With 42,000 on my 5.4 I don't know that the plugs have ever been changed. Should I go ahead and change them now or wait. I really do not want to have one break off due to me waiting too long. Also, are there any plugs that we can get to replace them with other than Motorcraft and this design to prevent having to go thru this again with a replacement set?

 

Most of the guys say to change em before it gets to far along so they are easier to get out. As for different plugs?? Dunno, I am sure that someone here has the lug info though.

 

I've read here as well as the FordF150net site that there is a 1 piece replacement thats now used (Ford changed to this plug somewhere around 2006 in the 5.4's to solve the problem).

The reason for the breakage is that carbon builds up on the plug thread tip, so as you back out the plug, the carboned threads stick and bind in the head, and breakage can occur.
I'm thinking this could happen as early as a few thousand miles, so with 40K on your engine it's a crapshoot. Some have removed without one single break, others not so lucky.

 

when i changed the ones in my 07 at 30,000 miles it already had a lot of build up on them looks like rust and they were hard as hell to get out but didnt break any. they were the 2 piece plugs so i would say ford didnt start putting them in till after 07 sometime if they are at all. has any one else changed theres yet and if so how in the hell do you get the coil off of #7 plug i think passenger side rear of motor mine is bumped up against the firewall and you cant move it at all.

 

I went ahead and did it and I'm only at 33,000. Just brought me a peace of mind. Oh and the service manager quoted me with the price they get the plugs at so instead of it being $18 per plug I got them for just under 7