Replacing the plugs in an '01 Dakota? (4.7L)

[Wow]

My Dad has an '01 Dakota with the 4.7L V8. We want to change the spark plugs, they are original @ 89k. I've never touched anything with the "coil on plug" system or whatever it's called. I'm guessing this is very similar to the system on later model XJs? The damn plugs are hard enough to reach on my '96. Do the coils all just unbolt from the plugs? They're not supposed to be replaced as a unit are they?

Does anybody know what the factory change interval for the plugs is?

 

[Bryan C.]

My Dad has an '01 Dakota with the 4.7L V8. We want to change the spark plugs, they are original @ 89k. I've never touched anything with the "coil on plug" system or whatever it's called. I'm guessing this is very similar to the system on later model XJs? The damn plugs are hard enough to reach on my '96. Do the coils all just unbolt from the plugs? They're not supposed to be replaced as a unit are they?

Does anybody know what the factory change interval for the plugs is?

HO 4.7L is every 90K and uses platinum plugs.
Normal 4.7L uses copper plugs and is every 30K, don't bother to upgrade to platinum plugs as these engines don't much like them.

Just remove the small 10mm nut from the top of each coil and pull them straight up. Make sure to reinstall any ground straps or shunts that that may be attached to the coils. No need to replace the coils for general maintenance.

 

[Wow]

Sounds good...although I wasn't aware there was such a thing as a 4.7L HO. :doh: I would assume if this truck had the "HO" engine, it would have a matching badge? It's an SLT if that makes any difference...

 

[UNCC_99XJ]

Not sure if it has a badge on the outside or not, but all the 4.7 HO's i've seen in Grand Cherokee's have it written on the top of the air intake box.

A word of caution, the #6 plug is probably going to be a pain in the butt to get out seeing as how you've never changed the plug before, and they're usually pretty darn tight. It was a tough one on my mom's 3.7 and on my buddy's 4.7. Might want to pull the engine oil dip stick and/or transmission dip stick out and set them aside. I accidentally sheared the handle of the engine dip stick clear off on my mom's when the plug finally broke free. Had to drill what was left of the plastic handle out to put a new dip stick in.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

IF you need more info on this theres TONS more info over at the dakota-durango forums

 

[Wow]

Thanks for the info everyone!

 

[Wow]

After I changed his oil for Father's day, I think the garage down the street is going to do the plugs.:wierd: This is why my pickup is a 1974 model.

I'm still curious about the HO/non HO engine though - it says "Magnum V8" on the top of the air box. Is that just a nice way of saying "low output"?