Well, let me start off by stating i use to own a 04 (nbs) 5.4L and sold it recently because every single sparkplug was siezed in the head. Anyways, I need another truck now and im selling my mr2 and it looks like I will have about 6k to spend (want to pay cash).

Anyways, My co-worker has an 02 XLT 4x4 4.6 ext cab 6ft bed, 3.55 ls rear gears and a 8.8. The truck has 99k miles and has all the maintenance records on the truck (he bought it brand new) and recently had all the plugs changed with new coilpacks. The truck is very clean. All stock other than an exhaust.

anyways, my question is I do remember hearing about the 99+ 4.6's shooting sparkplugs out of the heads. Could this truck be affected by it? Should I stay away or is it safe to purchace?

 

I believe the "plug spitting" issue was resolved in 03', with the heads being redesigned. So the 02' I think would risk that issue. But if the truck has not had any issues with it in 99k miles, then maybe you're good to go. The 2v 4.6 has a great reputation other then that, sounds like a good deal to me. Plus, it's someone you know and has proof the maintenance has been kept up.

 

IIRC, the 5.4 received the PI (Performance Improved) heads in 1999, and the 4.6 received the PI heads in 2001, so you should have the 'better' heads on that 2002 that shouldn't spit plugs out.

 

No sir - even the PI heads have only 4 threads up till mid 2003.

Best thing to do is retorque the plugs to 28 ft/lb and they won't blow out.