Tips for changing spark plugs on 04' Durango Hemi

[dimeadip]

I'm new to the forum. Since I got married recently to a woman with 2 kids at home - and I have 2 kids at home, I got an '04 Durango with the Hemi last May. (They were almost GIVING them away when gas was pushing $4/gal) Now, with about 63k miles, I'm thinking I need to change plugs. It had 48k on it when I got it. No idea if they have been changed. The forums I saw listed 2 hrs for the passenger side and 1 hour for the driver's side. Sounds like a hoot!

Any tips for changing the plugs to make it a bit easier? Anyone have a link with step by steps directions? Any special tools needed? Should I be doing anything else soon besides oil and filters? What about timing belt?

Any advice you guys have would be much appreciated.

:huh:

[cegpcola]

Spark plugs aren't too bad on the Hemi in general other than the fact that there are so many of them, but on the Durango, the motor is shoved up under the cowl as I recall which does pose some issues. There may be some stuff that you have to move out of the way to get to the coil packs and plugs but that should be about it. The Hemi doesn't have a timing belt, co do not worry about that.

[Ranger50]

Make sure to have a 1", 3", and 6" extensions handy. You will have to use them in various configurations to get the all the plugs out. A flexible magnet is helpful too. Just remeber to take your time, changing plugs will test your patience. There is a reason I and others charge 3hrs labor to change plugs.

HTH,
Brian

[cloknem]

I'm new to the forum. Since I got married recently to a woman with 2 kids at home - and I have 2 kids at home, I got an '04 Durango with the Hemi last May. (They were almost GIVING them away when gas was pushing $4/gal) Now, with about 63k miles, I'm thinking I need to change plugs. It had 48k on it when I got it. No idea if they have been changed. The forums I saw listed 2 hrs for the passenger side and 1 hour for the driver's side. Sounds like a hoot!

Any tips for changing the plugs to make it a bit easier? Anyone have a link with step by steps directions? Any special tools needed? Should I be doing anything else soon besides oil and filters? What about timing belt?

Any advice you guys have would be much appreciated.

:huh:what plugs are you going to put in?

[rbenkemeadow]

I changed mine a few weeks ago and it wasn't bad at all. It took me 2 hrs solid, maybe more than that but not much. Make sure to buy 16 plugs.

[cloknem]

I changed mine a few weeks ago and it wasn't bad at all. It took me 2 hrs solid, maybe more than that but not much. Make sure to buy 16 plugs.
what plugs did you use? is there a copper core alternative?

[96BlkDak]

the hemi has 2 plugs per cylinder ...... damn.

[rbenkemeadow]

I used champion platinum. They make a copper plug which I think Advance Auto can order them or even have them in stock. I bought NGK iridiums in the first place until I found out I needed 8 more. lol Took those back and bought the champions.