Was wanting to know if anyone could save me time and money by telling me how many elbows and extensions im going to need to reach the back 4 plugs and coils.


2002 5.4l

 

I just changed my plugs a couple weeks ago. I used as assortment of 3/8 drive extensions (1 short and 2 long?)and maybe a universal. I also used a 1/2" pull handle with 1/2" to 3/8" reducer on a rear plug that was hard to break loose and I had no leverage to speak of on that #8. I also used several 1/4" extensions (2 long and 1 short)on the cop bolts.

I read on this site I believe that I needed to use a plug socket with a built in universal and I did on the passenger side until the extension pulled off on #8 and I couldn't reinsert the extension to try to pull it out. So, I bent the end of an ice pick and yanked it out. A straight socket is all you need. Look for my post about changing plugs at 119k miles on the next page.

 

I had the plug in the No 8 cylinder blow out of my 2000 5.4L F150 a few months ago two days before I planned to repace all 8 plugs.

I recall the No 4 and No 8 cylinders have limited "head room" above because they are partly under the cowl, so a shorter (3"-4") extension is needed on these two. The other 6cylinders are basically unobstructed so use an extension of whatever length is comfortable to you.

If you are buying extensions I'd suggest a multi-size/length set from somewhere like Harbor Freight. With a coupon you will spend less than $10 and have 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" in various lengths and each has a "wobble" end (not a universal) that may help, because the driver's side spark plug wells are angled slightly backwards. Tools come with a lifetime warranty too.

If you want to get a universal joint Harbor Freight has sets of these too for reasonable prices. If you use one putting it between the extension and socket will be of no real benefit because of the deep-narrow recess that the spark plugs is in. Putting the universal joint between the top of the extension and the socket wrench will allow you to angle the wrench which may come in handy. You are likely going to use 3/8" extension for the plugs and 1/4" for coil mounting bolts, etc. (Personally I like Craftsman, but on a tight budget (like I am) these tools at Harbor Freight, on sale and with a coupon are hard to beat.)

 

I use a little battery impact with a little HD flex shaft. A hand full of 7mm sockets, a few 8's and one 10mm. But I take everything and flip the rails, it's much faster. No extensions for the plugs, plug socket has enough height.

You might want to throw some tape around the 7mm's if they're tied directly to a universal lol