Re: Ford Spark Plugs?
I have one of the affected trucks. did the plugs this summer.
5 of 8 broke on me sigh. took me a couple days to get it all done. I went with the E3.70 plugs as they were the cheapest single piece replacement plug I could find. $110 for all 8 versus $200+ for the one piece motorcraft replacements.
the tool kit to pull the broken pieces out is like $70 from lisle.
my truck only had 65k on it when I swapped plugs, was hoping I'd get lucky but I didnt.
this only affects the 5.4 3v engines though. also, if you're looking in this year range, from 04 to mid 06 they also had issues with cam phasers sheering retaining pins. before they completely fail and you drop a valve it will sound like a diesel at idle. just something else to look out for.
also, if you get a 4x4 model, listen for "shuddering" when you do low speed turns or tip into the throttle in a turn from a stop. the 9-3/4" rearend is famous for having crap oil and friction modifier from the factory that eats up the clutches in the differential. the TSB even tells you to use different oil and friction modifier after you replace the clutches. I still havent gotten pissed to the point of addressing it on my truck yet though lol.
couple pics from my wonderful plug experience: