I changed the plugs in my buddies 04 fx4 last week. 7 hours later and 7 broken plugs we finally finished her up. Thank goodness for the Lisle tool. It still was a PITA on #4 and #8 cylinder they took 2+ hours alone. I never want to do that job again.

 

dittothat . . . what plug type did you use? Thanks

 

The dealership was able to get the broken/stuck jam nut threads out of the #2 hole without removing the head. It only cost me $250. I'm happy again. And about the whole selling and buying a Chevy comment... Everybody says foolish things when mad. Next time I'm going to let them all soak in pb blaster at least a day or 2, since it was the first plug I tried that broke and the other 7 came out effortlessly after soaking in pb blaster for 3 days. New plugs, new coils, new truck!

 

champions

 

mmdunne: I used the Motorcraft SP-507's. I got them off Rock Auto for 7 bucks a piece. I believe (not 100% sure) that they still have 3 or so for sale. Tasca parts sells them but their price is pretty much dealership prices, ~$26. I've read about people buying the 507's off amazon, but the crush sleeve/electrode strap has been bent and/or the porcelain cracked. Try to use motorcraft's if possible. I've read about people getting their trucks to run properly with other plugs, but also many horror stories. Good luck with swap!

blackfx4: glad you got the truck up and running. definitely a sign of relief.

 

Nice post. My 02 5.4 was more of a challenge as 3 plugs blew out of head after mech changed @ 100k miles. My brother & I had toremove heads, have machine shop install nutserts, we replaced all timing parts also, replaced heads. Big job! U did urs right I have had good luck with SEAFOAM in gas, same procedure u use. The Chevron stuff is excellent also. Got 117k on my Supercrew Lariet. Attention to detail is cheaper than parts when u work on any vehicle. My 62 yrs confirm ur methods! Good job!

 

Thank you for the thread...I did my 04 expedition was a breeze today thanks to this write up. I got all 8, no broken plugs, 3.5 hours....anyone need a brand new in the box Lisle tool? I don't have enough posts to make a for sale thread I guess. I'll work on that.

 

subscribed for this weekend. Finally have the nerve to do this.