I have a 97 Ranger 2WD that has a 2.3L in it. I have tried various parts stores, as well as the local ford dealership to find spark plug wires for it. The 4 cylinder has the 8 spark plugs, and on the driver's side 3 of the plugs have a gray plastic housing around them with a handle that protrude's about 6 inches from the engine block. These are the only way to access the plugs in between the injection system. The new wires that i bought from Ford had a different style wire head on them, rather than being a straight cylinder, they had a larger head that will not allow these wires to be installed without removing the injection. The wires I need have two rubber nipples at the bottom to hold them in place on the plastic houseing, and i dont know where else to look. Thank you much, Scott

 

Also, If there's anyone reading this that would have these wires, I would gladly purchase them. thanks again

 

You have to re-use the handles on the new wires. Go to AutoZone and ask for Ultra-Spark part # 4611. They're what I put on my 95 2.3L. They have a lifetime warranty (like everything else at AutoZone it seems) and cost about $20-25 for the set. They have the correct boots on the driver's side wires to re-use the pull handles.

If you are flexible, you can reach beneath the lower manifold and get a pair of pliers on those plug wires as well. Also, removing the upper intake isn't as hard as it seems. Just disconnect the EGR tube, unplug the 2 wiring connectors going to the TPS and IAC, disconnect the throttle linkage and remove the bolts. Unless something is seized up, it shouldn't take any more than 20 minutes to remove it. Next time I change my plugs I'm just going to to this route instead of fighting with one of the plug wires for half an hour.

 

Removing the inner fender well also greatly improves access to these plugs/plug wires. Not at all hard to do. I have replace these plug wires bioth ways, with and without removing the inner fender well. Much easier revmoving it. Good Luck. I haven't done this in a year or so but I seem to remembr that you can reuse the plastic handles from the old plug wires on the new ones.

 

I checked that ultraspark 4611, it's the same wires ford offered. I think i'm going to try it with the cheap version of those, and find a friend with small girly hands to reach in there to get everything in place.