Alright, I've heard the only dumb question is the one not asked. But I have a really dumb question. How the hell do you change the #3 and #5 cylinder plugs on the 4.3? There is so much crap under the hood that it's enough to piss a person off. I just can't get a short wrench or an extended ratchet... nothing is working and it's driving me up the wall. Do I have to take the steering shaft out, or raise the engine? I'm lost. These new vehicles are so compact that you almost can't do anything to them without a friggin' dealer or special tools. Damn scams on these new vehicles. What happened to grabbing a wrench and fixing it yourself?

I doubt this applies to your '01, but it's worth a shot.

On my '93, you go through the wheel wells.

I jack up the truck high enough to barely have the wheel touching the ground, then lift up the flap and they're right there. For the #3, just use a universal after the extension and you're good to go.

As said threw the wheel wells.
A little time and patience and a how to and a good spark plug tool is all you need.
Go to s-!0 how to and search.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=121

Here is two how to post.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=507211

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=503231

No 3 is the hard one.
Take your time on it and work all angles.
I have found that a good spark plug socket with a wrench head end 5/8 or 3/4 works on some and also a rubber vacuum hose on the end of the spark plugs works on some for getting screwing them out and in.
And break the lose with and tighten with a good spark plug wrench.
Good luck

Thanks guys a bunch. I have been working on a project truck so I haven't had a chance to swap them plugs.

You are welcome and good Luck.
Let us know how it goes.