To all you guys that swaped plugs allready,
did you have to pull anything off the truck to get at plugs??
Any special tools needed??
any help would be appreciated.

 

The only thing you have to remove is the coil packs, and disconnect wires to the fuel pumps that are in your way.


Very helpful tools:

extensions that lock (hold spark plug socket tight so it doesn't stay on the spark plug when you pull it out)

7mm socket with built in swivel for coil pack removal

 

Check out chuckslightningpage.com it will tell you everything you need to know about a plug change!

 

I just did mine this weekend and I gotta say.... I am amazed at the results... 4 hours start to finish... including dinner.

Word of caution... those darned coil pack bolts... I compressed air to clear out the plug hole (before removing the plug) and must have gotten dirt in one of the tapped holes... didn't crossthread it but it was a real pain...

I put Denso's in and I think they are awesome.

 

One big pointer...... I just bought a spark plug socket that is 7 inches long from snap-on tools!!! It's made just for the ford modular motors. It sticks out of the plug hole about an inch, so you dont have to use extensions anymore and worry about the socket being left on the plug!! YEAH!!! They are high though.......try 54.00!!! Mike bud works for them and I got it for 44.00.

 

Skank Dog,

Do you know the Snap-On part number for the socket?

-NGK

 

QuickSilver02- S9720KA This is the number stamped on the socket itself, so I guess thats the number.

 

Skank Dog,

That's the number. They have it on their website for $51. Thanks a lot.

-NGK

 

- Glad I could help!

 

It's a quality and IMHO, a 'needed' tool for our plugs. I still used some extensions with it but no tape is needed and no 'fishing' down in a blind hole for the shorter, normal sockets. It grips the plug firmly too so there is no fear of a new plug slipping out and damaging the plug or closing of the gap. Yes, you can do without it as many have but I surely like it.

You will have to remove some parts if you still have the stock filter box. The cam cover breather tube may be in the way too as is the PCV valve on the other cover. Numbers 4 and 8 were the worst for me. The rest weren't too bad.

You will have to twist the coil back and forth to break the seal between the plug and the coil boot. Don't pull on the coil/boot too hard, just work it up and out slowly to keep from pulling the coil loose from the boot. If one does come off, they are just pressed back on to the coil. To make it easier the next time, I got a large tube of dielectric grease from NAPA and put glob of it at the opening of the boot before pushing the boot back down on to the new plug.

I used a ramp to stand on so I could reach in--still was a 'bear'.

Dan

 

That Snap on socket is the best investment a plug changer can make. It really takes time and cursing out of changing plugs.

On my 99 it took me 2 hours to change plugs. On the 01 it took me around 1:20 using that socket not fighting multipile extensions.

Link to socket
http://buy.snapon.com/catalog/pro_de...re&dir=catalog


Marvin

 

Is that socket, a swivel and the actual ratchet all I need for easy R and R? I am about to go to Sears to pick up all the recommended tools until I saw your post.

 

RhinoSlug- Get you one of those magnets that extend and retract,it makes it alot easier to pull the coil pack screws out without dropping and losing them. Its also a big life saver. It kinda looks like an ink pen but has a magnet on the end and the whole thing is telescopic.(spelling)

 

RhinoSlug- I also like your username. I remember when the media made a circus out of the publicity they were getting! Im a big gun nut too and carry the magsafe "agent" loads in my 10mm and 45! When these rounds hit living tissue, the results are instantanious and gruesome! Ever used them? Sorry to pull off topic fellas!

 

Rhino

You dont NEED the snap on socket ... But you might WANT it after you do a few plugs. I just bought the socket myself and plan to change my plugs this weeekend. The plugs are a pain. Definately get the magnet mentioned earlier and get a roll of masking tape 1" wide or so to use to tape the 7 mm bolts to the socket for the reinstall ... Saves a LOT of magnet work....

Good luck with your plug swap

Doug