or at the www.densoautoparts.com site to get it in Denso flavor.

IIRC, some of the V6 have/need a split/forked tip plug. That may be the diff’ce you’re talking about. But you can’t go wrong relying on your manual for specs on plugs. And if you need a manual, @BubbaW has a link to every year’s manual he graciously compiled for everyone on here. If it’s not in its own sticky thread, you’ll find a link to it near the stop of the “so you just bought a tundra” mega thread

 

I also agree with ‘ol Badwrench up there. Coils are one of those “ain’t broke don’t fix” things. Inspect the tubes, springs, and boots when you pull to install the plug. If they look unbroken, move along unless you’re throwing codes

 

Hey sounds cool. Im totally down for skipping it in order to save $.

 

Yeah, you’ll know when the coils are bad. Misfires and if it’s bad check engine light.

I ran mine puffed and cracked for over 125k. Until my radiator blew, then when I pressure washed the engine I forced water into the plug tubes and it started misfiring all kinds.

330k on these.


Real Denso’s have the “Toyota” machined off.




And I’m giving these Denso Plugs a try. So far new coils and plugs and I’m getting 16.5-17.25mpg average.

 

Thats wild you ran for so long on those coil packs.
Also, nice valve cover!