Spark plugs are one of the most critical components inside your engine that need to be maintained. There’s a likely chance you will need to replace your old and worn out spark plugs several times while you own a a 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup. Spark plugs are one of the most critical components inside your engine as they start the entire combustion process that starts and keeps your engine running for many thousands of miles. Like most engine parts, spark plugs experience wear over time and eventually need to be replaced, but fortunately this is a repair you can do on your own. Chances are, if you’ve found yourself here, you have no idea how to do that, or potentially you’d just like to know what kind of spark plugs you need to buy. The entire process of changing your spark plugs should take approximately 20-45 minutes. This article will go over everything you should need to know about your Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup’s spark plugs, whether you need some general information or a full, step-by-step guide to performing a spark plug change.
Correct spark plugs on a 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup
Recommended 5.2L V8 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup Spark Plugs
Recommended 8.0L V10 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup Spark Plugs
Recommended 5.9L V8 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup Spark Plugs
These spark plugs are an exact fit for their respective engines and will match the required specifications. Make sure you purchase the correct quantity of spark plugs for your engine corresponding to the number of cylinders. Sometimes manufacturers will bundle spark plugs in quantities that make it impossible to buy the exact amount you need for your engine. In this case, it is not a bad idea to purchase enough for your next two spark plug changes just so you will always have a new set ready. We always try to recommend the best possible spark plugs for the money, and these spark plugs are either a factory recomendation or an equivalent replacement available in today’s market at a reasonable price.
How often should I change my spark plugs?
In general, it is advised that you replace spark plugs once every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Of course, please make sure to check your owner’s manual to determine the exact interval determined by Dodge for the 1995 Ram 2500 Pickup. Of course, if you drive your vehicle more aggressively or own a Ram 2500 Pickup with some modifications, you may want to consider changing your spark plugs closer to the 20,000 miles end of that spectrum.
However, there are also telltale signs of a car that may need a spark plug replacement earlier than the recommended schedule, such as:
- Problems starting your engine
- Engine misfiring
- Rough idle
Consider that this list is absolutely not comprehensive, and these problems on their own do not definitively point to the spark plugs being the standalone culprit. However, the best way to prevent any issues with your vehicle is to take care of it with routine maintenance, and you are definitely doing so with the responsible decision to replace your Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup’s spark plugs on a regular basis.
Changing spark plugs on a 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup
This is a process you should be able to do on your own with some standard garage tools. Of course, consult your owner’s manual, as well as a factory service manual or an equivalent Haynes or Chiltons manual. The video shown below does a good job of outlining the process.
Helpful Tools
- A spark plug gap tool. This allows you to check the gap of your spark plugs and increase or decrease it if necessary. Most plugs will come pregapped, but if this is not the case, you should absolutely have one of these.
- I also highly recommend you have a feeler gauge as it makes it a bit easier to check the exact gap, and it comes in handy for quite a few other jobs.
- A set of spark plug sockets – These come in very handy because many standard sockets are not deep enough for spark plugs. In addition, some spark plug holes are a bit smaller, so it requires a thinner wall like the one featured in the product here to fit. The linked product also features a magnet to keep a good hold of the spark plug so you do not drop it into your engine bay!
- A spark plug tester – this is definitely a niche tool, but it can save you a ton of time. Although we’ve discussed spark plug replacement being a good thing to replace regularly and not just when issues occur, you may also be replacing your spark plugs because of an issue. This tool can help you diagnose the exact problem.
- A torque wrench is a very important tool to have in your toolbox. You will want to check your factory service manual to determine the correct torque rating to use when putting in the new spark plugs for your 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup to be certain they are installed properly.
Tips for changing spark plugs on your 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup
- You might consider using dielectric grease when installing new spark plugs. You can apply a small amount to the inside of the boot and the ceramic part of your spark plugs. It prevents voltage leak and helps avoid the misfortune of the boot fusing to the spark plug over time.
- Take this (unofficial advice) lightly as many spark plug manufacturers advise against the use of anti-seize. However, I have heard from numerous old-school mechanics that they always apply a light coating of anti-seize to the threads of their spark plugs, especially on older vehicles.
- Before starting, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. It’s a good idea to disconnect the battery anytime you work on the electrical system of your Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup or any other vehicle.
- You should replace spark plugs on a cold engine. Wait at least 30 minutes after any kind of operation before attempting to replace the spark plugs on your 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup
- During this process, one of the most vital things to ensure you do is to avoid overtightening the plugs or worse, cracking them due to overtightenting. Use a torque wrench capable of lower, more precise torque ratings to be sure that you don’t make this mistake.