Do our trucks have spark plugs? If so, where are they and how do I replace them?. Also, what kind of ignition do we have, I don,t see a distributor or wires or anything. Reason why is I have been looking @ some MSD and AEM ignition products and was trying to figure out exactly what I need to be looking for.

 

it is a silly question but I'm happy to help you out.

The sparkplugs in the 3.7L V6 and the 4.7L V8 are underneath individual coil packs, or another term you might hear is coil over sparkplugs. The sparkplugs go thru the top of the head with individual coil packs over each one, thus why you can't see the sparkplugs. The only wires are the wires that go to the top of each coil, but not your typical sparkplug looking wire. I don't think you are going to find any aftermarket ignition stuff besides different sparkplugs (don't waste your money) but I have not tried to do any searches on the subject either.

Good luck

 

Quote from my '05 Dakota Service Manual(on cd)"Battery voltage is supplied to the 6 or 8 individual ignition coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Control Module(PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil ground circuit at a determined time for ignition coil operation." Thus, no distributor. This is not your daddy's ignition system. If you insist on going ahead with changing the plugs, be aware that the use of platinum plugs is not recommended. It's getting tougher and tougher to do our own maintenance guys. This really sucks.

 

It's absolutely not a silly question. I was asking myself the very same question on my 01 Dakota. My 01 had the coilover setup and I was sitting there scratchin my head like an idiot going [sm=WTFsgign.gif]

Like Glk21C stated, there isnt much in the way of aftermarket plugs/wires for the coilover setup...and I dont really see the need either. Doesnt really help much.

The coils are supposed to be more efficient. I also dont suggest tackling this job on your own. I took my Dak to a shop and let them do it...$160 later....I had my truck back...

 

Actually I did think they were under those bolted on plastic things, I just wanted a second and third opinion. I think I read somewhere that we already have copper plugs, but was wondering if the Autolites would be a better choice because they are a cooler firing plug. Also, Nology offers silver (better than copper) plugs.

 

There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid answers (see Bill Engval). My 2002 required platinum plugs. At about 40k (10k over recommended) I put in Autolites because they were cheap. Maybe a little improvement. At 70k I put in expensive Bosch's because I had a coupon. No difference. At 100k I went back to Autolites because they were cheap. No difference. I've been doing my own services since 1976 and the 4.7L is one of the easiest motors to change plugs. Just remember to blow the trash out of the heads BEFORE removing the plugs.