I know there have been many posts on this topic, but have not seen any recent ones and have not found many on the 5.4L. How do you get to the back four plugs?? I can get to the front four pretty easily and only had to remove a couple covers, the top bracket for the power steering res. and unplug the fuel injector wire connectors. Do you have to just start removing 'everything' until you can get to them? How do the Ford Tech's get to them? I figure, if they can, why can't I? I've pulled an old Ford 390 engine faster then it took me to do four plugs and 'attempt' the other four.

Other posts just say "bloody fingers and a lot of patience", well, I can understand that, as I cut my hand just trying to touch the coil pack on #4.

Any advice on special tools or procedures would be great. I used the duct tape idea for the socket (worked great) and spraying a little WD40 in the socket helped it slip off easier too. The biggest problem is getting those little screws that hold down the coil pack's off. I tried every 7mm tool I had, but didn't even get close.

Just FYI, the four I was able to pull, have 63k on them and showed a little wear and were a bit large on the gap (.060+), but otherwise seem able to go for a bit longer. I'll probably only go another 10k, unless I find a way to get to those back ones sooner. I regapped the four to .055(+ or -, my guage only had .050 and .060, so I split the difference). They are the stock Motorcraft Platnum's. I checked at Ford for new ones and was quoted around $6.50/each. Does this sound right? I think the Autolite Platnum's are only $1.99/each. Didn't even ask what they would charge to do it at the dealer. Then, how do you know that they even did it? That's why I want to do it myself. Always have and still want to.

Thanks.

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1997 F150 4x4 Off Road, SC, Short Box, 5.4, Royal Blue/Silver, K&N, Gibson SS.

 

just bring into the shop and keep me busy please lol

 

I did change my spark plugs a couple of months ago and a few weeks before that I posted all my questions. Go back a few more weeks and you will find all kind of valuable tips by board members. I think it's name is something like "5.4L Spark Plug Change".

I hope this helps.

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My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.

Modifications:
Optima Red Top Battery
Split Fire Spark Plugs
K&N FIPK
Gibson Supertruck Exhaust System
Stepshield door sill protectors
Performance Accesories 3" Body Lift
Performance Accesories Lift Lips by Mountain Enterprises
Superlift 3" lift blocks
Gabriel Gas Ryder LT VST Shocks
Daystar Front Anti-sway Bar Polyurethane Bushings
Heckethorn Steering Stabilizer
35x12.5R16.5LT BFG All Terrain KO's
16.5x9.75 American Eagle 589's.
McGard Premium Wheel Locks

Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck

 

Thanks for the reminder JMTruck. I did go back and found the post for the plug change. This time I copied the steps and pasted to a Word Doc.

Seems really straight forward. I just didn't want to disconnect the battery again. I just got my computer back to 'normal' after resetting it for the K&N and exhaust update not too long ago (big difference in 'seat of the pants' performance). I think the advantage of having new plugs will offset a couple days of 're-learning'. Now just need to decide which plugs. Reading about it all, everyone seems to have their favorites. I've used Splitfires in a 5.0 Mustang and I must say, I could tell the difference. Wanted to try the BP + 4's next, but they didn't have them for my engine (the 5.0) at that time. Even the Motorcrafts look pretty good now..... Decisions, decisions.

Thanks again.

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1997 F150 4x4 Off Road, SC, Short Box, 5.4, Royal Blue/Silver, K&N, Gibson SS.

 

My pleasure to help board buddies. Good luck on your decision.

 

Well I just got finished changing the plugs. Not a chore I wish to do again. I decided to go with the Bosch +4's. Cost the same as the Motorcrafts (actually about .50 cheaper each). Hope these can go 50k!!

Some of the extension combinations I had to use was pretty funny looking. Everything you ever heard about changing plugs, you had to ignore. Like don't use universal joints, or long extensions. I used both at the same time!! Didn't break a single plug either. Took about 4 hours. One hour each for numbers 4 and 7 alone!!

Anyway, all the previous posts was a really big help in doing the change. Thanks to all.


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1997 F150 4x4 Off Road, SC, Short Box, 5.4, Royal Blue/Silver, K&N, Gibson SS, LT265/75/16 Wild Country APT's