So a genuine spark plug socket is not mandatory? A standard 9/16" deep socket works just as well? Early on in the "spark plug removal thread" there is a link to the Autolite instructions and in bold they say "DO NOT USE A STAMDARD DEEP WELL 9/16 SOCKET". Does it really matter? What's the difference?

 

One of the reasons you use a rubber insert spark socket tool is for it to not drop out of socket as you are putting it in there. Dropping it is never a good thing .
You don't want to side load the plug either, the rubber keeps it centered .
By all means start the plug with your fingers if you cleaned the hole out good it should go in easy and almost all the way tight . Then torque wrench it 25 - 28 foot pounds . Don't trust it to feel use torque wrench .
We had one young fellow torque his that number but in inch pounds ,needless to say he had a lot of trouble . That would be like 2.5 foot pounds at best .
You don't want blowby or an ejection ,these engines have trouble with plugs backing out .
The proper installation is key to not getting troublesome misfires. New boots, a dab of dielectric grease on each end of boot -not on electrical contacts , nice clean hands -clean parts . Clean cop contacts .

 

The spark plug tool has a welded solid extension shaft... if you use a regular deep socke and extension.. you may be fishing the socket out quit a bit.

 

I used this tool and it worked great.

 

That's the one I bought also... works like a champ...

 

Same here. And the bonus is it also fit my Mustang V6 plugs too. Great little tool.

 

Thats the one I have for sale under the 2008 parts section!

 

Just finished doing the spark plugs on my 07 with 70,000 miles. 2 of the 8 broke, but I had the Lisle tool so not too big of an issue. Old plugs were definitely worn out (gap was much larger than replacement 515's). Thanks all for the opinions and guidance. Looking at flushing the coolant in a couple weeks...

 

Good job! Have yourself a cold one