wow, what does it take to change the plugs

[Buffalosports]

Alright I got a 98 Ford Explorer and I got all the driver's side wires and plugs changed. I then moved to the passanger's side and thats where the trouble started. I got the front one changed, I cut a small tear in the wheel well to change the last two but I just do not have enough room to pull hard on the boot. I am pretty much giving up and taking it to place to do the last two. Any suggestions before I completely give up?

 

[shortstack]

take the passenger side tire off to give you better area too work.
those last 2 plugs are a pain..... it took my mechanic of 30+ years of experience over 30mins to get those last 2 off lol

 

[Buffalosports]

take the passenger side tire off to give you better area too work.
those last 2 plugs are a pain..... it took my mechanic of 30+ years of experience over 30mins to get those last 2 off lol

Yea I did that. I dont think the past owner have had them changed because they are so stuck on, I don't see how they where ever changed. This is why I bought lifetime wires

 

[shortstack]

if i remember right he used one of those swivel/bent ratchets and maybe with a little breaker bar

 

[badge49]

take the passenger side tire off to give you better area too work.
those last 2 plugs are a pain..... it took my mechanic of 30+ years of experience over 30mins to get those last 2 off lol

When I first bought my Explorer I had the same thing happen with my mechanic. Now that I work on my own truck, I pull the tire and wheelwell off to get at those last two plugs. It's a little overkill, but it only takes an extra two minutes and saves me from swearing at my truck so much

 

[metalmechanic]

I didn't remove anything, the thought never crossed my mind. Swivel, extention, breaker bar...didn't have the bar either so had to double wrench my 3/8 ratchet.FUN!

 

[aldive]

Take a look at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=198570&highlight=spark+plugs

 

[dllb]

OK. Call ahead for medical attention. (saves time) Always remember to kick the back pass side tire. I dont know why, but it does help. Seriously I dont know any short cuts for those last two. But it can be done. Just be patient.

 

[Buffalosports]

if i remember right he used one of those swivel/bent ratchets and maybe with a little breaker bar

Yea I was told that buy the guy at Advanced Auto Parts but my problem is getting the boot off. They are so seized on and I just don't have enough room to pull. The tire is off and I am going through the wheel well. I can feel that the boot is seperated from the plug but it seems as if the boot just wont pull free. Is it possible that the rubber melted onto the plug from heat. But even if that where the case, I would think i could still pull hard enough to tear it

 

[gijoecam]

Don't pull on the rubber boot: TWIST it. Get on there with a good pair of pliers and TWIST the boot 1/4 turn. Odds are it'll break it free. I didn't have any more trouble with those two than I did with the other four.

-Joe

 

[35Remmy]

I'm not doubting anyone's mechanical abilities here, but I had read about the difficulty of the plugs on the passenger side as well. It's REALLY not that bad!!! I think I used an extension and a swivel and changed positions a few times, but I think it may have taken a whole 10 minutes on that side. I'm not certain what the big problem is!!!

 

[ThePhoenix]

i guess it just depends on how long the plug has been there too...