Replacing plug wires

[Windywoes]

Can anyone provide some guidance on replacing the plug wires on a '99 3.8l LX? I replaced the plugs with double plats about 5,000 miles ago, but the wire replacement intimidated me. Thanks.

[garync1]

You will want to remove the windshield cowl to access better. If the wire kit you get have short wires and long wires. The longest wires are going to the front and all shorts are going to the back. Pull 1 wire at a time and replace each one,one at a time. If they are a custom fit wire set then pull 1 wire at a time and measure the size up against the old wire. Its easy if you pull 1 at a time.
Custom wire sets are much the same as OE wire set far as size.
Replacement wires that or non custom fit will have 3 wires that are shorter than the front or all the same size. Best thing is pull one at a time and get the best one the fits that location. But again the key to make this easy is to pull one wire at a time. hope this helps..

[Windywoes]

Thanks for the reply. Can you recommend an on-line store for OEM Ford parts?

[garync1]

Well rock auto has them Rockauto.com. In fact you inspired me to change my own which I just got done with. Back wire last one on passenger side had to get under van. also the clips that hold the wires together can be a little tricky. There is one clip connected to the engine I had to break off do to it was almost imposable to get to from top or bottom so I stuck my pry bar in there and snapped it off. Had all new wires connected just could not understand why i could not pull the last 2 out. That was why.. If I pulled to hard there is a risk of disconnecting vac lines so be careful.. Ill post some picks later. Now i am changing drive belt. I went with autolight spark plug wires.. They are just like OEM.. Advanced auto had them... hope this helps
took some pics some did not turn out well. So the only few i have are on page 2 of the photo page also replaced belt today.http://community.webshots.com/album/561205362eKXCZO
The back are a little tough to get to number 1 plug wire was the hardest had to go under van..

[wiswind]

I have AutoLite brand of spark plug wires......I seem to remember that they had 2 levels at the time, and I bought the higher level.
They have been great (and still are) for about 3 or 4 years and are still.

I have used Motorcraft double platinum (available at AutoZone as well as the dealer), and AutoLite Double Platinum.
These are the ONLY 2 brands that have the specified double platinumn, which is platinumn enhancement on BOTH the center electrode AND the ground tab.
Bosch +2 and +4 plugs have been reported to not do so well in the windstar application.

For a good online source for OEM, this dealership has an online parts department, and has been great.
I would most CERTAINLY include your VIN with your order, as there were some mid-year changes, so the VIN will help you get the correct part.
If you have ANY questions, email them or call them.
They will list the suggested price, and their price, so you know how much you are saving.......you will pay shipping also.
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...?siteid=214072

[Windywoes]

OK, guys. Thanks for the pix and web sites. Need to get on this; cold weather is coming.