While shopping for an '08 Screw I have been lurking on a number of f150 forums. After reading numerous posts regarding the plug problems on the 5.4, I decided that the 4.6 would be a better choice for my needs.

As I was researching the truck I saw a few posts that stated that the 5.4 heads have been redesigned to address the plug problem. Supposedly the new heads are installed on engines manufactured after 10-7-07. If this is true I would reconsider buying the 5.4. Has anyone been able to confirm the accuracy of the story? Hopefully it is not an urban myth or wishful thinking .

TIA

 

Ford recommends changing the plugs at 100K miles that's one of the BIG reasons they are having probs getting stuck!

If you have a Ford 3V engine, you really MUST change out your spark plugs every 25-30K miles to avoid any probs down the road. It is pretty much as simple as that.

But of course if a 4.6 will meet your needs, great, but if it's a 3V (if Ford makes that) then you still need to follow the same guidelines. It is not whether it's a 4.6 or 5.4 or an F150, or a Taurus, or a Mustang...if you have a 3V Ford, then you can run into this plug problem.

Hope this helps some.

 

I would wouldn't rule out the 5.4 because of the plug problem, you just have to be up on you matinence a little more often, I don't know about you but when I by something I like to spoil myself, I have to have the best.

 

My truck is an 08 with 10/01/07 on the window sticker; same plugs. Look, as suggested by dre23 just make sure you have the plugs changed at 25-30 k miles and you shouldn't have a problem. The problem comes when the stock plugs are left in to long and they brake into on removal. I for one like the additional Tq. of the 5.4 on these heavy trucks.

 

I never had the opertunity to drive a 4.6, I've had two expeditions and this is my first f150 and all of them had the 5.4.

 

If you put in the Brisk plug, from what I have read, you can go longer than 25-30k on a plug change.

 

Hey NGM Mike Troyer suggest a max of 25-30K miles even with the Brisk plugs. Did you read a different report/post?

 

for the differences in gas mileage, which is nil, I'd go with the 5.4 and just do the plugs at about 40K. For the added tourqe, it is worth it. I am getting my plugs done in the morning. Checked with the dealership and they said they had all the right tools. For $279, I don't think I can go wrong. I hope 65K is not too late.

 

according to the other reports, the factory began using anti seize in 2006 to rectify the problem, for the most part. Using the proper tools is also a good thing.

 

Maybe so, but for $120 bucks (for the plugs), why even risk it?