wish me luck-changing plugs
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
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wish me luck-changing plugs
tomorrow, I will be changing the plugs and wires on my 97 Explorer with the 4.0 engine. truck has 114,000 and I believe it still has original wires and plugs. the wires are definately original. I bought the plugs/wires right from the Ford dealership. left bank looks easy, right 2 plugs will be a nightmare. that A/C evaporator box takes up a lot of room. I anticipate many curse words being used during this replacement. any words of advice before I start!
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: In the Middle
As mentioned, remove the tire and get them from the wheel well. A decent set of extensions for your ratchet will help. On my '97 with a 5.0 I didn't even take the tire off, and it was easier changing the plugs on it than almost any other vehicle I've owned.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
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thanks for the info. decided to wait until Tues to do plugs. I will try taking right side plugs out thru wheelwell. still looks like a real tight fit though with that A/C box there. I don't know if I would call this an easy job. Now when I changed the plugs on my dad's 72 Caddy with that big 472 many years ago, that was an easy job. nothing in the way. then again, I was 20 years younger. 
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Mass
I recently replaced the plugs on my 2000 4.0L and found that simply removing the trans oil dipstick mount/bracket while going through the passenger wheel well worked out well. If you dont feel like removing the tire, then just give it a good turn. Good Luck
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
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From: Baltimore
As already stated, go thru the wheel wells. Also, make sure you check the gap on the new plugs and use anti-seize on them.
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The first time I changed them on my explorer it took 6 (yes six) hours, that was with a regular spark plug socket and some extensions. I just changed them again on Monday, but fortunatly I was able to borrow a spark plug tool mde by Mac Tools. This tool was great. It had all the eswivel lbows built in along with the extension. It still took just over 3 hours, but they sure are a pain. As every one said, the two on the passenger side are easier done with the tire and wheel well cover removed.