changed 3 spark plugs in about 4 hours

[idontknow82]

The electrodes were just about down to nothing. Drivers side plugs changed, other side looks like its gonna be more of a challenge. And taking the fender or what do you call it seems like a pain too. That haynes book is just the most useless thing I ever seen. Probly wont keep it past the end of summer since some of the diy work is the worst I ever encountered on a vehicle, no room whatsoever to get to things. Tough truck though, spun the tires like 10 minutes straight when I got stuck.

 

[Joey P]

Wow....Did the 6 plugs AND wires last night in about an hour. Is yours a v6 or v8?

Edit: Saw that you changed 3 plugs in 4 hours. So I assume now it's a v6. The best way is through the wheel well.

 

[gsx220]

take the tire off on the passenger side and pull the rubber slash gaurd thing off the wheel well and do the plugs from the side atleast thats how i do it on mine

 

[idontknow82]

you got it, its a V6 OHV...I will try taking the rubber deal off then, When its gets warmer again, it was in the 20s today when I did it...Hope it starts better with the 3 newer ones.

 

[JoeMahma]

you got it, its a V6 OHV...I will try taking the rubber deal off then, When its gets warmer again, it was in the 20s today when I did it...Hope it starts better with the 3 newer ones.

Through the wheel well is the way to go. The plugs on this truck are some of the easiest I've ever changed.

 

[BonesDT]

Install a body lift. It solves many clearance issues.

Remove the Tupperware wheel wells, then leave them off.

The SOHC is a real PITA to change spark plugs. I got a '89 Dodge Dakota and I changed those plugs in like 30 seconds. They don't make 'em like they used to (not like anything was made good on the Dak, but at least spark plug access is good).

I hope you found this post useful.

 

[idontknow82]

Well I took the rubber thing off, no go either that way. I know I saw a picture once on here, where the exhaust manifold and stuff was removed. Now im not gonna do it that way. Think im just gonna trade it in and get something else thats diy friendly. Almost like you gotta take the engine out to do it.

 

[aldive]

By all means go through the wheel well on both sides.

The job should take less than an hour.

Be sure to use anti-seize when installing the new plugs.

Good luck ....

 

[aldive]

Also, I find it easier if you remove the front wheels.

 

[Andy96XLT]

do you have swivel sockets? I was able to do mine on my 96 OHV in about an hour and a half and only made myself bleed once. I also did not go through the wheel wells, but if I didn't have a swivel and 3 different extensions I would still be there.

 

[desertbum8]

Install a body lift. It solves many clearance issues.

Remove the Tupperware wheel wells, then leave them off.

The SOHC is a real PITA to change spark plugs. I got a '89 Dodge Dakota and I changed those plugs in like 30 seconds. They don't make 'em like they used to (not like anything was made good on the Dak, but at least spark plug access is good).

I hope you found this post useful.

Really? I have a '97 V6 SOHC and I found changing the spark plugs was simple. I changed mine, including wires, in an hour and a half. Just a PITA on the passenger side with the lovely AC unit.

 

[mht95ranger]

I did my 95 in about an hour. I don't have ac so my passenger side was easy, but my drivers side was the pain for me because I did not have a swivel socket.

 

[idontknow82]

Also, I find it easier if you remove the front wheels.

Thats alot of work isnt it? What other things will i have to remove to get the wheel wells off?

 

[aldive]

Thats alot of work isnt it? What other things will i have to remove to get the wheel wells off?

You are kidding, aren't you?

You have to remove the "hub cap" and 5 nuts.

 

[KPT]

You don't take the wheel well off. Just the rubber mud flap thing.

I don't have even have to take the wheel off with a TT up front.

 

[marragtop]

As previously stated, go in thru the wheel wells. While you are at it, you should also replace the wires.

 

[gijoecam]

Ditto... it should not be as difficult as you're making it seem... You don't need to remove the entire plastic wheel well liner, just the rubber flap that fits between the upper control arm and the plastic. There are about 5 or 6 of those plastic push-pin things holding it in place.

-Joe

 

[idontknow82]

alright I got it, apparently this vehicle had no spark plug change or anything. The spark plug boots were the worst to get off, one of them came off in pieces. otherwise getting the plugs out and new ones in wasnt the hard part.
Yes i put new wires on, so it should be alot easier next time around. Thanks for the help and smart@ss comments.