So I just bought a 97 with the 5.4l 2 valve. The truck has 130k miles on it and it runs like a top. No problems what so ever but I bought it from a used car dealer and have no history on it. While I have a little free time coming up I was debating on doing the plugs just cause I have heard all the horror stories and don't want the problems. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Or should I go with the if it ain't broke don't fix it rule. Cop's are original so I'm wondering if the plugs are too. Engine bay looks immaculate so I don't wanna tear into it to find almost new plugs.

 

Your call, plugs are cheap. $30 for a set and wires are like $60.. Can boost your mpg a tad too

 

Truck has coil packs. Also stick with nickel coated plugs such as Motorcrafts or NGK's.

 

Yeah I was gonna just go with the motorcrafts. I'll probably just pull the first one out and see what it looks like and go from there.

 

Hi,
I am the tech manager at Autolite Spark plugs. I recommend our Autolite XP Iridium plugs for your vehicle. We manufacture the Motorcraft plugs for your vehicle. It originally came with a single platinum plug. The fine wire iridium is a product improvement that Ford has adopted. These plugs have a iridium fine wire center electrode and a nickel plated shell. You should always replace the Coil on Plug boots at the same time. They will be dried up and cracking, often cracking enough when reinstalled to cause misfires. Good luck and let us know if you need any other info from Autolite.

 

Congrats on the new truck. I purchased a 2003 Super Crew from a dealer a few months ago. It had 140,000 miles on it. I had no history to. I decided to replace teh spark Plugs as well. Just like you I have heard all the horor stories about the spark plugs breaking off when trying to remove them. In fact when I went into couple different auto supply stores in my area they were shocked to hear I was replacing them myself. They kept telling me about them breaking off and that I should let a Dealer do it so if they broke it was on them. I replaced all 8 of mine with out any of them breaking off. I also replaced all 8 coil on plugs to. If you don't buy cheep. I first bought cheep COP off the internet fro a fraction of the cost that you pay in store. But truck began to missfire horriably. It was determined it was my coils. I replaced all 8 coils with ones bought from auto parts store and truck runs great now.

Good luck.

 

The 97 and 2003 use regular spark plugs. Easy to remove. the 2004-2008 three valve engines use what is called a High Thread spark plug. The OE plug can break unless you follow these instructions-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gz5Pd-hrWQ

The Autolite and Motorcraft plugs now available for replacement have vastly improved shell strength and will not break. The champion plug for this application is the wrong heat range specified by ford.