I've got a `99 E.B. Expy w/ the 5.4L. 4x4 & 3.73 gears. It's got 96K miles on it. I'm looking to go through it and take care of a few maintenance items and have some questions.

What are everyone's favorite plugs for this motor? Are the Bosch Platinum +4's any good?
Good plug wires? (read not wanting to spend a fortune)
Fixing to change those along with serpentine belt and run some Sea Foam through it. Any other thoughts on good to get done items?

 

I went with Motorcraft plugs, Borg/Warner 8mm wires, and Baldwin fuel filter. Use the Seafoam with the Deep Creep (Seafoam in the aerosol can). I've had good results.

 

That reminds me. THe last time I went to change the fuel filter, I had a hell of a time getting it off. Those little plastic puller tools don't work real well. Any suggestions for making the job easier?

 

Just stick with motorcraft plugs, the Bosch plugs are too hit and miss for my comfort.

I would not worry about plug wires, on the 5.4L you usually dont have too many problems with them and they dont need to be replaced like the wires on older style engines do.

For the fuel filter, I actually prefer the plastic ones. I originally had the metal scissor style tool, and it did not work very well for me, but some people have had luck with them.

When was the last time you had your tranny serviced? What about coolant? Just go through all the fluids and make sure they are current.

Depending on how much you want to spend, get your ball joints and such checked out.

Thats all I can think of right now.

 

If it's crudded up, soak it with WD40 this week and blow it out with compressed air when you get ready to change it. By the way, I didn't think you don't have plug wires; you probably have COP (coil on plut). In that case, change plugs.

 

I put motorcraft platinum plugs in the 98 F150 5.4.
Used the bosch + 4 on the crown vic. No diference except for the price.
No wires on mine. Coil on plug setup.
Motorcraft fuel filter too.
Never did like those plastic do dads. Bought 1 of those metal x shaped tools. Like it much better.
Make sure those connectors are clean, first off. The first time I did mine I had to use carb cleaner to get the undercoating off.
Then use a little WD40 on them. Helped mine alot!

Change the brake fluid while your at it.
Check your vacuum hoses (brittle or gummy).
Check the PCV vavle, grommet, and hoses.
Change the coolant and thermostat. Check the hoses too.
Change trans fluid and filter.
Buy beer.

 

hmm, why would the 99 Expy have plug wires instead of COP set-up?

 

It wouldnt...all the 5.4's use COP ignition (in stock form anyway).

 

How much are those COP's generally?

And is there any reason to change out the thermostat when I haven't been having any temperature swings or weird variances?

 

COP's are around $70 each if I remember correctly.

There aren't many things that will ruin an entire engine faster than no oil/pressure or no cooling. In the days of cast iron blocks and heads you could run an engine till it litteraly stoped without cooling. Fix the problem and be good to go. Now with the common use of aluminum heads,blocks, plastic intakes and more, preventive maintenence is cheap insurance.IMHO

 

IMO, not on a stock truck.

 

Damn! $560 to replace those instead of traditional plug wires. Sheesh.

 

Don't start changing things for the sake of changing things. Plugs will do just make sure they are seated in the boot; COPs are too expensive to "just change." IMHO

Curt

 

Right. I would recommend changing the boots on the COP's, though.

 

I changed mine just because of the time/labor on the 5.4's.
The local dealer wanted $11 a piece. Got them off the net for $6 each.

The thermostat on my 98 F150 decided to close and stay closed going down the highway at about 86.000 miles without any warning. Call the motor club, get a tow, miss a days work for a $12.00 part and a few minutes of my time.