How do you reach rear spark plugs on a 3.8liter Chrysler VAN?

I've gotten to them on my 1999 3.8L without taking off the intake plenum. I won't say it was easy, but it can be done if you have the patience. 4 of the plus are pretty easy. The last two are a PITA. One of the rear can be gotten by removing only the alternator bracket (you do not need to take off the alternator off - I say this from experience on a vehicle that was equipped with rear A/C). The last one was from under the vehicle and took about an hour for that one alone. Given the difficulty and the fact that you are likely to rip the connector off the wires, you should plan on replacing the wires as well. I used a variety of tools to get at them including 3/8 ratchet, spark plug socket, various length extenders and a universal swivel.

Good luck!

Bob

There are actually 3 - and I chose #3!

RP

What year???? 2000 and older, from underneath. 2001 and newer, from on top.

As to having skinny arms, I don't think they are "large" or "heavy", but I'd like to think they are about average/normal for a middle aged male! (I'm

I think that because I jack up and support the frame of the vehicle and not lift from the wheels/axle/engine, that the spacing at the rear exhaust area opens up quite a bit. As I recall, the driver side plug was extremely easy to access using a simple ratchet, extension, and socket. The other two rears were the problem. As I said, I got at the one from the top by removing the upper alternator bracket (2 easily accessible bolts IIRC). Since the alternator is secured by a bottom mount bolt, it did not move and I did not even remove the alternator belt. The plug was accessible from the top with the bracket removed.

As to only needing to do this at 100K miles intervals, I was not so lucky. My 1999 3.8L T&C Limited developed a rough idle at about 45K miles. Since I was a previous owner of a 3.3L Grand Caravan, I first tried using a bottle of Techron in the tank, followed by replacing the fuel filter, air filter, and cleaning the throttle body, but none of these solved the problem. As a last resort, I changed the plugs and wires and it smoothed right out and we haven't seen the problem in the nearly 18K miles we've driven it since then. I don't know if the problem was the plugs or the wires and frankly I don't care since the effort involved to do either dictates doing both in my book.

I hope this helps explain how I was able to get to the rear plugs so others may benefit from my experience.

Bob

Four down, two to go. The front three plugs and wires took about ten minutes. The driver side rear plug about an hour. THe other two are going to be hell I know it, especially the rear middle. I'll have to up my life insurance to get to the middle one! I thought about bringing it to Chrysler but after spending six bills last week for my Durango, I don't think so! Can anyone tell me the best way to get at the middle rear plug without taking off the plenum and risking life and limb underneath? I gave up being a contortionist in my late teens!

Disconnect battery. Drop Alternator 2 bolts but leave the wiring. Hope this helps.

It's a tight squeeze however all except #1 can be reached fom the top. #1 (pass.side ) needs to have the alternator out of the way. Dissconnect battery, drop 2 bolts on alternator and leave the alternator wired.