Changing plugs on 2002 dodge ram van 2500 5.2L.
3 plugs out, no problem, but I can't get the socket seated on the other 5 plugs. Blew out the tubular heat shielding the surrounds the plugs, thinking there was debris blocking the socket ..but it still wont seat. If I didn't know better, I would think the socket was too small ...but of course that can't be it! HELP!

 

Tried a different size socket yet?

 

You may just want to take those heat shields out before pulling the plugs to clean around them so the accumulated crud doesn't fall in to the cylinder, plus you can see what is causing the socket from seating...
Those shields seem locked in good but come out. Most of mine I was able to grab the lip of the opening with channel locks and wiggle while pulling out. A couple were gave me trouble and needed to be squeezed just a little bit then tapped side to side before wiggle/pullling to get out. There is a slot cut down the whole side of the tube to compress it a bit.

 

I think that the spark plugs that take the big and middle sized spark plug sockets both fit into the cylinder head. Try different sockets but make sure you buy the ones that are listed on the sticker under your hood, do not use a website or manual to select spark plugs.
Steve

 

it's not sockets, it's these damn heat tubes. They have become deformed over the years and have to come out! And that's WAAAY easier said than done!

 

There are lots of threads on these spark plug heat shields if you search it here. once you figure out the getting the first one out of there, the rest will be easier, you'll see

 

Use a hammer and a piece of rod about 3' long. Place the end of the rod on the far edge of the heat shield and give the other end a good whack.

 

^^^^ agreed.

Robogrips are great for this job...also a couple of cans of brake cleaner and a can of PB blaster.

 

thanks all. Ok, I got the 2 easily accessible problem tubes out (8,6), had to completely destroy them in the process, but that's ok, they deserved it! However, I'm not even gonna try these other 3 tubes (4,2,3). They are toward the front and almost impossible to work with. I'm thinking of taking it someplace.