Is there a special spark plug wrench and extension for 4.6 engines?

 

If it's a 4.6 3V, yes, the socket is different. It's a 9/16" hex instead of a conventional 5/8".

 

This is a 1997 4.6 with 5/8" plugs. Is there a one piece socket and extension?

 

Yea , sorta looks like this -

 

Any standard 5/8" socket and extension/universal will work.

 

Yup, on the old 2-valve 4.6 & 5.4, just any ole 5/8" socket and a 6" extension will work.


Word of warning though...
The last time I changed plugs on my folks' 97 TownCar with the 4.6L I was using a new socket. The rubber insert was gripping the plugs so tight I kept pulling the socket off of the extension...leaving it down in that #*%& hole on every plug! I eventually got PO'd enough that I just tacked the socket & extension together with the welder. Now I've got a homemade "long" socket just for those engines.

 

when i got my sp socket the little rubber insert always got stuck on the plug and would slide right out of the socket so i super glued it to the inside of the socket. works good now.

 

Bindernut, That's exactly what I was thinking about doing if there wasn't a one piece socket/extension available, welding it together. I ran into the same problem with extension with the spring loaded ball bearing. What a pain!!

 

harbor freight sells a long 5/8ths spark plug socket.

 

jethat ---
Harbor freight online did have a 5 1/2" long 5/8" spark plug socket, Thanks. Inexpensive too! Have you used this socket? Actually the last plug on the right bank is the pain for me on the 4.6

 

No I havent used it YET. I'm gonna buy it and use it on my van in the next week or so.

 

haha yea man, gets old pretty quick, all i did was just reached down there with a needle nose, did the trick, but i like the idea of welding the socket on the extension

 

Craftsman has a locking extention that I have and have used for removing plugs. It works good.

 

Damn , some of you guys have problems

 

Just picked up the long 5/8" socket from Harbor Freight. The rubber in this socket is in the top and wraps around the tip of the spark plug.