I hear about all these broken spark plug issues with Fords, from what I've seen here it appears to be mainly the plugs that have that long smooth shaft at the bottom. I have a 2002 F150 5.4L and the plugs I got from Autozone are Motorcraft platinums SP-479 AGSF22WM (are these correct for my truck?)
Well these plugs look just like regular old plugs NOT like those with the long smooth shaft at the ends, am I correct to assume my type will be a problem free removal? What is the correct Torque for mine? Any tips?
Thanks

 

The broken plug problem is from 04 and up, yours will be fine. Tq to 28 ft lbs dry no antiseise.

 

Also, when reinstalling the cop how do I make sure the spring actually does connect to the spark plug? It's not like a normal plug wire where you can actually feel in snap on.

 

Is there an accurate way to test a COP?

 

1. Put dielectric grease inside the boot tip and on the outside tip area. Feel with a light touch hold as you set the coil in place for any resistance to setting down over the plug tip.
The grease allows the boot tip to 'find' the plug tip and slide down over it.
2. If there is a hard failure a code is set so you will know about a coil failure most of the time. Otherwise resistance test is of no value other than the coil has an open primary or secondary and would set a code in either event.
Only exception is a coil with shorted turns has low output, usually does not set a code because it's not a hard fault.
This condition usually shows up as a stumble running in overdrive at light throttle opening and is not present at other speeds and throttle opening (not a hard fault).
Good luck.

 

That was my problem, the stumble. But so far so good after replacing plugs.
I am now noticing a strange smell, do you think it could be from the dielectric grease I put in each of the COP boots?