Brian,
I just changed mine last night too. 98 5.2 Sport Auto Emerald Green.
My truck is lowered 3" in the front so that helped out a little. I used a
sparkplug socket (with the rubber peice in it) 2 short 3/8 extensions, and
after cursing for a while and tearing up my elbow on the radiator hose
bracket (still hurts like a mofo) I also added a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter and
pulled out the mamoth 1/2 wrench I got. That is what did it, the extra
torque for the 1/2 wrench. I didn't need any u-joints but it was pretty
tight on the passenger side rear 2. Anyway I replaced em with Bosch Platinum
(Autozone didn't sell autolight) and also replaced my cap and rotor. At
56000 miles everything was due for a change, and yes mine too was all
factory stuff.
BTW- I don't have a factory airbox, that helped out too.
Marty
http://members.cox.net/got-speed
"Brian Mingle" <bsm11@cornell.edu> wrote in message
news:5.1.0.14.2.20020620081117.00a0dae0@postoffice.mail.cornell.edu...
>
> I changed the spark plugs in my truck last night, and what a fiasco that
> was! There wasn't room to do shit! Are all Dakota mechanics children?
> They'd have to be, just to get their hands in those tight places. ha ha
> ha...Anyway....The plugs up front weren't too bad. The plugs in the back,
> however, were a nightmare, especially on the passenger side! Anywho, I
have
> a new set of Splitfires in her, and it does run better. That could be, of
> course, because the plugs haven't been changed since the truck was new.
The
> dealer assured me they were, and a tune up was done, they lied.
>
> Okay, who on the list has changed their own spark plugs, and thought to
> themselves, while doing it......who designed this? Because whoever did,
> should be kicked in the balls! ha ha ha
>
> For future changers. Here's a list of things you need or need to be aware
of:
>
> 1.) Plugs are on a weird angel, and hard to get a socket on.
> 2.) If you are short, a step ladder to get you high enough to get some
> leverage.
> 3.) Three extensions and a swivel head to complete the job, unless you
like
> being frustrated
> 4.) A piece of rubber hose to slide over the top of the plug to get it out
> of its gopher hole (didn't work for me because every flippin plug broke)
> 5.) Patience, patience, patience (a good sense of humor helps too)
> If number 5 doesn't work, a six pack! ;-)
>
> Brian S. Mingle
> 1998 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Sport
> 5.2 Magnum V8
> Performance Accessories 3" Body Lift (soon to be sporting 33X12.50 15's on
> Eagle 589 rims)
> Emerald Green Pearl
>
>
>
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