I have a 2000 ranger with the 8 plug 2.5 liter. It has 154,000 miles on the original plugs, but runs fine and still get 27 mpg on the highway. I think it is time to change them . My question is, I notice that 5 plugs are easy to get to an remove, the other 3 are below the intake and fuel rail. Do I need to remove the upper manifold to get access to the 3 plugs? Also, the truck still has the original timing belt, it the process of removal and replacement same as the 2.3 engine?

Any help?

 

It's not as bad as it looks. I changed the plugs on my 95 2.3 3 times when I had it. The first time was a head scratching affair. After that I can do all 8 in about 30 minutes. You don't need to take anything appart. The ones on the drivers side require a few tools, but after that it's pretty easy. First the wires on that side should have plastic "handles" on them. Get a long pair of needle nose pliers such as these. Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
You can pull the wires loose with those and push them out of the way to gain access to the plugs. Get a good spark plug socket with u-joint and super glue the rubber insert inside that holds on to the spark plug, you don't want it coming out. Also get a couple of long extensions or one long one. Tape the u joint on the spark plug socket with masking tape or electrical tape, where it can still flex a little but remains fairly rigid, you'll understand this later. If you use 2 exensions, tape the joint together. Once you have a wire off, stick your socket and extensions in and loosen the spark plug. Once it's loose enough to turn by hand take your ratchet off and spin it out by hand. When it's completely loose, pull the socket, plug and extensions out. Put your new plug in the socket and make sure it's in there good and won't fall out, don't forget the anti-seize on the threads. Put it back in and gently turn it by hand to make sure it starts properly. Once your sure it's started properly, tighten it down with your ratchet. Get the wire back close enough to the spark plug, and use the needle nose to snap it back on. Repeat untill they're all done.
It's not as hard as people make it. Let me know if this helps.
Chris

 

I just did this last weekend, and went the other route and pulled the upper intake. I wasn't in any rush. It looks more intimidating to do than it really is. Make sure you have a intake gasket, only surprise I got coolant lines, 1 I disconnected by the where it "t"s off the heater hose the other I took off after I unbolted the intake, just pay attention how everything is ran (vac lines). You can also clean the throttle body. I pretty much had to do it that way my wires were so tight that none came off in one piece and didn't want to screw up fuel rail. good luck with it.
Charlie

 

I've got the exact same truck you do, and I just did mine the other day! It definitely looks way harder than it really is. I didn't have to undo anything other than the air intake tube (which is easy as pie, I could've left it on actually)

Spark plug wires are pretty cheap, as little as plugs need changed, I would just go ahead and change the wires too. It's not that much extra work at all. That way, you don't have to worry about ripping apart your old wires, since they'll likely be stuck on the plugs anyways.

Some advice from my experience, use dielectric silicone grease!! It'll keep your wires from sticking to the plugs the next time you need to change them, that way you can save your wires if you want... It keeps the connections from corroding as well.

Also, apply the grease to the nut and insulator of the new plugs that way the socket slips off of them easily when you tighten them down. That way you don't accidentally detach your socket and potentially have it fall into the greasy depths of the engine!

The taping of the extension joints and the universal sounds like a very good idea when you're trying to get the socket onto the plug but can't touch it with your hands. I wish I'd had thought of that.

And defiantly put anti-seize onto the threads, they'll go in easier and come out easier, and it'll keep the plug from seizing into the aluminum head.

Only change one spark plug and/or wire at a time, that way you don't get them mixed up.

Take the plastic handles off of the old spark plug wires and put them on the new spark plug wires that go on the driver side. They are essential if you don't take the intake off!!

I don't know if I was hearing things, but the plugs with the plastic handles seemed to "click" twice when putting them on. You might push a little further if you feel them "click" only once.

I figured all of this out on my own, and was in a rush to get it done too. So consider yourself well armed and prepared now...

[Edit] You might get someone to come and accompany you. I had a little help that, uhm... helped...