I want to tune up my 2001 Ranger 2.5L, and I hear different things about changing the plugs. Some say the top half of the intake manifold has to come off; others say it doesn't.

If the top half of the manifold has to come off, are their any tricks? Anything I need to know?

Finally, are the more expensive plugs worth the money? I have 75k on the clock, and I am not happy with mileage and power, and think a tune-up is in order. I usually use Bosch Platinum plugs, yet others rave about iridium plugs.

What about wires? Will performance wires help add a couple of horsepower?

Thanks in advance!

 

The only plugs that really work in the ranger and most fords, is mototcraft. Not only do they work, they work well. Bosch have a bad reputation in a ranger. You wont go wrong with MC. Good plug wires can help, I don't know much hp difference they will make. You could try swapping to royal purple synthetics in the engine, tranny and rear diff, It helped in my 4.0 ranger. I use mobil 1 in the engine and RP in the rest of the drivetrain, but I'm going all RP in my jeep liberty as it gets worse mpg than my ranger.

 

There is an excellent thread about plugs in Techincal Info at the first link at the home page of this forum. Pay close attention to the plug model number. I had recently installed Bosch in one of my BMWs and was pleased but after studying here I stayed with Autolite DP in my Ranger (1999, 3.0L, 65k miles) about 2 months ago and have been pleased. Did not do the wires or mess with the manifold.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...and-wires.html

Looks like the rebate just expired.

http://www.autolite.com/rebate/save24.php

 

Thank you both, for your very helpful tips and advice

 

As with most of the information on this forum, the supplied thread was extremely helpful...thanks!

Thing is, I still didn't see anything on the intake manifold issue, when changing plugs on the 2.5L.

Usually, I'd just dive into this myself, but this is my first Ford truck (each manufacturer does things things differently, and it sometimes takes a good project or two, before you get the 'feel' of the way in which things are put together). Plus, there's nothing like learning from someone who's already done the work...

Thanks again for the tutorials...I didn't realize that plug performance varied as much as it did!

 

I had an 01 with the 2.5, but never had to change the plugs. However, I have heard it's hard, but never heard that you have to take the manifold apart. Surely someone on here has changed plugs in a 2.5 and can give this guy some advice.

 

From the small engine forum. Suggest you search deeper.


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...highlight=plug

 

Genuine Ford replacement parts are the only way to go. You can pay less but remember you get what you pay for. Aftermarket suppliers can copy a Ford part without having to put the part thru stringent government testing while the OE's don't have that luxury.

For example: before Ford can release a brake pad to market that pad must pass this test. The vehicle speeds up to 60mph and then skids. It must come to a stop in a certain distance or the brakes fail the test. As soon as the vehicle comes to a stop the test is done again. In fact it is done 10 times in a row until the brakes are red hot and on each test the brakes must stop the vehicle in the prescribed distance. If the brakes fail the test in any of the 10 tries it's back to the drawing board.

The aftermarket suppliers simply purchase a set of Ford pads and copy the design so they will (usually) fit your vehicle. There are no tests they must pass. But keep in mind that just because it looks alike and fits your vehicle does not mean that it has been designed and engineered to OE specifications. They can use what ever friction material they want. That is why they can sell brake pads for $10.00 to $15.00.

Why spend $20,000 to $50,000 for a vehicle and then put cheap aftermarket parts on it in place of the Genuine Ford parts that are engineered not only to fit properly but to give you maximum performance.

 

Again, a tremendous thanks to each and every person who replied! You all saved me from many potential headaches, and it's appreciated...

Onto using OE parts, it simply makes sense. Funny enough too, because I wonder what the local AutoZone people think of me - in that lately, I find myself walking in, and walking out; buying nothing. Even many of their replacement bulbs are no-name crap.

 

No plug wires will add any horsepower. Better quality plug wires may last longer and may be required with some aftermarket ignition that higher voltage output. The stock Ford wires work great and last a long time.