Hey guys, I know another plug thread, but I just wanted to say that I finally decided to change the plugs.
Truck is a 2006 FX4 crew 5.4L with 151000 kms on it. I was pretty nervous but I went for it.
First off, I ran seafoam through the last two tanks of fuel before I tried it.
I cracked the plugs loose last night and sprayed aerokroil in wells.
I only did the 4 on drivers side and front 2 on passenger side. I thought I would try these first to check my luck before I tackled removing the computer for the last 2. Besides those last 2 look like a real b__ch!!
First plug I tried, front passenger, broke!! I moved to the next one and it came out intact. I went back to the broken one, and removed it using the Lisle tool. Man am I glad I ordered it before hand!
The remaining 4 came out pretty good, only broke one more.
Tonight I removed the computer, and cracked the last two plugs. I sure hope they come out in one piece as they look like a real treat to extract.
I'll let you know how it turns out!

 

glad to hear that. I know when I removed the back two on the right bank, I wish i would have removed the computer. Cuz I broke both. Good luck

 

I dread changing more and more everyday.

 

So what is the general consensus for when (at what mileage) to get rid of the stock plugs? I have read that staying with the update factory plug is the way to go and not to go aftermarket. Mine is getting to that 75000 mark.

 

You should still have a while to go. Most people either change them out around the 100 000 mile mark, or when the plugs start to cause problems.

 

mine were changed at 102,000

 

I have 69,000 on my truck right now. Its a 2005 F150. The truck runs very well so I guess I can keep going for awhile? Can anyone tell me the Tool part number so I can look for one prior too doing this?

 

you can wait to 100k but the plugs arent what they used to be after around 60k.

if you want a smooth idle 50k-60k is when you want to change them.

 

Well I decided that I had pretty good luck with the first 6 that I would try the last 2 on the passenger side. Bad idea!!!
The first plug broke, and then I broke off the lisle tool trying to pull it out!!!
Now I am thinking.. I am screwed...
So I called Lisle to see if they had any ideas. They sent me an email with a design for a diegrinder bit holder that I need to get made. Also they said they would warranty the part because it broke off. Only problem is it takes about 2 weeks to get anything up to Canada. Thanks alot customs!
So I finally convinced a company outside of Toronto to sell me a replacement. Got the number from Lisle. The company doesn't normally sell to the public, but they will this time. Cost me $60.
Now I have to wait till monday for the part to be made before I can try to grind out the broken piece of tool. Another $80.
Hopefully the replacement puller screw shows up the same day so I can finish this job. So much for saving a bunch of money!!!
If I had to do over again, I think I would bite the bullet and pay someone.
Only good thing is the Lisle company was helpful.

 

you always could have went and bought a tap to thread into the sleeve. I watched a tech do it today. broke six, and he used a tap with about 5 extensions. Worked slick. BTW this truck had 108,000 miles

As far as when to do it. Ford recommends every 30-40000 miles now because of this problem.