I'm playing with a 1998 Ford Ranger, 4WD, super cab, with a 4.0L V6.

Since I couldn't get a visual on the spark plugs from either the top or underneath, I had to look for answers. According to the things I've read, you can get right at the spark plugs if you remove the front fender liners.

That information checked out. It even seemed like a good idea... until I was painfully, reminded that the designers do not have to work on the vehicles... especially ones that have seen road salt. Yes, I know that a certified garage would love to charge me an arm, leg, and my firstborn child. Since I do not have children, I would be able to afford it, anyway. LOL!

… and I thought having to unbolt an A/C compressor to change spark plugs was bad.

… now that I got that out my system, here's where I'm at.

The bolts that are holding the fender liners on are rusted to the point that their structural integrity is questionable, and it looks like someone has tried to play with these before I had the truck because most of them have already been rounded off.

Is there a better way to do this?

 

Usually you have to do it by feel to remove them. Just remember when you put them back in, put some anti-seize on the threads, go slow and hand tighten as far as you can before you put the ratchet to it. If you can't turn it by hand don't force it. Stripped threads are a real nightmare,LOL!

 

I'll go play with it after the morning dew dries up.

 

TMI,LOL!

 

Okay... I'll admit that my choice of words was poor. I could have worded that, much better.

In other news, I was successful in changing the plugs and wires. It was nearly as bad it looked.

Those plugs had quite a few miles on them. Does anyone know what plugs would have been in this thing when it rolled off the assembly line?

 

Motorcraft. I guess I should have mentioned to be sure and put only Motorcraft plugs back in it as Rangers are real plug particular.