this is for a 1998 dodge ram 1500 5.9L. we replaced 6 spark plugs but theres 2 on the rear drive side that ive found near impossible to get to/remove.

theres a large circular black case that is blocking being able to get the tool in there. need to know any tricks on getting to these 2 spark plugs in the back, or how to remove the big metal part in the way

 

the trick is to be very flexible.....i believe you can grab the sleeves with pliers and twist them out, theyre just pressed in.....i had mine removed by the shop when i was gettin a valve job

 

I used either a 2 or 4 inch extension ( I cant remember ) and a deep well socket on an adjustable ratchet, in bends up and down, and went from under the brake booster.

The big metal part, unless I am mistaken, is the power booster for the power brakes, usually it takes more than it is worth to remove that, just deal with the pain.

 

well im glad to know this now im going to be getting new plugs and wire,cap,coil im just going to redo all of that when im back there.

 

i must have misread, i was speaking of the shields around the plugs themselves

 

Pull those stupid heat shields off. You don't need 'em, just twist them and yank them with a pair of pliers. That should make your life much easier.

One does take the shorty extension and one takes a long extension.

Oh yeah, one other thing. Break down and buy a magnetic plug socket, best $7.99 I ever spent.

 

Yes, just remove those heat shields. All they do is hold dirt/gunk. It's nearly impossible to replace plugs with those in there without getting dirt all over everything.

 

If you think those are hard to reach, wait till you try to replace your cap and rotor.

 

The best way I found to remove the heat shields was using a heater hose clamp and tightening until they just slipped out.

For the stuck plugs, use PB Blaster. Best penetrant I've ever seen. Whatever you do, do not use an impact unless you want to remove the head. Use a 1/2" breaker bar and work it loose, spary some more PB and work it some more. Patience is your friend on this one.

 

I didn't find it to be a problem. I might have used a different sized extension not sure but I didn't have a problem. Just used a spark plug socket and a Craftsman 3/8" rachet. I can't remember what size extension.

Blow out around the plug inside that heat shield with compressed air after removing the wire but before you remove the plug to get all the dirt and junk out so that it doesn't fall down into the plug holes when you remove the plugs.