Is changing plugs in a 4L V6 something one might want to try or should I just take it to a shop?

 

It's not too bad...just remember to do one plug/wire at a time (or draw a diagram of where your wires go on the coil)...and don't overtighten, I think most specs for a spark plug are like around 10-12 foot pounds, which is not very tight at all.

Also, if you get platinum plugs, use the type of gapper that you don't rub across the plug. Use the type that has little wire like things that you measure, and another place to bend the electrode.

This kind.

Other than that, it's pretty easy on a 3.0 or a 4.0...been a while for me, but remember if you can't get to it from the top, you can try the wheel well, or try removing stuff to get a better angle.

 

DBP02 Thanks. Guess I left a little info out. I have a 03 XLT and can't even see the most of the plugs. Have no repair manual yet. (what is a good one)? My rig is coming up on 100K. I wondered about removing front wheels and inner fenders??

 

You shouldn't have to remove them, and I'm unfamiliar with the 4.0 off the top of my head, but there should be a write up somewhere with some pretty decent pics. Those inner wheel well covers just bend right out of the way though, so you shouldn't have to remove them.

I mean depending on your ability, most shops would probably charge say $100 to pop 6 quick plugs in there. But if you do it yourself, you get the added benefit of knowing that you put dielectric grease on the boots, installed them with the proper torque, and I mean it just really helps connect you with your truck heh...for me at least anyway.

Maybe there's someone that lives nearby...a friend, or someone on the forums...that could help you out your first time.

 

the fender liners are real easy to pull out and it gives you direct acces to the plugs...it all depends if you want to take a day and do it

 

^ Agree, just do yourslelf a favor and pull the passenger side wheel and the wheel well off. It will save you a lot of swearing, and it's a whole lot easier to get at. Drivers side is a breeze. I say save yourself the money and do it yourself.

 

its always nice to pull your wheels off to do it, then while your there you can always check your brakes and driveline components

 

I just sat on top of the motor and had pretty easy access to all the plugs, they look more difficult than they are

 

it only too me maybe 45 mins to change all the plugs in my 3.0. and i got to all of them by just popping the hood. if im not mistaking the 3.0 is not much different from the 4.0 in the sense of plugs.