Need some spark plug advice on 2012 Ram with HEMI

[shadango]

I have done my spark plugs in every vehicle I have ever owned for 30 + years.

My 2012 Ram's warranty (lifetime powertrain) requires that the maintenance be done by a shop.

I called the dealer and they want $405 to change the plugs.   

$100 for the 16 plugs and the rest for 2.5 hrs...they say they have to pull the intake to do it.

This seems outrageous.  ANy folks here have a Ram or are there any techs that want to chime in?

[dfrazz]

I went to change the plugs on my '11 RAM and could not even find 16 plugs because the back 2 are way back there.  Basically I did not have time nor the patience to deal with this so I took it in to my buddies shop who does this all the time.  He did not have to remove the intake so I call BS on that, but it is not easy.  Here is a write up on how to do it from the dodge talk forum.

"Now for anyone thinking about replacing your plugs. I will tell you this is no easy task. The back 4 plugs on the drivers side were a royal pain to get out. There is not much room between the brake booster and the heads. What I did is I put the spark plug socket part of the way in the hole for the spark plug. While holding the socket in place I attached a 3 inch 3/8 extension then inserted it a little further. Then while holding that in place I attached a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter then finished putting the socket on the plug. There is enough room to get in there with a 1/2" ratchet. Once the plug was loose I did just the opposite to remove it. The back 2 on the passengers side is a little fun also being that you have the heater hoses in the way. It took me approximately 2.5 hours to replace all 16. Most of the time was spent trying to figure out a way to remove and install the back plugs."

[mopar jack]

I have an 03 Ram with 5.7. not sure how different it is from newer models but to reach the driver side back two cylinders you remove the front wheel and inner fender liner to gain access that way. You will still need a short extension and a universal to squeeze in there.

[JS27N0B]

Usually takes around 2 hrs. As stated, intake does not come off. They may have told you that as there is some Chrysler engines that it does have to come off of to change plugs.
Do not use any kind of Bosch platinum plugs, I have seen major running problems with these and a few other platinum brands. Stock plugs work the best.
It's not a hard job to do if you have the correct tools, but with the swivels and short extensions required you need to be well equipped in your home garage. Power tools help to speed things up.

[66/72RAB]

Done it twice on my 2010 5.7 Ram. As stated above allow about 3 hours of leaning over in the engine compartment. Most of the time figuring out what combination of socket, ratchet and extension to use. You do not have to take off the intake manifold. Rear cylinders on both sides you have to drop in socket, then extension, and finally attach the ratchet. Oh and you have to move the coils out of the way on each cylinder before you can get to the tubes. It can be done!