How to Remove Right Side Spark Plugs on 4.0L SOHC?

[mixwhit]

How the heck do you remove the spark plugs on the right side of the 4.0L SOHC engine? The frontmost one looks like I could probably do it with an extension and a swivel socket. But the rear two look practically impossible. Further complicating matters is that I want to remove them with the engine warm so I can do a compression test. Even if I can get them out it looks like I might burn myself in the process.

Any tips appreciated. Obviously it must be possible, but I don't see it.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

Through the wheel well with an extension and a swivel.
If that don't satisfy your fancy, use a 3/4" wrench on the hex end of your plug socket, from the top.

 

[mixwhit]

Through the wheel well with an extension and a swivel.
If that don't satisfy your fancy, use a 3/4" wrench on the hex end of your plug socket, from the top.

Can you get to all 3 on the left through the wheel well? Do you have to remove some of the plastic inside the well?

How about pulling off the boots? Same path?

 

[gw33gp]

There should be a flexible wheel well liner on the right side that must be removed to get to the spark plugs in addition to the wheel and tire. Yes, all 3 plugs are accessible but the rear one is a bit difficult.

I don't recall having to go through the wheel well on the left side to get to the spark plugs.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

I actually do all of mine from the top. I have a set of plug sockets with swivels built in, and I use a non locking flex-headed ratchet. But if you dont have that you can get all the right 3 through the wheel well.

Just be glad you don't have a newer 4.3 s10. The middle one on the left is behind the steering shaft and requires a 5/8 plug socket, stubby 19mm combo wrench, and a prybar. And all of the plugs are only accessable through the wheel wells.