Okay, I have a '97 F-150 XLT 4x4 5.4L with about 60k miles on it. Lately my truck has been idling fairly rough so I decided that I would replace the spark plugs. From what it looks like, it will be a real chore. Does anyone have some tips on tools, recommendations, or any advice before I start taking it apart? And what's the gap on it? 54? Thanks for any input.

Blake

------------------
Proud owner of a Black 1997 Ford F-150 XLT 4X4 SC StyleSide, 5.4L, Auto, Electronic 4X4, Tow Package, TuffLiner Bed Liner, K&N Air Filter, Air Box Mod, Straight Pipe Exhaust, Off Road Package, rest..well..bone stock!

 

I replaced w/BOSCH plat +4 plugs. You don't set a gap on them. My owners book says to check the VECI decal for spark plug gap specs.

------------------
97F150 XLT SC 4x4 Flairside 4.6 V8 5sp Dk Toreador Red, 3.55LS
ARE tonneau cover, p255/70rx16 tires (came w/235), Superchip
Pioneer CD w/4 Polk Speakers & Clarion APA5240amp, skid plates
bed liner, side window deflectors, reese hitch, K&N air filter
40s-2chamber Flowmaster, Bosch +4 spark plugs, rustproofing
Better Built Stainless nerf bars

 

I had a terrible time trying to get the rear spark plugs out. I bought several spark plug removal tools, all junk. I ended up bying a pair of hose pliers, they are like a needle nose with rounded ends to fit around a hose. After that they pulled out with ease. On drivers side I had to remove the power steering reservoir but it was an easy job once I had the pliers.

------------------

97 F-150 S/C 4x4 ORP XLT 4.6 tow package
K&N , Flowmaster cat-back w/3" chrome tips. Bosch+4 plugs, Superchip.
Patriot fiberglass toneau cover, Westin chrome step bars.
Future mods: underdrive pulleys,4" lift, 16.5 wheels with 33's,ram air hood,and someday a supercharger.

 

ITS really not all that bad to change the
plugs. i didnt have to remove anything on
mine to change except a black snap on cover
located behind the battery on the firewall
it made it easier to get to the back plug.
as far as tools all you need is a assortment
of socket extensions in different lenghths
and a must have universal joint to get at different angles and also a must have is a
1 or 2 foot piece of rubber gas line hose
to slip over the end of sparkplugs snuggly
this is a real time saver for removing and
installing the sparkplugs, and deffintly dont
forget to install anti-seize lubricant to the
sparkplug threads. also apply a little die-
electric grease in each end of the sparkplug
wires for putting them back on. also if you
have a air compressor it would be wise to blow out each sparkplug hole before removing
them, mine had some dirt down in the holes
around each plug. also you said your truck
had 60,000 miles? it might be wise to put new
sparkplug wiring on? most of all just take
your time and dont #&@#%#@! and GOOD LUCK!!!
97 FORD XLT 4.6 triton all BLACK EXT. cab 4 wheel drive
lund cab extender, lund cowl visor, smitty
built pushbar and nerf bars, 8 off road lights, upper and lower billet grille,
ventvisors, K/N filter, 70 series flowmaster
dual exaust, head and taillight covers, side
decal graphics, 16 by 10 atlas rims, 285/75/16 tires, rear cab window louvers, 400
watt amp, 10 disc CD changer, 2-10 inch subs,
and a DALE JARRET 88 air freshener, future
mods ram air hood, and a lift kit, 35 inch
tires and 4:11 gears

 

All of the previous posts were for trucks with the 4.6l. The 5.4l uses coil on plug ignition and there are NO spark plug wires. I too am interested in any information on changing the spark plugs on the 5.4l. Has anyone changed the plugs on their 5.4l? If so do you have any tips?

 

I haven't changed any plugs on the truck yet, but I found a tool when I had a 3.8L v6 in my old TBird, called a Sidewinder. It's a ratchet wrench that has a 'spinner' on the end of the handle.

It's a superb tool for those times you need to remove a bolt or nut but don't have enough room to get much swing on the wrench. Crack it lose with the handle, then turn the spinner and it will rotate the socket without having to move the handle.

I've saved more than 1 skinned knuckle with it. I happened to get mine mailorder about 10 years ago, but I see then every once in a while in various tool catalogs. You may not use it much, but when you can, it's a great tool.