1st Truck, any input or suggestions welcome.
 

I just purchased my 1st truck. Its a 2003 F150 FX4. 46,000 miles. I plan on maintaining it myself, Ive owned dozens of cars and 1 of my hobbies are my muscle cars. Ive read on this website about some sparkplug issues and injector issues. Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. It is the 5.4 engine BTW. Was thinking of changing plugs right after I pick it up. I'm not a big believer in the 100,000 mile spark plug change. Also, any other maintenance that you could recommend besides the obvious oil change, air filter..etc.

When you do plugs always use MOTORCRAFT plugs/coils. I waited til just past the 100K mark on my 02 5.4 and had no problems. I will tell you that around 75-80k a coil pack WILL go bad. I replaced mine w/ a COP from Autoclowns aka "autozone" DO NOT USE THEIR "DURASPARK" CRAP!!!{I could not afford a plug change and ALL the COP's at that time so I just replaced the coil that was bad} in less that 3 mos I had to change that coil again!!! This was last winter when my job is kinda slow so thats why I did not change ALL the plugs and COPs at once.

Change your fuel filter at LEAST once a year-I use motorcraft.

Change your differentals{oil in front/rear axles} transfer case

hope this helps!:thumbsup:

You don't need coils, but when you do , purchase online. The exact same coils as Motorcraft online are $12 apiece. I've done comparisons, Motorcrafts are Gamma's. Visteons, same thing.

On the plugs. Denso Iridiums are best IMO. NGK's are fine. Motorcrafts work good as well. With Iridiums you'll extended life, - higher quality. Just don't run nothing else but those above and you'll be okay. :thumbsup:

Your 03 should have the best heads Ford put out for your generation. No plug problems whatsoever. Yours are upgraded.

Welcome to the forums. 46K on an '03 is great ! Nice Find :beers: When you need COPs, alot of us here get them on Ebay from Uneek or Global. DG508 COPs

Not necessarily, the upgrade was a mid-year change. To be safe, do not use antiseize and torque the plugs to 28 ft/lb.

No, not really. Do you have data ? I do , - any heads manufactured after November 12, 2002 have 8 thread heads. They will have the date on the casting.

BUT! Yea, I've heard that some 5.4L's in 03 Didn't get this update. Not sure if that's just a rumor. I was inquiring about casting numbers at one time, -in order to differentiate. Casting numbers are like and it's the casting date that confirms the update. Some thought it was mid-year. That was easy to say, since changes usually happen at this time. That isn't the case here or at least it hasn't been proven. Casting date Nov 12, 2002 is the date released by Ford.

Welcome to the forum. Check out the how to section for some ideas

Let's see some pictures!

The casting date is fine and dandy, but with normal production schedules, that would make it right around a mid-model year change.

I just checked mine - my engine build date is 10/20/02 and the truck build date is 11/02. I don't know how long heads sit around before being installed on engines, but with a normal model year truck run from 07/02 to 06/03, that's going to be pretty close to midyear.

That's just it, this isn't a normal update. It will say on the casting itself tho -

From EnglishAdam -

https://www.f150online.com/forums/me...20-head-03.jpg

WOW, I appreciate the responses that already came in...that was fast. Checking into COPs online now, as well as plugs, tho I have plenty Auto Zones and such around, I was gonna stay with Motorcraft plugs, but gonna look into the Denso Iridiums. You think it would be best to stay away from antisieze tho huh? What about that special lube for just spark plugs, or is it just best to go dry?? I will have pics up as soon as I take delivery. Its a 2003 Super Crew FX4...Landeau Hardtop box cover...Black. Cant wait

Yea, don't go by Ford spec on those. Ford spec varies. I've seen them spec anywhere from 12-19' lbs. But the pro's spec them 28' lbs. Tapered plugs can be spec'ed in increment turn (behind the decimal point) after seat. That said, it all works out to be between 21-28' lbs anyway. Yea, that's dry, no anti seize.

Anti-seize isn't a good idea with most of these heads because of lack of threads in the plug chambers. Plus with the plugs today, there nickled = no corrosion.

I hear ya, Brew - but I'd bet that any 03 truck built before 12/02 will have the old heads - and maybe even later. The only way to tell is in fact look for the casting date (or find a way to look down the plug hole and count threads).

Yea, - I think the only way your going to see the date is by pulling the plastic inner fender well. I don't think you would be able to see it from the top.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/me...03192-copy.jpg

At least there's an option and something to reference. There didn't use to be. I know if I had an 03 I would be checking that for sure lol.