4.0 SOHC Spark plug cables

[Explorer75]

Just wondering, the replacement OEM Motorcraft cables are longer than the factory ones, specially the cylinders 1,2,3. Is there an alternate routing besides the back of the alternator that I'm not aware of?

 

[SoCal2V]

How much longer?

The way I usually do this is one at a time, and lay them out on the floor as to match the old one up to the new one (which should be more or less identical in length).

If the difference is that the new ones turn out to be an inch or two longer then I wouldn't worry about it and just proceed with the job. If any more than that I would begin to wonder if I was given the wrong box.

 

[Machine090767]

Not trying to sound like a jerk, but the factory ones are Motorcraft.
If the "Old" ones didn't have Motorcraft on them, They were NOT the factory originals.
Also, like posted above, a few extra Inches won't hurt. (No pun intended)

 

[Explorer75]

Factory wires are motorcraft also. The replacement from the dealer, also Motorcraft, and the correct ones (verified with VIN#) are about 3 inches longer in some of the cylinders. For the left bank (driver´s side) is no issue but for the right bank (passenger side) the fit is tight and can´t be loose, there are parts where you don´t want the wires to be close to, EGR and earth wire. So the extra inches make a bump, if you can say that, at the coil and the installation isn´t like factory. It works thou. I just wanted to know if there was an alternate route. This set of cables are listed for the 2002-2010 Ford Explorers, so maybe that is why they are longer so the could fit both generations.