I have a 2003 4.0 Ranger with 186K and I'm still on original plugs. What will be my biggest concern in attempting to replace? Do these plugs break easily when trying to remove? If they do break, what tool is needed to remove?
Shops around here want way to much money to replace so I thought I'd take a stab at it or would I be better off letting them do it since it has been so long?

 

From the plugs being in there soo long they may be fused to the head, though seeings how your truck is only about 8yrs old you should be fine.

Just take care in not cross threading the new plugs when you replace the old ones.

 

Cross threading is a new term to me - just what does that mean? Thanks!

 

cross threading is catching the wrong threads killing them. i would recommend soaking them with some PB so they come out easier. if they are the original plugs i can bet they are the original wires to. change the wires

 

yes, definitely new wires too - thanks!

So I don't have to worry about the plugs breaking?

 

LOL - You'll have to excuse my lack of knowledge here.....but what is PB?

 

asking all these questions do you know how to do spark plugs?
PB is a penetrating fluid to ease the plugs out

 

In my day it was WD40 - I use to work on a 73 Charger - after that it was always lease cars - it's been awhile I admit. Thanks for the product info.

 

if you've never done it before get someone who has to help you out and do plenty of research. it isn't hard but for someone who has never done it before I can see mistakes being made. you should also be able to make sure they are gapped correctly.

 

and yeah I've always used wd-40 as well for this time of deal, same thing though.

 

Thanks! Reseach is exactly what I am doing. Had read some other threads about plugs breaking and my regular repair guy (who wants $400) mentioned it as well. Just want to make sure what I'm getting myself into before trying.
Thanks to all for their input - it's appreciated!

 

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The plugs will be a ton easier with the wheels off

 

When you get your plugs see if the auto parts store has about 8 inches of scrap hose laying around that will fit over the plug. I like to put a piece of hose on my plugs when I put them back in so I can feel what's going on. That way if it starts to go in wrong you can feel it.

 

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Pless215
Great tip if it starts to cross thread you won't be able to turn it the hose will twist up on you

 

remove the wheel and inner wheel well liner on the passenger side to get to the plugs much easier. its a pretty straight forward job. and no, these plugs are not prone to breaking. make sure to get the right plugs though, call ford and get the right part #. someone here might know the part number as well, this topic has come up a few times before.

 

the only thing that would brake on the ld plugs would be the ceramic, not biggi woudln't effect it coming out, and just as long as you start it by hand even with the extension you should be good obviously if it gets really tight really fast is cross threaded and at that point back it out and try agian, DO NOT FORCE IT, EVER!!!!! and make the new ones snug, DO NOT KILL IT!!!, if you over torque it you can completely strip out the treads, spark plug becomes projectile, engine wont run, tow to garage, to get re-threaded, point in turn just snug them, thread them in carefully, check plug gap, do not drop plugs, and do not bag them a against the block, if you think it went in the hole but didn't go in very far don't force it, use an air compressor to blow the rust and dirt away form were the plug is so you don't get any dirt in your engine, be gentle with them, good luck, if you have any further questions be sure to ask

 

I'm changing plugs on my 98 Ranger. I went to the Ford stealership to get them because I read that the Left and Right side were different. The Parts Guy gave me AGSF22WM (SP-479). I asked about the two different types and he said Ford replaced with this new single part #.
Thanks for the tip to remove the passenger wheel and liner. Sounds like a PITA.
I've also heard that putting on a bit of Never Seize on the new plugs will help getting them out in the future so I'll do that too.

 

Do not use neverseize on the plugs . They will tend to loosen on you and may strip out part of the threads when they come out.

 

Thanks for the tip - I won't use it.

 

if you use anything use the stuff that's made for plugs, they will probably throw you a free sample pack if you get your plugs from an auto parts store, they did for me. it keeps them from sizing and they stay tight, i used that stuff then took the plugs out later dwon the road, still as tight as i left them but threaded out easily

 

Oh yes - wrt the spark plugs - the gap I was told to use was 0.52-0.56 thou. This is the first time I was given a range of gaps. I'm used to a fixed gap.

 

well yeah it gives you a range, just double check that one of the stickers on top of that piece behind the grill will tell you

 

I don't understand your post. Are you saying that there is a sticker behind the grill telling me the exact gap?

 

it wont telly the an exact gap, it will give you a range, you know when you lift your hood and look down to grab the prop, and see some stickers, those are the stickers i'm talking about, i just don't know what you call that part of the body.

 

think its called the header panel