Jeepdog

Any hints on how to get around the air compessor to pull #1 spark plug from a 4.0 98 Grand Cherokee. Do I have to remove the air compressor or does someone have a better idea.

jnicewan

Sorry, but this is easy work( plugs on a 4.0L. I was pretty sure you can do it without special tools. If you dont have a universal joint, or a spark plug socket with a built in universal joint, you might want to buy one or the other.

leadpipe58

Every spark plug socket I have has a fitting for a wrench.I would put a short extension to hold the socket centred on the plug and break the plug loose with the wrench.
I have not tried it yet my self but thinking about that is how I would approach it. Good luck.

Bustedback

It's not rocket sergery, just use a universal or a wobble sparkplug socket. Well worth having for future use if you need to buy one.

Jeepdog

Thanks for the input, it's the first plug up front and the air comp. is right in front of it where the spark plug socket won't fit between the valve cover and air comp.
looks like i'm going to have to remove the air comp. really didn't want to do that but I guess there is no other way.

jnicewan

Ok you can move the compressor out of the way or get one of these, either way its not a big deal

OverlandZJ

My 98 4.0 ZJ simply needs a spark plug socket and 6" extension. It's a straight shot.

Have you tried to get a socket/ext on it.. or just concerned from looking at it?

Jeepdog

The sparkplug socket will not fit between the valve cover and air comp. i can't even get to the sparkplug wire it's that tight. I don't think the sparkplug alone has the room to fit between.
I just thought someone else had this problem and had a better idea.

Snowbucks

Same problem. Yes, the wire is hard to get at. Yes, it is not straight in, but it all took about 2 minutes. Could be the size drive too. Using a 3/8 or 1/2? I used a 3/8 separate socket and knuckle, not the combo pic'd above.

1ABrian

Yup, 3/8 universal with socket on mine also. Once the wire boot is removed, I drop the socket down onto the plug, pop on the universal to the socket and attach the extension and thats it. These 4.0's are all the same so you don't have to spend 20 minutes to release your belt tensioner, undo bolts and move your compressor and replace it all when your done. Way overkill

Jeepdog

Is this what yours looks like because i cant get the socket in between it.

JeepingDan

You can slightly bend the tube away from the compressor enough for the socket to fit.
Just pry it away with a screwdriver.