What is the dealer going to ream me for $$ ? I have not called him yet. I only have 78,000 miles on my truck (2000), and they have never been changed. It is a 5.4

 

Just change them, nothing to those old 5.4's

Dealer price, probally couple hundred.

 

I think you may get by without too big of a bill. It is the 3v 5.4s that have a tendency to brake, and I think the 2000’s had the 2v 5.4. Someone else can chime in if I am wrong.

 

Ya you have nothing to worry about, your plugs will come right out. In fact in some model years of your body style they were having problems with them coming out during use. Thus giving us 3v guys a holly living nightmare from hell. Change them you will be happy you did.

 

Just soak them in some penetrating oil and start wrenching. Spark plug changing 101.

 

it's easy to change teh plugs on a 2 valve takes about 40 minutes... maybe an hour if it's your first time...

just torque 'em back in to the proper specs and you'll be fine

 

OK, you guys talked me into it. What brand should I get?

 

Motorcraft. Fords like them the best.

 

motorcraft is the only thing these engines like

 

and another vote for motorcraft

 

Set aside at least a 1/2 day for your first time and take your time. - DON'T throw anything in the chambers except for a 5/8 plugs socket, blower tool to blow the chambers out well. - One at a time. Break the plug loose/ then blow out the chamber once more real quick. Then extract/ - then install.

Pull them out, but pull them straight out (get yourself in good position, so you don't apply pressure to one side or the other) . Thread the new Motorcrafts in with a scrap piece of air hose.

Do it this way and you won't have a problem.

Dealership charges 2.6 - 2.9 hours. - Around $250 + parts. You can do a better job yourself most likley. Very important to grease the the insides of the boots, - don't forget.



Matts link will assist -

http://mattstruck.com/sparkplugs/sparkplugs.html

BTW - You don't have to soak these. I think user 4.6 Punisher is referring to the 03 + models and/or 3 valves. Plug chambers were changed in both 2 and 3 valves - mid 03.

 

make sure you put them in dry(no antiseize) and torque them to 28 ft lbs. this will prevent any blowouts
good luck

 

This may be new record .... only 12 posts till the anti-seize question came up.

I have always used anti-seize with good results.

 

At 78,000 miles, I wouldnt worry about changing them yet. They arent due for replacement until 100,000 miles.
The plugs on the old 2-valve motors arent all that bad, but the back cylinders can be a pain.
If you take it to the dealer, you will be charged about $500.

 

@ around 65,000 you begin to loose a little performance/economy. If that doesn't bother you, shoot you can run them beyond 100,000 . - But she won't be at her best doing so.

If you have mods such as a Intake and/or exhaust, I wouldn't go 50,000 without swapping them out. Those mods without a tune tends to lean them out some, - that's a allot harder on the plugs.

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$500 ? = That's 5.0 hrs labor - They wouldn't get away with that lol. Call around - It's half that much. I posted what they charge (above), that's right from service.