Truck is fixin to hit 100000 and was wondering if there is a need to go ahead and change the plugs out. Truck runs like a top so idk if it is worth it. Also if you have done it is it as much of a pain as they say. Just asking for opinionson this one.

 

Ya know, I believe this is a matter of personal preferance. My grandfather always changed his plugs with every oil change. My dad does it once a year. I usually change em when I really feel like they need it lol if their not fouled and your still firing good then no need to yell and scream at your truck cause unlike honda's our spark plugs are way down there haha

 

I heard plugs in these trucks should be changed every 100k miles as well. So I changed mine a few months ago now. It really is not bad at all. Took me about 5 hours, but I was very careful, and took my sweet time to make sure nothing went wrong. If I was just blowing through them I could have it done in 3 or less easily.

Hope it helps,

 

If you have plugs in there with 100k on them, yes! they need changed. Most I let any set of plugs go is 80k. Many guys confuse the 97-03 trucks with the issues of the 04-up 3 valve motors.

A plug change isn't that bad with our 97-03 2 valve 5.4, the back 2 are a biatch to get to but its easily a 2.5 hour job tops. Just be sure to properly torque all plugs so that you don't get any coming loose and blowing out.

Now on the 3 valve 5.4 in the 04-up trucks its a hit-or-miss operation and a real PITA if one breaks. They use a two piece plug that likes to carbon up and break off in the head.

 

8 motorcraft plugs, extensions, ratchet, socket, and a few hours and you won't have to worry about them giving you trouble. Torque to 28 ft/lbs with no anti-seize.

 

Owners manual says 60000. Thats when I do mine

 

Did mine at 146,xxx because of a misfire (and we didn't know when they were last done). Used Autolites, anti-seize and torqued beyond 40ftlbs. DH is a mechanic and just torqued to arm pull. No problems.

 

28lbs torque? I swear the manual said 15....

 

Yes the manual says 13-15 ft/lbs with anti seize.< THIS is why there are spark plugs blown out of the heads. With the anti seize acting as a lubricant and due to having only 4 threads in the head, the spark plug can work its way and blow out. Dry 28 ft/lbs is the new unofficial standard. Motorcraft plugs are nickel coated on the threads so they won't seize and the heads have been shown to be able far greater torque before stripping. For more information, these guys have made a living fixing the blow outs, check out their FAQ's: http://blownoutsparkplug.com/index.htm