Hey guys, I've been searching for a tutorial on replacing the spark plugs on my 2.5L 2000 ford ranger on the forums but I can only find the 4.0.

Getting to the spark plugs is a royal pain and I don't have any tools that can reach behind the intake manifold.

Do I just remove the manifold to get to them?

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Ranger Info:
Year: 2000
Model: Stock
Mods: None
Color Code: Candy Apple Red
Engine: 2.5L

Yup. That's the easiest way the previous owner said you can change them. Be careful not to break the intake manifold bolts like he did...they are near impossible to find. Unless you wouldn't happen to have an extra one or two laying around? lol

I was able to use a spark plug socket with an extension and a universal for them.

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2011 Ranger XLT, 4X4, 4 door Super Cab. 4.0L, 5 Speed MT, 3.73 8.8" open differential, Jason Pace cap
1999 Honda CR-V EX, RT4WD, 2.0L, 5 Speed MT, 4.56 open differential
1998 Ranger XLT, 4X2 Regular Cab, 2.5L, 5 Speed MT, SWB, 3.45 7.5" open differential, RABS, Leer 122 "High Boy" Cap

I have done plugs and wires twice now( I used Bosch plugs and they were trashed in 8k miles and i used the cheap wires without the hooks which made the job a total pita).

You want to use on MC or autolite DP's and make sure you have wires with the hooks or else only buy MC or autolite wires( they come with the hooks)...........I could change all 8 plugs and wires in less than an hour with the manifold on.

The plugs are real easy the wires are what is a pain. I used 2 6" and 1 3" extension I believe and i had a swivel on there also but you might not need it You obviously need the 5/8 sparkplug socket. make sure you use antiseize and put the grease on the plug wire conection. just feed the socket down thru the openigs in the intake and it is not and issue......

an extension and a swivel are very helpful

you do NOT need to take the manifold off

and be sure to get the good wires with the hooks.....makes things a WHOLE lot easier
do NOT get the cheap autolite plugs.....they last 10k miles if youre lucky

take care of your truck and it will take care of you

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1996 XLT 2.3L 2wd Factory "Hurst Special" < getting low
1985 XLT 2.8L 4x4 "The Black Pearl"
1987 XL 2.3L 2wd R.I.P.

Thanks for the reply everyone, gives me a bit of confidence working on my truck.

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Ranger Info:
Year: 2000
Model: Stock
Mods: None
Color Code: Candy Apple Red
Engine: 2.5L

modelageek...Did you replace the plugs without taking off the top half of the intake manifold? I have AC but just can't see proper openings for getting socket and extension thru. Am I missing something here? I would like to change the plugs myself(never had a car where I couldn't) and the $230 labor I'm quoted doesn't thrill me. Thanks in advance for any help from anyone.

just did plugs and wires on my 2.3 yesterday and it was a fucking pain, that intake manifold is a bitch to work in/under.

It's pretty much like that with all of the four bangers. A spark plug socket, various enxtension lengths, and a universal will get the job done. Pray to God the wires have the plastic hooks or life will not be good.

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2011 Ranger XLT, 4X4, 4 door Super Cab. 4.0L, 5 Speed MT, 3.73 8.8" open differential, Jason Pace cap
1999 Honda CR-V EX, RT4WD, 2.0L, 5 Speed MT, 4.56 open differential
1998 Ranger XLT, 4X2 Regular Cab, 2.5L, 5 Speed MT, SWB, 3.45 7.5" open differential, RABS, Leer 122 "High Boy" Cap

ive heard you can pop off the old hooks and put them on the new wires, this is true isnt it?

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'99 Ranger XLT Reg. Cab Stepside
2.5L
2WD
5spd
K&N Filter
Air Box Mod
Explorer OHC
Join!! FRF no-lifers Clan

You can reuse them if the new spark plug boots are shaped correctly. I'm not sure if you can just use them on any old spark plug wire you want though.

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2011 Ranger XLT, 4X4, 4 door Super Cab. 4.0L, 5 Speed MT, 3.73 8.8" open differential, Jason Pace cap
1999 Honda CR-V EX, RT4WD, 2.0L, 5 Speed MT, 4.56 open differential
1998 Ranger XLT, 4X2 Regular Cab, 2.5L, 5 Speed MT, SWB, 3.45 7.5" open differential, RABS, Leer 122 "High Boy" Cap

took about an hr w/ my 2.3 a couple extensions and the socket and i was done. my wirs did not have the plastic hooks and had no prblem

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Colin S. AGE: 18
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 reg. cab 4.0l 5spd, 2" SL , Summit Nomads 15x8, 30x9.5x15 Trail Digger M/T's, cab lights, spray in bed liner, custom tube bumper,

1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3l 5spd ext. cab. the loaner truck

1987 Camaro z28 383 to much to list

https://www.facebook.com/colinshriver

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/proje...anger-4x4.html

This is a well vetted topic. The bottom line is if you are a DIYer, buy a set of Autolite wires. They are about $27. Also use Autolite or Motorcraft DP's.

my engine ate holes in Bosch DP's in less than 5k miles.........like I said this is all well vetted topic....

I do not like motorcraft like Bosch plug the one you do not have to gab

ok i just got this banger ranger and im trying to get the boot off the number 4 cylinder under the intake and i just cant get my fingers on the hook or any thing and the number 3 cylinder plug was the original plug from the factory so its kind of a pain any tips if not im about to go buy some long needle nose pliers an giver hell.