alright i got a 99 ram 1500 5.2L and the spark plugs need to be changed.(with 98,000 miles on the plugs that came with the truck i think its time). my question is how do you get that crazy metel cover off to get to the plug? i dont want to pull something the wrong way and then end up having to get new wires for the truck. and if any one wants to know i bought autolite 5224.

i have been changing plugs for years, and have never saw cables like this before. thanks for any help.

 

what metel cover are you refering to? all second generation truck spark plugs should be able to come out after removing the wire. A photo would be good.

 

should only need a regular spark plug socket with a knuckle in it and about a 5-6" extension, but ive never done the 5.2 only 5.9's and metal cover you mean the heat shield attached to the headers?

 

here is a pic

 

I just did my plugs... just use a deep socket, and make sure you're all the way on the plug.

 

you dont remove those. You just use an extension on your ratchet to reach the plug.

 

ok. so you just pull the wire off and then you can remove the plug

thanks for the help

 

if you leave those heat shields in, just grab the heavy gray rubber shield and pull the wire off the plug, and then spray compressed air into the heat shield to blow out the dirt, otherwise it will all fall in the cylinder when you remove the plugs.

also if you leave the shields, you'll need a socket with the rubber boot inside that grips the ceramic on the plug, in order to extract the plug from the well.

the easiest thing to do is remove the plugs, then grab the heat shields with a pair of pliers and wiggle them out and throw them away. it makes everything easier and the heat shields are unnecessary. i threw mine away last year.

 

ok. i have a socket made for pullin spark plugs. thanks for all the help. i feel like an idiot for having to ask though

 

That's why it was such a b*tch to get mine out. Damn, if I'd have used a spark plug socket I wouldn't have burned myself like 3 times on each plug[sm=laughat.gif]