[Gratiotguy]

I just went through this same exercise myself for the first time on my 4.3L Sonoma. After trying the socket and a few different universal connections/extension combinations I still wasn't able to get the plug out. It seemed like I could get the socket on, but couldn't get an extension onto the socket. So, with the front wheel already off, I tried moving the steering shaft. It was much easier and I did in far less time than it took me to figure out that I couldn't do it with a socket and universal joint.

There is a plastic boot where the shaft engages the steering box, just slide it up out of the way and take the one bolt out, then push the steering column up toward the steering wheel. The steering shaft will collapse into itself and be completely out of the way. A word of caution: don't turn the steering wheel without having the shaft connected.

I've read that some people can get to that spark plug with a socket, but they must have a different spark plug socket or other tools.