Does getting grease on the spring affect anything? Do you also put grease at the top of the boot where it fits into the hole? Going to take advantage of the warm weather and get this done. I can't drive it like this anymore.

Thanks, Dennis

 

Well, the morning rain and the need for another coat of paint on the kitchen wall delayed my start today. Got six of the eight changed before I ran out of daylight. Did the right side first since #4 was the problem child. No major issues but will have to return to Sears before I tackle #s 7 & 8. Smack me upside the head for thinking that if you pick a socket off the rack attached to the plastic card that says it's a 7mm swivel, that it would actually contain a 7mm socket and not an 8mm socket. Runs smoother than ever even with the two not being done. Hopefully will get another nice day soon so I can finish this but at least it's no shaking the fillings out of my teeth anymore.
Parts used - Motorcraft plugs and Global cops I bought from a member on here a while back.

 

I've never had a problem getting it on the spring.

My theory regarding this has two parts.

1. You use dielectric grease in bulb sockets and don't worry about getting it on electrical contacts
2. The plug will help "wipe" some off the spring upon installation onto the top of the plug

And no, I've never put any grease internally at the top of the boot

 

Pat, I looked at the cops in my truck... how on earth do you get to some of them. The PCM is in the way on the passengers side. Any ideas on how to do them on the 04-08's?

 

yea its a little tighter, i've done a set on a 06 5.4 with normal hand tools. Just have patience

 

How tight was it getting the torque wrench to the back plugs? Nice writeup btw

 

not too bad if you have a good assortment of 1" and 3" long extensions. Plus my torque wrench has a flex head on it

 

Quality 1/4in drive set with 18-24 inches of extension handy for #4 & #8. 10 inch fuel line attached to top of plug allows easy installation & good feel to screw plug into head, easy to pull off. Spark plug sockets tend to stick if not sprayed with silicone during installation. Anti-seize on new plugs a must!