I just bought a 98 Dakota w/3.9 engine yesterday. I would like to change out the sparkplugs since it has 251k miles and an unknown repair history. It's running ok right now, but I'd feel better if it had fresh plugs etc.

Looking under the hood, it's clear the plug for #5 will be an issue since the brake booster sits so close.

So, what's the trick to removing and replacing that plug ?

TIA

 

Bloody knuckles and a wobble socket.

I think I actually used a ton of combinations of wobble and 1/4 sockets to get at #5

 

Right. What combination ?

 

I use a socket, 3" extension, wobbly, 2" extension, then a ratchet with a flex head. Have to de-couple at the wobble adapter to get it in and out. Pull plug out and drop new one in using a stick magnet.

 

I just put a 6" extension on my plug socket then drop the socket in the plug hole, put my stubby flex head ratchet on the extension and point the handle down and backwards below the brake booster. Then I just crack the plug loose, remove the ratchet and turn the plug out by hand. Then just use the socket and extension to insert the new plug, get it started and snug it down with the ratchet. Anti-seize on the new plug helps out a lot when it is time for the next tune-up too.

Jimmy

 

Great tips guys! Thanks!

 

I got tired of busting knuckles and bought a cheap air ratchet to remove the plugs, using the extensions and a universal joint type extension….is that what people referred to as a twisty? Not sure.

Not recommended that you tighten plugs that way….

 

Good idea! I have one of those...haven't used it much but why not ?

 

i changed the plugs on my dakota before and your question about changing the #5 got me thinking how i did it??
i dont think i used wobbles or extensions just the spark plug socket on a ratchet and some cussing but im 100% sure. i would have to look and see.

 

opps theres suppose to be a "not" after im and before 100%