Changing plugs on 2011 Shock 4.0L 4x4

[Cyklopz]

I could not find any detailed pictures or instructions for replacing plugs on the Nitro 4.0L but I managed to figure it out. Here are some pics and information that may help others.

Overall list of tools used: Ratchet with 6/3/1" extensions, 8/10mm sockets and plug socket, 13mm open/box wrench, pliers, flashlight, shop towels, minimal cursing.

To replace the plugs you will have to remove the entire intake manifold on top of the engine:

1. Remove the four (4) hoses on the passenger side, one has two bolts holding it in. 8mm socket used for these

2. Remove the four (4) bolts holding the throttle? assembly on the front passenger side of the manifold. 10mm socket used for these

3. Remove the four (4) bolts holding the assembly to the right of the throttle? and disconnect electrical connection. Watch out for the O-ring inside as it will fall out easily. 10mm socket used for these.

4. Remove the two (2) nuts on the drivers side of the manifold that are towards the bottom, move the hanger out of the way and then remove the two (2) copper nut/bolts as well. 13mm box/open wrench used for these.

5. Fully loosen the seven (7) long bolts along the center top of the manifold. The rear most bolt is very tight fit, I used a 1" socket extension for this one as the socket on the ratchet was to short and anything else was to long. 10mm socket used for these.

Pictures listed below. More in part 2.

Cy

[Cyklopz]

Continuing from part 1:

6. When all hoses and nuts/bolts are loosened and removed you can carefully remove the intake. You will have to wiggle it around a bit to slip it free and watch the metal hose on the passenger side as it slides into the manifold about 3-4"s (also watch this when mounting the manifold when done).

7. When the manifold is gone it is now very easy to reach the plugs and do the swap. Just disconnect the electrical wires, remove the retaining bolt on the coil and slip the coil out of the well. Then use an extension and plug socket to remove the plugs one by one.

8. Use thread lub and dielectric grease in the boots as desired. Carefully insert the new plugs guarding against cross-threading.

9. Reverse all steps to re-assemble all components.

10. After double checking everything during the rebuild reconnect the negative battery terminal and start motor. Check for leaks or any dash codes/lights. Take for a test drive and enjoy!

It took me quite a while to complete this project as it was all new to me and I had to make a couple of runs to Lowes for additional tools. I'd say it took about 3.5 hours going slowly and having to figure some things out.

Cy

[rickaren]

Great Job Again Cyklopz!

You are not changing your plugs already are you? Read they should last 100,000 miles!

[Cyklopz]

Rick,

I did but just because I wanted to upgrade to higher performance plugs over stock. The new Bosch seem to be running great so far.

Cy

[Ohio Mopar]

I slapped a set of IR Fusion plugs in my 3.7L in October(much easier to change I might add) and it is like getting 2 more cylinders under the hood!!!!

[Eugene Onegin]

Cyklops your the Man.

[DIDYOMA]

Nice write up on this man, you took time with posting this and made sure it was right. Thanks yo.

[jhnhopkins]

Replaced the plugs in my 3.7L at 88,000 miles, gap was about 60thou and worn about half down to the root. The Bosch Platinum plus plugs really make a difference. You do need a 6 foot long extension to get at them tho. They are hidden deep. lol

[load97]

Good write up, will be doing soon.

[dhh3]

Originally Posted by Ohio Mopar

I slapped a set of IR Fusion plugs in my 3.7L in October(much easier to change I might add) and it is like getting 2 more cylinders under the hood!!!!

How many miles, and what was the condition of the plugs you removed?

Although this is a great write up, I do not see the reasoning to change the plugs so early, especially when the truck is still under warranty. It would seem to me that a dealer could use this modification to not honor any issue that might come up in the future. That being said, I will wait until my warranty expires before I look into this.