After being scared to do this maintenance, I tackled this job this weekend. I had one hundred thousand miles on the original plugs and figured it needed plugs badly.

I was frightened that I would:

A) crosstread the plugs
B) overtorque the plugs
C) have the plugs walk back out later as they are known to do

All went well, however the back plugs are a b**** to get to. I also found the the original platinium plugs are hard to find, the parts houses wanted to sell me Bosch, which the books said would fit. But they look different to me in the treads (longer) and tapered seats. I put in motorcraft single plats, the truck came with double plats. It took 3 hours to accomplish

I noticed a definate power change from a dead stop. The truck always ran fine, idled well, but lacked acceration. I though it was the transmission showing it's age. I would estimate that I gained 20 percent more power with the plug change.

Now I keep a strong watch out for a plug walking back out. I torqued them, but I am not convinced that the true tourge reached the treads because of the tool setup I used (swivels and long extensions). I will retorque after 100 miles to ensure that they will remain treaded.

 

glad to hear it. i've done plugs, wires, air filter mods, heater core replacement, fuel filter, tranny filter, oil changes, O2 sensor's, exhaust system and nuemerous electrical add-ons on my 98 4.6L. there not hard to work on just. a little challengeing. the maintance items seem to be placed for easier access than they use to be. the plugs on my Aerostar 3.0 was a B#@$%. these were easy. just do your homework and be patient.

also glad to hear you stayed clear of the bosch plat 2's. they lasted 3000 miles in mine. fouled #5 and the rest looked about to go. Ford recommends motocraft or autolite double platniums, do to the hotter stronger spark given off by the twin coilpac setup. your single platniums my only last 50,000 miles. but alot of us are changeing our double plat's out at 60,000 miles. so good luck and happy wrenching.