I've read all the threads, the various means used to remove the plugs from a 5.4 / 3v motor. Just adding that today in my duties as a "Mobile Parts Pro" (part time, my retirement fun job) I was picking up my trusty Ranger from it's service at local dealership and gotr to talking to the mechanic whom I've been aquainted with for a few years, about the plugs on the 5.4 3valve motors.

He said that he used to have one break every once in a while and have to use the extractor tool set, but now he pulls the truck into the bay at operating temp and zips all 8 out while still hot and has never had one fail to come out cleanly since adopting this method.

You make the call .... just passing it on. He knows his stuff.

 

we change them out when they're luke warm.....with a 18v cordless impact....

 

That's the same method we all use where I work. Have still broke a few plugs with it but not nearly as many.

 

It's what my dealer does and I suspect most do.

 

That's how I took mine out

 

So no cracking them loose by hand first, no soaking?

Just buzz 'em out warm/hot with an impact?
Burp the gun?

 

From what I understand .... seems so.

 

I just replaced my recently totaled '04 with an '05 this past Wednesday. I'm plan on changing the plugs in the next couple weeks and will give this method a shot. One problem I see is the back four are practically under the cowl. Not gonna be easy or possible to get an impact wrench on those.

 

I am getting ready to change the plugs in my 2004. I purchased it with 116k and it now has 129k and I don't know if the plugs have ever been changed. I already have the listle tool and have read a lot about impact gun being used successfully to remove the plugs. I am thinking of getting one of these in 3/8" Drive:

Dewalt Bare Tool 18-Volt 3/8" Drive Cordless Impact Wrench

I'm thinking this will give me the clearance I need.

 

I'm sure you will have clearance, but am wondering if this will have the power necessary. Most are using electric impacts with twice the torque or are turning their air gun down to about 200-250 ft/lbs.

 

That gun has 125 ft lb of torque.......way more than enough to get the job done. Just don't install the plugs with it.

 

When it comes time to change the plugs on my truck i think i will go that route.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIQevez-DG0

 

Wow, I guess you can get an impact on those back plugs.

Definitely will get that a shot!

 

That's good to know. One dealer I talked to about this is pretty ignorant about it.

 

Well I changed mine yesterday and all eight came out without breaking any. I didn't use an impact gun, just torque wrenches. I purchased the truck with 116k and didn't know the maintenance history but was happy to find autolite plugs installed (means someone has changed them before and probably why none broke) but no anti seize. Put Motorcraft SP515 plugs (with anti seize) back in and it's running great.