I have 74k on my 2001 4.0. I was thinking about changing the spark plugs. Just wondering if its needed to change the wires and everything as well.

Im just on my break so I didnt go check but is it hard to change the plugs?

Is there any preferred style of spark plugs to use?

 

from what I hear, have fun changing spark plugs, heard its not too fun on the 4.0, I dread when I have to change mine

 

What he said. I did mine at 116k, should have done it at 91k when I bought the truck. Gas mileage went up considerably, restored my power. They are "rated" for 100k miles, but I feel that's only emissions wise.

Driver side isn't hard. Passenger side blows. Have some swivels and extensions on hand!

 

Get both...The plugs and wires on the 4.0 is easy, I'll say it again...I'm still not sure why everyone is having such an issue. They are all quite easy to get to, the passenger side is easy from the top or the wheel well.

 

I just took a look under the hood, looks like it shouldnt be to hard but..easier said then done.

I bought this truck in 06 with 40k miles on it. I check my mileage every time i fill up and I think I've noticed a slight drop in average MPG, also I pull a code of P0401 (I think thats correct) and when I pull of the DPFE sensor it always has moisture in it. I wonder if this could be result of not having a good enough spark in their to burn off all the fuel mixture. What do you think?

 

I have no real problems changing the plugs on my 91 Ranger. The rear plug on the passenger side is the toughest. I usually just take the tire off to change that one.

 

The drivers side is a cake walk, for the passengers side go ahead and remove the tire and come in from the wheel well. It will save you time and frustration.

 

its a lil different for mine but yeah thats pretty much it.

 

My mileage never changed after new plugs...I thought it pulled a little better in 5th gear like leaving a 45mph zone to a 55mph it had a little bit more ooomph. I've read of people blowing the dpfe out with air and having ok results...other then that try replacing that sensor.

 

I just changed my plugs the other day. Used factory motorcraft platinums. Passenger wasnt bad, but i got a little annoyed at driver side. Did all plugs from the wheel wells except one.

Oh well it was dark outside when i changed the driver side plugs.

 

Without a bodylift the passenger side is a pain. Specifically #2 & #3 were the harder of the 6 for me. Pull the inner fenders and it helps quite a bit.

 

change plugs and wires will keep resistance in check and protect coil,,,,, stay away from bosch plugs i just replaced a set i had with only 28000 on them after getting misire codes... replaced with autolite ford plugs and check engine light ok now....... mechanic told me stay away from bosch unless foreign car

 

i run motorcraft plat plug and auto light pro wires. my plugs are easy to change always have been when the body lift went on they got even better to change.. but the sohc motors are the tuff ones to change that last on on pass side witch is number 3 cyr ive found to get it from under the truck the rest i can change from up top

 

everyone says the drivers side is easy and the passenger side is a pain, but I had the opposite experience, i remember a few of the drivers side plugs I could not get at with the same ratchet I had used on the passenger side plugs. the head of the ratchet literally wouldn't fit in the tiny space where i needed it to fit, even when using an extension. I got LUCKY and used my step dad's ratchet, the head of his ratchet was shaped slightly different than mine, different enough that it would barely fit in there

 

I just used a long extension so there was no need to get my hands in there...maybe that is the issue you guys are having.

 

i could only use a long extension with success on some of the plugs, not all of them.

 

You're right...I had a wobble so I could make it work.

 

Connected to the ratchet i used in this order. Ujoint swivel, 12" extension, another swivel and then the 5/8 plug socket with a swivel on it. very flexible and took 30mins total

 

Where is this sensor located, I have heard a few times now that there is moisture in these and whould like to check mine.

Also, for the plugs, do yourself a favor, and just pull the passenger side wheel and inner plastics. Waaaay easier that way.

 

so today i changed the plugs in my sohc 4.0 and it wasn't too bad really. From reading around i was dreading doing this. I took off the wheels and pulled out the wheel well on both sides and the passenger side was a breeze. The drivers side was a little harder, but still not bad.

 

Did the spark plug change to my 2001 4.0 it was a *****, had to go under neath front right tire to get last one off.

 

i have wanted to change my plugs for awhile now. i just hit 76k but im dreading of a plug or 2 breaking off in the block.

 

My 95 4.0 is a PITA to change the sparkplugs...Then again, im not very wirey...If I were you Id change the wires at the same time...Just to do it all at once instead of having to go back...Who knows, you could be like me and ruin the wires trying to get them off the old plugs

 

76k isn't bad at all...they will come out fine. If you're worried, squirt some PB blaster on them and let it soak for a day or two.

 

I'm gonna do this on my '03 next week. It only has 58K on it but just been going through changing fluids and such, everything is original. Do you suggest any anti-seize on the plug threads? I've heard it can act as a lubricant when installing the plugs and let you get them too tight and damage the threads, but also heard it makes them easier to get out the next change...probably will do without but just wanted some opinions.

Looks like I'll need to be a little creative with some swivels and extensions but doesn't sound too terrible. Obviously the passenger side I'll do with the tire/wheel and fender-liner out. While I'm in there, I'll throw a new PCV valve in. I'll stop by the dealer tomorrow and pick up the plugs and stuff. I want to stick with Motorcraft parts.