Rodeo 99 - changing plugs

I have a 99 4x4 LS Rodeo.

I checked out my engine with the idea of changing the plugs (based on a reply to my previous post - thanks!). I removed two of the bolts from one of the 6 black covers on the valve cover. I then worked it off and it pulled out of the boot with the spring attached. The boot remained. How can I get this off? I pulled with pliers with no luck. How deep in the cylinder is the plug?

It was recommended that I change the cap, rotor, wires, and plugs. I can't find a distributor cap or rotor. Also, the wires are not the standard attached to the top of the plug with the boot. I'm not a mechanic and have only worked on non fuel injected engines. Thanks for the help.

I also saw this statement on edmunds, "The V6 model has had a newly designed engine for the 1998 and later models that does away with a distributor cap and spark plugs, and instead the PCM computer controls the firing of each cylinder individually with its own coil." What in the heck does this mean?

Thanks!

Well I have a 98 V6 and I have changed the plugs a few times. I can assure that your engine does not use a conventional cap, rotor, and wires. As for the boot staying in the cylinder well you may have to come up with your own rigging to fix it. I have never run into this myself. Also check out this site http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?Cat=&C=15 as they certainly have a wealth of knowledge both technical and practical.

when I have this happen to me I use a pair of long nose pliers not the little 3in ones I have a pair that is 5 inches shove one side on the outside of the boot one inside push down twist untill it is free then pull it out

and stop looking for a distributer and you can forget about plug wires because you dont have any please when you buy your new plugs use NGK or Nippendenso if not you will be replacing them again do nt let anyone tell you that BOSH Platinum is good for your vehicle

Again, my bad gavia111! Good luck!