Hello Everyone,

I have been lurking around the forum for years and have always found help with the search function but this one I am struggling with.

I have a 2005 5.4 limited slip 3.73 4x4 FX4 with about 103,000 miles. Truck runs great. Drives and tows well, however, recently I have been noticing that the when crusing on the highway at about 65 and then approaching the same part of road with a slight incline the truck will slip/skip (not drop a gear). It feels like it wants to drop a gear, but instead skips/slips. If i pess the gas harder it will drop a gear and hold firm but if I maintain the same position on the gas it will do the skip/slip. The trans has been fully flushed at about 80,000 miles with no problems until now.

What I have checked from what I have read was low level and cracks in the case and all apears well.

Do you think it could be the plugs (which havnt been changed)? How do these affect the transmission? Any thought?

Thanks for the help.

Jed

 

If you have 103k on the original plugs, change them. Be VERY AWARE of the breakage issues. It's probably not the tranny that's giving you the grief, it's a low-grade misfire.

 

Ok that is what I assumed.

From what I understand for the plug removal I need to open the plugs about an 1/8 to a 1/4 turn and soak then in the Areokroil to loosen the carbon buildup. Then slowly back and forth remove the plug. Any other tips?

Here is a question, if the sheild is stuck in the head i need to tape that a few threads and they pull out with a threaded rod with a larger washers and nut as a puller correct? Why in this case could I not used a fluted screw extractor on an extention? Wouldnt this serve the same purpose whithout the hassle of threading the sheild? The shield could never be pushed back into the head correct?

Just a thought I wanted to get an opinion on before starting the job?

 

What you need to do is read the latest TSB thoroughly. Ford now recommends carb cleaner, not Kroil. Lisle also now has an extractor tool for around 85 bucks. You MAY want to go get a quote from the dealer on a plug change.

 

My dealer charges around $300 for a plug change on the 5.4 3v engine.

 

Double post.