nope...if you're lucky, Ford/Dealership may split the cost with you

the 97-04 4.6 2v and the 97-04 5.4 2v had a head design issue where the plugs only had ~3 threads of engagement. over time the threads would give way and the spark plug got ejected...sometimes

much like the 5.4 3v plug sticking issue, this affected only a small portion of the populace, but everyone "knows" someone with an ejected plug

 

Ain't that the truth. And all the misinformation that is spread.

There are many variables that go into why some have trouble removing plugs and others don't. One is the style of driving you do. I changed plugs on a 04 with 70,000 miles, didn't follow the TSB and they all came out. This truck did a commute of 120 miles a day mostly highway. The plugs had very little carbon build up.

 

This is what I read from tsb #6-5-9

 

Ya I mean if I had known this when I got my truck 1.5yrs ago at 62k, I wouldve gotten them pulled before I picked up the truck from the dealer and made them do it. However I didnt know, but preventative maint. is the best kind for sure.

The part that snaps is a thin thin piece of the metal jacket where the carbon sits in. It is like paper thin, actually thinner, it was rediculous. But atleast its done and lastnight I drove about 40miles and it ran better then before I took it in.

100k more miles on it for sure.

 

Man that sucks about the plugs breaking.On my 99 F150,I was one of the few that had a plug launch out of the head so I thought I would get a newer 5.4 and get away from that problem just to find out afterward that there is a problem with these motors not wanting to let go of the plugs.Its just funny at this point to me.I didn't even know this problem existed till just now.I'm one of those people that if only 3 percent have it happen to them,I'm always one of them unfortunetly.Oh well with 36,000 on the clock,I ahve a while till I have to worry about it unlike my other one that was just a waiting game till the next one blew out.

 

Everyone should sell their F150 because of the plugs being so BAD!! This way my truck will look even better among all of the other ugly trucks!

 

Yeah. I hear the gas caps are going bad now. Time to trade in.

 

I know when my trucks hit 100k I'll have 2 choices. One take the truck in have the plugs changed and hope for the best. Two just trade it in for something else.

 

 

 

I do think it's kinda funny and ironic; from '97 to '03 and '04 Heritages, Ford had problems keeping the plugs in the heads. Now in 2004 and newer trucks, they have problems getting them out. Go figure.

 

May I chime in? I was familiar with the removal procedure but I was afraid that if I tried to do it myself and broke one I would be out of luck. I took it to the dealer at 28000 miles to have them changed. They said it would cost $420. I said go for it. If they were to break all eight it would cost the same as it would if they broke none. What a deal. They broke two and had the truck for two days. The service writer told me I did the right thing. I used to burn cheap gas but I don't anymore, I think that had something to do with it but the plugs are engineered poorly. Why cant they make the plugs all one piece so they can't separate. I recommend having it done if your truck is still under warranty if they will give you a flat price. I didn't have enough faith in Ford to cover it down the road.

 

yep, I too have thought of the irony in that.

 

don't forget that the rough ride is a design flaw as well. your butt might get sore from it. all of y'all should trade out of your trucks so mine can be more unique on the road.



I'll gladly risk a stuck plug to enjoy my truck and I'll save my money by not changing the plugs until the time when Ford says to

 

No thats just apart of the FX4 Package. Item #6: FX4 Offroad Shocks (Rough Ride Package)