Spark Plug replacement suggestion
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,053
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From: East Stroudsburg, PA
Spark Plug replacement suggestion
Well I decided it was time to replace my plugs on my '08 JKU. It had just rolled over 80K miles and I was preparing to replace all my fluids, rear, trans, transfer case, etc and decided to do the plugs as well.
I had never done the plugs on the 3.8L motor and all the write ups made it sound very difficult because the the access to the plugs, specifically the passenger side. Also there were alot of write ups of what type of plugs to use and such. So I started to shop around. I was planning on replacing the plugs, wires, and my ignition coil. Then I stumbled upon Performance Distributors Firepower ignition kit for the Jeep JK. To me, since I was replacing my coil as well ,it was an easy choice so I ordered the ignition kit and a set of factory champion plugs, total cost was about $250.00 shipped through Morris 4x4 center. That being said, the parts were perfect fit, excellent quality and so far work very well. Motor idles very smoothly, can I honestly say there is a significant difference over stock...not yet, too soon to tell.
The main thing I noticed when I started to replace my plugs was, as I had read on many threads, the Driver's side is a piece of cake, easy access, plenty of room especially for someone with big hands. The passenger side is very tight and I had seen many people suggest going through the fender liner. My solution was very simple and though it added about 45 minutes to the job, to me it was much easier. I opted to remove the entire battery box.
To do so you end up removing the battery, disconnecting the fuse box, steering pump resevoir and swinging them out of the way. Then unbolting the battery box, which was 3 nuts on studs on the firewall and then 4 long bolts off the fender and front clip. Then with a little coaxing the box will slide out and WOW!! Tons of room to work on the passenger side. To me this was much better, no guessing and working blindly. Made it much easier to route your wires around the back of the motor as well. All in all it took about 25-30 minutes to remove the battery box but it was my first time. I have no doubt I could do it much faster a second and so on. It took about 15 minutes to put it back together. All said, on a sunday morning working while drinking coffee it took me about 3 hours total. I honestly don't know how much more time it took or less by removing the battery box but to me it made it much easier. Especially when you consider trying to squeeze your hand into about 5" of space with it in place and work blindly or the time to remove the fender liner.
Hope this helps others.
I had never done the plugs on the 3.8L motor and all the write ups made it sound very difficult because the the access to the plugs, specifically the passenger side. Also there were alot of write ups of what type of plugs to use and such. So I started to shop around. I was planning on replacing the plugs, wires, and my ignition coil. Then I stumbled upon Performance Distributors Firepower ignition kit for the Jeep JK. To me, since I was replacing my coil as well ,it was an easy choice so I ordered the ignition kit and a set of factory champion plugs, total cost was about $250.00 shipped through Morris 4x4 center. That being said, the parts were perfect fit, excellent quality and so far work very well. Motor idles very smoothly, can I honestly say there is a significant difference over stock...not yet, too soon to tell.
The main thing I noticed when I started to replace my plugs was, as I had read on many threads, the Driver's side is a piece of cake, easy access, plenty of room especially for someone with big hands. The passenger side is very tight and I had seen many people suggest going through the fender liner. My solution was very simple and though it added about 45 minutes to the job, to me it was much easier. I opted to remove the entire battery box.
To do so you end up removing the battery, disconnecting the fuse box, steering pump resevoir and swinging them out of the way. Then unbolting the battery box, which was 3 nuts on studs on the firewall and then 4 long bolts off the fender and front clip. Then with a little coaxing the box will slide out and WOW!! Tons of room to work on the passenger side. To me this was much better, no guessing and working blindly. Made it much easier to route your wires around the back of the motor as well. All in all it took about 25-30 minutes to remove the battery box but it was my first time. I have no doubt I could do it much faster a second and so on. It took about 15 minutes to put it back together. All said, on a sunday morning working while drinking coffee it took me about 3 hours total. I honestly don't know how much more time it took or less by removing the battery box but to me it made it much easier. Especially when you consider trying to squeeze your hand into about 5" of space with it in place and work blindly or the time to remove the fender liner.
Hope this helps others.
Last edited by Bonedoc; Aug 5, 2013 at 07:48 AM.
