So I just bought a 2004 f150 supercrew(red). I absolutely love the truck. I have plans on adding a lot of parts to it like wheels, bull bar, grille, lights, etc. Growing up I was a die hard chevy man, but ironically I have not ever owned one haha. I have had a '99 ranger, a '99 mustang gt (loved this car), and now my supercrew. Sorry chevy, but FORD has won me over haha.
I have been reading about spark plugs blowing out. So thats the first thing ima do. I was just wondering if there was any other things I should check and change on it?
It has 125,000 miles on it.
It also feels like it shifts hard at some points. Like when I slow down and then speed back up it does it. Not all the time, just on occasion. Could this be in the transmission or the spark plugs missing. It has felt like a miss a few times. Didnt do this during the test drive.
I would appreciate any advice, Thanks.
haha love it

 

Did you take it to get checked out by a mechanic before you bought it?

I would check the the plugs and also check all the fluids.. maybe have the transmission flushed. I have also heard to clean the MAF sensor.. sometimes that can cause issues like you mentioned.

 

I did not take it to a mechanic. Im the type to just drive it up the road and back, get a wheel in it and if it runs good and is perty, then I buy it. Not very smart, I know.

I do plan on changing the spark plugs and flushing the transmission. Is this a D.I.Y. job or does a mechanic need to do it?

 

you can read through all the posts on here and all over the internet about the plugs. basically its a two piece design and when changing them they can break off in the head. ford makes an extractor tool, but with 125k and not knowing if theyd been done before, id be hesitant. i took my truck to my ford dealer to have them changed. 325 bucks including parts and labor, no matter how many they broke, and that included soaking them the night before in carbon buster. with the cost of plugs, the extractor tool, pb blaster, and hourly rate i think having the dealer do that job for me was the way to go. other jobs, not so much, but this one i wouldnt change a thing. but feel free to read around on here, everyone has their own opinion haha

 

This engine does not have the plugs that blow out, these bad boys have a tendency to stick and break off in the head, not a really big deal now that the tools are available to extract them, read around and you will see reference to the "lisle" tool, very easy to use. With that many miles it's hard to say if the plugs have been changed or not, also the coils (C.O.P.). As fat as the transmission goes, definitely have the fluid EXCHANGED ONLY, not flushed. Clean the TB and the MAF, new filters (fuel and air). hat would be a good start for you.

 

Ok thank you. I will have to get one of those lisle tools. I plan on doin this in the next couple of weeks if I can get time off from work. Seems like all I do is work. All your info has been very helpful. Thanks. I will reply soon with the results haha. Wish this first timer good luck haha

 

Here's how I did my transmission with the help of my brother. Transmission Exchange Link

And here's a link to a how to I made on changing the plugs. Change Spark Plugs Link