is this a hard job? The cap seems like its hard to reach. Im also going to replace the plug wires at thge same time.....any suggestions or do's and dont's?? thanks

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I did mine with the Intake manifold off so it was really easy. I know it can be done without taking the manifold off, just would make it a little harder.

The plugs are easy to get at you may have to get a step stool to get a good angle. If you are okay with working by touch you should be able to reach back there and have at the cap. Two srews one on each side, then the rotor pulls out. Put the new cap in with the (1) on the passenger side. I would do it one wire at a time so you don't mix them up. Then follow the firing order thats listed on the manifold or in the manual. Alos check the DIY thread at the top of the page, there is a factory service manual with all kind of info, under the heading "merry Christmas".

 

I thinkeasiest way to do it is to replace the plug wires first, which isn't all that hard. Just lay across the fan shroud for the back ones. After you replace the plug wires, label them all with their respective numbers. Then pull them from the dist cap and replace the cap and rotor. After that, just put them back on the correct connection by using the numbers.

 

Use a cap and rotor that have brass terminals.
Change your plugs too (or at least clean and regap them if you haven't done it recently).
Follow the TSB for correct routing of the plug wires.

 

what do you no about the flash i herd it to be the death flash

 

just make sure that rotor sits all the way down... i couldnt figure out for the life of me why the cap wasnt goin on all the way. even took it back and got a dealer part. eventually realised the rotor wasnt down all the way. just a little tip.

 

Take your cold air intake off and you'll have plenty of room. Sounds like you've not much experience with mechanicing so simple is always best.

Purchase a brass contact cap and rotor (far better ignition) and replace the cap and rotor first by laying on top of the engine. With my truck I use a step ladder in front of it and a small piece of plywood layed across the engine bay. Remove the cap and look where the rotor is pointing. Pull it off and then push the new on securely in place pointing in the direction of the old one. Then fit your new cap onto the distributor. Pull one wire and place it in the identical spot on the new cap. Continue doing this in either direction around the cap. Then you can screw the new cap down onto the distributor once it is fully seated. Two things here - Make sure that it and the rotor are fully seated and don't get any electrical wires stuck between the cap and the distributor.

Lay out your new wires so you can see longest to shortest. Pull one wire at a time off of your cap and spark plug, change out or clean and re-gap your current plug, and then having chosen the new wire closest to the length of the old one apply di-electric compound to the plug and cap ends and snap the new wire in place. Route the new wire exactly like the old one. Do this for all 8. One last thing is that our Magnum engines love to cross fire the number 5 and 7 cylinders. Make sure that these two wires do not touch and they cross over each other as close to a right angle as possible. That'll stop the cross fire.

 

If you do somehow screw it up, there is or was a firing order sticker under your hood. Your engine should have the cylinder number right by each spark plug. Put a clean towel or something over your throttle body so nothing goes down it. You would not believe what can go in there if you drop it 10ft away.

All of us really love those spark plug heat shields too![:@] When you replace them point them down so no water can get in and pool up. The next time I do mine, I plan to beat them with a hammer, then throw them away(kidding, I will keep them, but not replace them). I would much rather use a high temp sleeve on the boot. I think Dodge put those on there to make a 30 minute job last twice as long.

 

thanks alot for all the info guys.....this is going to be me Saturday project.

Thanks again..

 

just curious, what wires did you go with? i picked up autolites, they are new from what advance told me. they compliment the plugs nicely and they come pre greased. nice wires in my opinion