How tough is it to change spark plugs on my 1995 Ranger 3.0 L v-6?
I have changed head gaskets ,water pumps, belts, etc. on other cars but have never had to do anything on my Ranger, and looking in the engine compartment it looks very tight to get at the plugs.
125,000 miles and never needed changing until now when it has started to miss a little. Should I change wires at same time? Thanks

 

The passenger side is tight. You should find it easier to come at them through the wheel well. Just move the rubber splash guard out of the way. At 125K, I would definitely change the wires while you're doing the plugs.

 

that sux if your's is a tight fit.... my 2006 is so open in there i can't wait till i get to do the headers..... so much room i'm actually excited about putting them on, and plug changes look so easy on the 2006. there's atleast a foot and a half of room to work with.

 

not sure how hard it is on the 3.0 but the 4.0 was a pain in the *** on the passenger side..Literally too me over 2hrs to change plugs :S if its anything like the 4.0 its easier to remove your tire and get them from the wheel wells. yeah 125 000 miles id change the wired too.

Edit: too late! bob's got ya covered.

 

I have big hands and I was able to do it from the top. Sure it is a tight fit, but it can be done without too much trouble. Whatever you do...DO NOT go with Bosch plugs. Stick with Autolight platinums or Motorcraft platinum plugs.....and like they said already...change the wires at the same time.

 

x2^^

just remember when you change the wires..
change one at a time, never pull all the wires off at once. (unless you are 100% positive you know where they all go.)
at 125k i would also look into the fuel filter if you have never changed it.

 

the drivers side is a ***** on my truck. but generally they are not that hard

 

Use a little anti-sieze on the threads of the new plugs, and plenty of dielectric grease in the plug wire boots (both ends).

 

mine were easy to change with the exception of the of the passenger rear plug I am small tho so i just climb right up in the engine compartment and went to town.

 

last time i changed my plugs i was working on our ol' Chevy Apache. man with it's I6 i think you can seat 5 easily (3 in the cab, and one on either side of the block) my brother (age 13) crawled in and could shut the hood easily.

 

Would it be the same for a 99 3.0 flex fuel? Also, anyone know the recommended torqe for the plugs?
Thanks,
T

 

looks like im going to have to do the same thing to my ranger -_-....so someone answer ^^^^ THAT QUESTION PLEASE! about the torque atleast...damn i have to change plugs,wires,fuel filiter,and fan belt and timing belt...jesus..im in it for the long haul...to top it off im not very good with a wrench...now if it was doing electrical on a house it would be a different story