I plan to do my first tune-up on my '02 Screw 5.4L with 55,000 mi. this weekend. The #7 cyl. has developed a bad miss, and it's almost time to change the plugs anyway (60,000 is recommended). I plan to change all the coils while I am doing it, since I was able to pick up a set of 8 for $104 shipped to my house which was only twice what I'd pay for one coil even at AutoZone. I'll keep the old ones (except for #7) for spares.

Does anybody have any advice or things to make the job easier? Is it better to pull the fuel rails, or can I get the coils and plugs in and out around them? Any input is appreciated since from looking at it, it's gonna be a pain.

 

I did my 02 a few weeks ago and pulled the fuel rails off, didn't have a 1/4 rachet setup so it was eaiser with the 3/8 stuff. If you do have to pull the fuel rail off make sure you blow out the sparkplug holes for dirt first. You don't want to get dirt inside the fuel lines or on top of the injectors.

 

You don't have to pull the fuel rails. A 1/4" drive swivel 7mm socket and a long locking 1/4 drive extension will make your life a lot easier removing and installing the bolts that hold the coils on. I use a 24" 3/8 extension and a chrome swivel joint to get at all the plugs except for #4 and 8. #4, I use a 6" extension with the same swivel joint, and an long handled 3/8" drive offset handle ratchet with a swivel head on it. Same rig for #8.