Dear Senor members
I pulled a plug on my truck last night and just from the little bit I know about engines, every fiber of my being tells me that I need to do a tune up on the ST.








So...What I'm asking for is tips and tricks that some of you may have when swapping out the plugs on the passenger side of the truck. Would I be able to get to them from the bottom with out pulling the tire? Or is that 100% necessary?

And as far as tools go. I have 2 3" a 6" and a 12" extensions. I also have a ratchet with an tilting head with a 12" handle. I dont have any swivels at this time, but I will get some.

I'm confident I could to this on my own...but, the more you know™. It would just be nice to have a heads up on all the little quarks before I get elbows deep in my truck.

Looking forward to hearing the replies on this one as well, i will be looking to put some new fire under the hood when the weather warms, and any heads up is very appreciated.

How many mi on them? They don't look too bad IMO. I'm scared as heck to pull one from mine, but I need to soon. At least your won't break in half when removing.

I've read you get to the passenger side through the wheel well: Jack up ST, remove front wheel, remove wheel well liner, etc.

If you do change them, buy some anti-seize for the new ones. I'm sure senor 4.0 members will chime in. There's many posts regarding spark plugs on the "other" forum.

Re: Dear Senor members
I did my spark plugs last June. The scars (both physical & emotional) have still not yet healed.


So...What I'm asking for is tips and tricks that some of you may have when swapping out the plugs on the passenger side of the truck. Would I be able to get to them from the bottom with out pulling the tire? Or is that 100% necessary?
Yes you will need to pull the passenger wheel off.
Also have someone on hand with dainty hands. for the driver's side.
Another point is the plugs tend to bind in the holes so it's a pain. I also used 2 spark plug sockets. ! with the rubber in it another without...why? because you will need the one with the rubber to hang on to the plug so you can "START" threading it then the one without to tighten it. because the damn socket stays ON THE PLUG and comes off the extension!
When you replace put some anti seize on the new plugs.

And as far as tools go. I have 2 3" a 6" and a 12" extensions. I also have a ratchet with an tilting head with a 12" handle. I dont have any swivels at this time, but I will get some.

Definitely get a swivel...you will curse "slightly" less.


I'm confident I could to this on my own...but, the more you know™. It would just be nice to have a heads up on all the little quarks before I get elbows deep in my truck.

Doing it yourself is a definite. It took me 2 hours & I have been working on cars for 34 years! Finally, use the OEM motorcraft spark plugs. I used Bosch Fusion Ir and they suck. I am dreading redoing the plugs!!! :mad:

Pretty much as Cabrera said. Remove the tire (I did mine the first time with it on, second time with it off, much easier the second time) and get a swivel for the socket. What also helps is a piece of rubber hose or you can get a Spark Plug Starter. It will help to start the plug onto the threads without the chance of stripping them. On another note, do not use any other brand plug. Use either Motorcraft or Autolite plugs. I paid a guy to replace mine the second time and he put in Bosche Platinums in and they lasted 2 weeks before I blew the insulation off one and had to go in there myself and replace them. The 4.0 runs better with MC's or Autolites. :thumbsup:

Thanks for the headsup guys.

I did happen to stop by a ford parts house today and they wanted $8/ea for the plugs (yes, that $50 for spark plugs). I then sent a violent txt to my cousin (the ford tech) and he himself was shocked at the price. So he then told me to get NGK V Power plugs...Have you guys ever heard anything about those plugs?

I'm not above paying for something thats going to work..but $50 JUST in plugs in a tough pill to swallow.

Get Autolite Platinums from Wallyworld or any autoparts dealer. No need to pay dealer prices like that. I would stay away from anything else. I'm serious, there have been quite a few ST owners that have done this type of "swap" and later had to go back in and do it over. :wink:

Cabrera, unfortunately, so do I. :lol:

When it comes time to change plugs, you 4.0 guys can be thankful. It's much worse & more $ with the 4.6 3V. My other vehicle (Hemi) has 16 plugs -- that need to be changed every 30K. You can feel sorry for me now :)