My D has 144,000 miles on it just today. She's never been in the shop, not once. She has been an awesome first ride. Now, I hope you guys don't punk me too much, but I was thinking the spark plugs need to be changed out, right? I've never done it, never seen it done. What do I need and how do I start. Thanks. I don't know if it show but, 02' 5.9L 2WHD.

 

you need 8 copper core champion spark plugs, a gapping tool, cap, rotor, wires, a spark plug socket and a screw driver (plugs, wires, cap and rotor should be changed together)

be careful changing the wires that you only take one off at a time so you dont loose which wire goes to which plug, and take your time, some of the plugs are more difficult to get to than others, but it is NOT at all difficult, pullthe wire off, put the socket in there and unscrew, put the new plug in and tighten down being careful not to crack the plug (keep the socket straight on the plug and dont overtighten)

 

All at autozone? Round figure, how much?

 

I have the same engine and year; this is an excellent engine to learn how to change plugs on because they are all easily accessible. However, the cap and rotor can be a bit of a challenge due to the location... just need some patience.
When you start to remove the spark plug wires, you will notice that they attach to small brackets to keep them off and away from hot surfaces. These brackets snap apart... you can use the screwdrive to help open them.

Be care not to overtighten or misthread the new spark plugs. Always tighten by hand before you start to use the ratchet on them.

Make sure you have an extention or two as well as a swivel (u-joint) socket adapter. The swivel socket is not entirely necessary, but it will help you get to a better angle on some of the spark plugs.

Good luck and let us know if you need any help. It really does feel good to do your own wrenching.

BTW, what part of southern TX. I lived in Katy (westside suburb of Houston)for a couple years.

 

Spark plugs = $16 for all 8 plugs (Champion Copper core)
Feeler guage (picture below)= $3 (use this to set the gap in spark plug). Let me know if you've never used one.

Spark plug socket= $5
Cap & rotor (get brass contacts)= $22
Wire= a lot of people will say just go with Mopar (dealer part) or MSD ($90) but if you are trying to stick to a budget and just want to get something fresh on there, you can get Bosch for $36

I assume you already have a basic ratchet set...

 

Also the same exact color samnbensdad. I guess not exactly south, more like southwest Texas. About 40 miles west of San Angelo. My D has been dieing (sp) when starting unless I give it gas. Changed TPS, IAC, Battery cleaned TB and she worked for 2-3 months. Now, right back to her old ways. This is my next step. Thanks for the help. Will go into town tomorrow and get what I need. Can anyone think of anything else I may need. I only go to town when needed because of the distance. Thanks all.

 

No, never used a feeler guage. Its for the gap on the tip of the plug, right? I read it should be .040 Just slide it between the gap and....what....tap it down to make it snug?

 

I'd change the PCV valve also. It literally takes 5 minutes or less to change and costs less than $5.

 

Alright samnbensdad, I'm a Lab Tech. not a mechanic. What is the PCV Valve and where is it located. I know its under the hood and located on the engine. Just in case your a smart *** like I would be. lol.

 

Yep, you'll have to use a combination of two of the fins to get to 0.040. Just stack them.