I have had an '01 5.4 and now have an '07 5.4 and both really needed new plugs by 60K miles. I just changed the plugs on my '07 at 58K. The plugs were worn quite a bit and the new plugs have eliminated the pinging. I also ran some BG44k fuel additive and that probably helped remove carbon deposits which can also cause the pinging.

 

There were not any codes to read. After reading more threads, I am leaning to the plugs, my truck has over 116,000mi and has never had them changed.

 

116k miles on the original plugs? In a 3V engine?? Definitely time to change them regardless if you're having problems or not. If you're going to do work yourself, do a search on here for a wealth of info on how to get it done without breaking them. Otherwise, it's going to run you around $400 to have a shop change them.