I am going to post this because I could not find anything on it, and my knuckles bled a lot today while changing plugs. If some of you are like me, then you have found that the coil pack on the 5.4 often separate from the plug boot when you try to lift them out. I had the #4 coil pack (passenger side, under firewall) removed and could not for the life of me get that stinking boot out. I tried snapping the coil back on a dozen times, my fingers, screwdrivers, etc. until I was near the mental breaking point. Finally, being a trapper, I decided to try a snare cable on the thing, but this didn't quite work either, but the idea was good. I found some 20 lb. test fly line backing (spiderwire would work for you bass guys) and made a doubled noose, placed it around the top of the plug boot, rotated my scarred hand and with some significant upward force the boot was extracted.

Now I know someone will come along and tell me there is a tool made for this, but I really don't want to hear that now

 

If it makes you feel any better the tool I have to do it won't work on this engine. The tool is a skinny pair of pliers (like needle nose) that has an end that actually pinches the plug (lightly) and pulls back removing the boot intact.

I use the tool on this engine to grab the boot and twist. This still risks damage to the boot, but is better than any pliers I have because of the rounded smooth edges.