shawnx92

So I need to get my spark plugs changed in my 2006 5.4. With all the issues and high cost job stories out there, I was wondering if anyone in the DFW area could recommend me a place, or someone they knew who could do a good job. This might be a long shot, but any help is appreciated. Thanks!

BadFish523

Is there a reason you don't want to do it yourself and save money? You can do it yourself doing Plugs and coils for about $200 or you can pay most places $500 for plugs only.

shawnx92

With so many people having issues, I would rather have a shop do something like this. Save me a hassle. I have been getting quotes but would rather go off a recommendation from someone who has had it done before if possible.

BadFish523

Fair enough. I haven't done mine yet but I understand your fears. I will do mine when the time comes. It seems if you do it right you may only break one or two, hopefully not the rear two! Sorry I cant answer anything about the DFW area though.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

What kind of quotes have you been getting ? Make sure you ask them if they have experience with the 5.4 3v plug swap.. and do boots and springs also with the plugs.

txhokie

This probably won't help you in Dallas but for reference I just had mine done in Tampa. I was trying to get that done before the class action suit date expires and it was time (102k miles on a 2005 screw). The dealer here charged $400 for the plug change plus $50 extra for each plug that breaks. The extra fee would max out at 4 plugs so worst case would be $600 total. Luckily none broke so I got away with $450 bill for a plug swap and oil change. Yeah, still kinda pricey for a plug change but I'm good for another 100k.
The service advisor said they changed out another truck the week before that had 130k miles and 5 broke so it sounded like hit or miss. Good luck.

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

^^^Not a bad price. But for us guys that do it ourself, it cost me $60 for 8 new SP515's and $32 for 8 new BWD boots and springs. Bought the Lisle tool for $40, but returned it when I didnt have any plugs break. So for 4 hours time and $92 I changed them vs the $450 up that others pay. Of course I understand that some people dont have the tools, place, time, knowledge, etc.

nddragon01

Agreed it's a decent price, but I'm with Summers - doing yourself is so much cheaper.

Even with costs of plugs ($80 for 8), coils ($42 for 8), hole saw with bolt and nuts ($10), air gun ($15), and new coil bolts ($12 for 100), it's much more worthwhile doing it on your own. Savings between $250-450.

redfishtd

With so many posts of loose and cracked plugs from shops doing it wrong and causing trouble . Some shops will use impact tools in and out . Some skip the hard to reach plugs .
Plugs holes should be air blasted out , carb cleaner soaked then cracked an eighth of a turn or so and soaked to loosen carbon around tips .
New plugs coated on tips with nickel anti seize ,good for 2400 degrees to stop carbon seizing tip .
Cop tips should be cleaned, new boots should be lightly coated with dielectric grease on each end to stop heat seizing.
A lot of us try to clean carbon out of holes with carb cleaner letting it evaporate so as to not hydro cly . This may prevent damaging new plugs on carbon .
Plugs should be started by hand by feel using fingers, these are aluminum heads do you really want to cross thread them , take your time . Torque wrench them in to 25 to 28 psi.Do not do this by feel use a torque wrench and double check them .
Amazon sells nickle anti seize, its not usually available locally . . Don't start this job with out the lisle plug extractor tool .
Do you really want to trust a shop to do this all like it should be ?