I'll probably get flamed...

[bluexplorer1]

Hey guys, I'll probably get flamed for this but i gotta see what everyone thinks. I am thinking about having the dealer change the back 2 plugs on the passenger side of my '00 4.0 sohc X and i will do the other4. I do not want to run into a situation where I am able to get the old plugs out and not get the new ones in. I was quoted by a guy in the service dept today that it would cost $90. What does everyone think?

 

[TarHeel085]

why wouldnt you be able to get the back two plugs out or back in?

 

[Rick]

Get to the plugs from your wheel well... Save the $90

 

[bluexplorer1]

because there is too much stuff in the way. i have found out through searching this site that it is best to go through the right wheel well, but that being said, i dont see how you can get in there to get the old out (the wires are on there tight and getting a socket in there for the plug itself) and get the new ones in properly.

 

[bluexplorer1]

Get to the plugs from your wheel well... Save the $90

so i shouldn't have to pull anything else off on the top of the engine if i do it that way right? no coolant lines or reservoirs?

 

[bluexplorer1]

does anyone have any other pointers? i would really like to do this on my own, but i know there is a fine line between hard(core) and retard(ed) and i really don't want to cross it on my daily driver.

 

[Blee1099]

Ahh take the wheel off, remove the inner fender liner and you are right there. Quick and easy.

 

[Rick]

Or just trim the fender liner... That's what I did. I just removed a bit of plastic to gain access.

 

[MONMIX]

A coupla' jack stands.
Wheels off, fender liners off, a flashlight, a few long extensions and a swivel.
CAKE.

 

[dogfriend]

I used to have a 2.9 L Ranger and I think that the Explorer is easier to change the plugs on than the Ranger was. The only trick is to have a good assortment of 3/8" drive extensions, especially a couple of really short ones for the back plugs.

I've never gone thru the wheel wells; I get all of them from the top.

 

[bluexplorer1]

i am all about doing it myself, but its one of those things that i need to get done along with alot of other things. i'm just gonna have the dealer get the rear 2 on the passenger side, and i will get the rest.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I bet the dealer will charge the same for 2 or 6. Then being the worthless mongrels 99% of the dealers are they will try and upsell you another repair. I did this in the driveway while it was snowing. Not too bad. Took a little over an hour. I could probably do them agian in 45 minutes. If your dead set on taking it to the dealer why did you ask peoples opinions?

 

[1IronMike]

Its not really that hard. Just go slow and allow your self lots of time, use some 3/8 inch fuel hose to put the plugs in with and that way you won't cross it up. Don't for get the never seeze.....