Looks like I'll be getting new plugs and wires. Took the advice of some on here and opened the hood in the dark. Can't tell if it's one or two wires, but they light up like a Christmas tree...LOL

Hope this resolves my mystery ticking. Any tips on getting to the back plugs? They look like a pain.

 

Just use a spark plug wrench with the swivel end. They are easier than you think.

IndyDurango

 

they are a pain... just expect some small cuts lol

 

4.7's are a little challenging but the 5.2 & 5.9's are a piece of cake!

 

Like samnbensdad said the 5.2 and 5.9 engine are not too complicating to replace plugs. The distributor cap and wires are the easy part just make sure you use the right lengths or you'll be spending way more time than you want replacing them. Also, as for replacing the plugs, beware of the heat shield on the exhaust manifold because they are not forgiving when it comes to cutting the crap out of you!

 

Thanks. I got the wires, plugs, dist. cap and rotor... all for about $62 bucks.
Hopefully this cures the problems with the ticking. Could the faulty wires cause a problem with the engine keeping correct timing, and causing the ticking?
I usually cut myself on just about anything I do... yesterday I built a fence around my garden and it looked like I had taken razor blades to my hands... I figure if I don't lose more than a pint, I'm good. LOL

 

Just put plugs, wires, cap and rotor in my 5.2.
No big issue. Wrench with pivot does help a lot and a few different extensions.
Take the air intake box off to make it easier.

 

More than likely, yes. Basically with old plugs it causes arcing in the wires and has substantially decreased conductivity in the wires, thus causing the plugs to not fire as hot as they should be.

You will be very surprised when you put those new plugs, wires, cap and rotor in there how nice it will run again.

 

Got it all changed out. Plugs were piece of cake.. wires... easy... distributor cap... a little bit of a tight fit to get back there, but not bad.

Durango runs MUCH better now... still has a tick.. but not as bad.

Wonder if this could have caused any of it... came out of right rear cylinder.

 

Do you have a valve cover leak? The grease looks like it could have been picked up from the engine as it was pulled out. Was the grease gritty? If so, I doubt it came from inside the cylinder.