Anyone have any tips on pulling the #1 plug from a 4.6L? I have a universal, 3" and 6" extensions. What combination works best? (Don't have the proverbial rubber wrench!!)

 

I found a 5/8 spark plug socket w/ a universal swivel on it at Home Depot of all places. I'm sure you can find comperable @ any tool section. I had to tape a 3" extention to it, then hit it with a 9" Swivel head extention. It popped right out and I didnt even break my back. DON'T FORGET TO TAPE THAT 3" EXTENTION TO THE SPSRK PLUG SOCKET

 

Thanks, Throttle!

How about putting in the new one? Any problems since you're really doing it blindly? Don't want to ding up the plug trying to find the hole!

Great weather we're having here in North Texas, huh?

 

Sorry, for that, I just fed the extension combination back down the hole and hand tightened it without the ratchet. I was just going to get it started, but with the anti size compound on the threads, it went in nicely. I couldn’t rely on the torque wrench because of the crazy combo it took to get down there, but 2 decent snugs on the ratchet have held it in place.

Be sure to get a spark plug installation kit. It comes with the anti-sieze and boot compound. It makes it much easier installing the plugs and reinstalling the boots.

 

Oh Yeah, Great weather.

 

I'll give it a try. The book also specifies 84-168 ft lb of torque, and I can see how it is impossible to get the wrench on the #1 plug. But for the others is sure seems like a lot!! I quit before it clicked when set on 90.

 

ughmmmm, guys, make sure you check your units on torque. that's 84-168 in lbs not ft lbs!!!!!!!! yikes.

 

I know what you mean , I went to change the plugs on mine and about had a S... fit . But after you do the left side , your a pro .
BEFORE YOU CHANGE YOUR PLUGS , TAKE YOUT TRUCK TO THE CAR WASH AND CLEAN THE HEADS AND MANIFOLD GOOD .
I DID NOT , AND A SMALL ROCK FELL INTO #3 . IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO DID IT OUT .

 

i used a telescopic magnet thing to get the plugs out

 

Yes, the telescopic magnet is a gift from heaven on these plug changes in the 4.6. Like was said, clean all of the manifolds and down around the plugs best you can before you take them out. If you can, take a vaccuum and get all you can out after you get the boot off and before you take the plug out. I used a swivel , a 5/8 plug socket, a 9 inch extension, a 3 inch extension, a 4 inch extension, and the number one was tricky, I had to get the socket on and then put the ratchet onto it after I had it in place. I had a swivel-headed ratchet, too, it came in really handy. The real PIA was all of those stupid looms that were designed to be harder to get into than the NORAD headquarters. Good luck, and patience, patience, patience.

 

I went to the local sears and bought some new tools. I bought the 5/8 spark plug socket that has the flex end on it already(#43322), then I bought the 3 piece extension set that has the quickrelease feature on them (#43355).I also decided to buy the 3/8 drive 11 in. long ratchet (#44833). I'll tell you something, those quick release extentions are life savers!!!! The first time I changed my plugs and wires it took me about 4 hours. With the right tools the second time it only took 1.5 hours. good luck

 

You can start the plugs with a 6 inch piece of vacuum hose. Just slip the hose over the tip of the plug and use the hose to start the plugs in the holes. you will never cross thread a plug because the hose will slip when too much pressure is applied. works every time.

 

You guys might have already figured this out, but half way thru changing my spark plugs, I realized you can use the rubber boot to get the plug out after you have loosened it. By the way, what is the gap supposed to be set at? I can't remember what I set mine at

 

Rubber vacuum hose works the best...Hands Down!

Just like fordtech40 said!