Got a question about the 5.4L lightning engines (2001+ specifically).
I used to own a 1997 4.6L F150 and I know those engines had some sort of issue with the spark plug threads when doing the 100k mile spark plug change. Too few threads if I recall.

ANYWAY, I'm thinking about selling my Nismo Frontier and getting into a Lightning. Always had a thing for them and I'm only going to be young and single for so long. My question is if the 5.4l engines have that same spark plug issue? From what I've read they sometimes still experience the GEM problem but all the other known issues I've read about seem relatively minor. I do recall reading something about the coils having issues and needing to replace all of them if one goes bad. I was a little confused about that one.

Like anyone else, just looking to do some research before buying a new vehicle. I'd hate to sell my truck, with which I've squared away all the issues, then get another truck and run into a huge $$$ headache like my old 1997 4.6l.

 

all the two valve ford moudlar motors had operator error possibilities


and honestly, if you're so worried about the spark plug "issue" then don't even waste your time or money on a Lightning


too many idiots buy 'em, have no idea about 'em pulley 'em up FAIL to get 'em tuned by a reputable tuner, fail to use an appropriate MAF and the whole 4th to 2nd kickdown IS a huge no go

 

and IF one COP goes bad, simply change that one, no need to do all 8

 

If you use Motorcraft plugs, no antiseize, and torque them to 28 ft/lb, the spark plugs are a nonissue.

Correct, but there's a chance that if one of them goes, the others may not be far behind. That's why you will see recommendations to change them all.

 

They're a good truck....look for 03-04 years...they have the 8 thread heads...the 03 might be mixed between the 4 thread and 8 thread heads but 04 is all 8 thread...as glc stated the torque is the key to not having them come loose and blow out...

 

No need to be fussy. I'd have a dealship do the spark plugs just to be safe. Not for lack of knowledge but for the same reasons you've mentioned above. I like having the peace of mind with my DD's. Even still, my '97 had issues after having a shop change the plugs which cost me more than I wanted to pay to fix it on my own. I also have no intention to mod the Lightning. I never said I did. I enjoy a fun, stock DD. Even if I were to mod it I've built enough engines for my track nissans to know the benefits of proper tuning. I'm just researching before I purchase as I've done with every single vehicle I've ever owned.

Thank you sir, that is exactly the kind of information I'm looking for.

 

That clears it up. Thank you

 

I wouldn't unless you know that they know about the blowout issue and how to prevent it. If they follow the factory torque specs (15 ft/lb), that's inviting blowout.

 

Hmm, that's unfortunate. You'd think dealerships would know the issues.
sounds like I'll have to deal with it myself. Thank you for the heads up.