2006 Mega Cab 1500 4x4 5.7
Just want to let everyone know, I just changed my stock plugs at 116,000 miles.
I have been checking the easy to reach ones at 30,000 intervals. Since they have always looked like new, except for a slightly larger gap, I have not seen the need for replacing them. I replaced all plugs (job not nearly as hard as one might be thinking), and was expecting dramatic plug wear. Not so. The plugs looked great, the largest gap was 55, but all were evenly worn. I know I will get flack from those who will say they should be changed every 30,000, and if I waited this long for plugs, what about the rest of the maintenance. I have serviced the diffs and the transfer case every 30k. My trans has the original fluid in it, and at this point, I am quite afraid to touch it as it still shifts like new. My point in writing this, is, changing plugs every 30k is unnecessary. Obviously it can't hurt, but to think that you will damage your engine is unrealistic. My plugs could have been re-gapped and installed they were that clean. I am impressed with the way the computer makes these Hemis perform, compensating for slightly larger gap, sub-par fuel, etc. It really is amazing. I really do love my Dodge!!!!

 

Maybe worked out for you. But, really?, coming here and declaring it unnecessary? Its too cheap to let it go that far beyond manufacturer recommendations just based on your experience. I heard a guy once say his girlfriend bought a car and drove it 70k before changing the oil in it. Does that mean we should all stop changing it at 5 or 6k?

 

Oil is much different than spark plugs. To make that comparison is ridiculous. 30k for spark plug replacement is just as crazy. There, I said it. Most people do not have the tools or the knowledge to be able to do this job themselves. Last I checked, a plug change was well over $300. I have no problem getting an oil change every 3,000 at $30 a pop. I have no problem replacing fluids that certainly break down. But telling people they have to change plugs every 10 oil changes is not realistic. Especially 16 plugs!!!! I am just trying to say, that if people can't do it themselves, or, cant afford to pay someone, or dare I say a dealership ($400), don't worry too much about your mileage on your plugs. Do it when you can, and don't be freaked out if you are over the recommended mileage. Once again, my plugs at 116,000 miles were very clean, uniformly worn, and were way past time to be replaced, but still performed without any problems. My truck has never thrown a code, and I have been very lucky in that respect. But yes, at that mileage, it was time.

 

Let me add, I am certainly not recommending anyone let their plugs go this long. I'm guilty of putting this job off far too long. I'm just saying....

 

I was ignorant about doing several things on my Ram at the recommended interval. Plugs were one of them, and i got away with it okay as well. What i didnt do was come on here and tell everyone else it was ok to do the same thing. You arent the first to come here and admit to letting plugs go for 100k without being changed. And no it doesnt have to be done on the 30k mile mark exactly, or else. But they shouldnt be ignored based on one personal experience. Yes its expensive to have someone else change your plugs. But it is not expensive at all to do it yourself. 16 basic copper core plugs and the right tools are all you need.

 

Post picks!And it would depend on the driver i.e throttle response,take offs ect IMOP..I can burn out plugs every 15km

 

Every engine is different. Not everybody is gonna have as much luck as u. I do mine every 30 to 35k. And that wont change.

 

Large gap causes misfire at higher rpms. Misifres cause uneven rod bearing pressures so you can hurt your engine if you go alooooong time like that, but i think you'd notice if it ran like it as well.
Large gap runs hotter too. it effects fuel atomization and causes you to run a bit more lean. Were the plugs white at all?
It seems like you have a very healthy engine for it to keep the plugs that long without a hiccup!
That's all the crap I'll give ya even though you prob expected more...lol
I'll let the others give the rest. ;-)

 

I knew I would catch flack, and probably misrepresented my thoughts, as I did have quite a few beers after doing front brakes and the plug change. Never drunk-post!!! I will take a pic of one of the plugs, and post. I have not noticed any performance improvements, Idle is smooth, but always was. I did clean the throttle body at about 90,000 so that doesn't factor in. I will check the fuel mileage, but according to the computer, which I reset after the work, it hasn't changed. Still around 12.5. I am glad I finally did it, and it was quite easy. Took me about an hour and a half leisurely. I posted the picture to the photo gallery on this site. It's under the heading 116k plug. Check it out.https://dodgeforum.com/forum/members...park-plug.html The gap on this one was .052