I gather that the 4.6L and 5.4L are two entirely different beasts. The 4.6L doesn't have coil packs correct? The 4.6L has standard plugs with wires to a distributor, right? How difficult is it? I've read Matt's confession of having the service garage do his plugs on his 5.4L instead of doing himself and now I'm running a bit scared. I change the plugs in my two older Volvos all the time, but they are easy. Would the directions supplied on this site for changing plugs on a 5.4L apply as well for a 4.6L? Do I need to pull parts off the engine to make it easier? How about extra tools, do I need the various extensions for my socket wrench on my 4.6L as is recommended for the 5.4L? What do you guys say?

 

I replaced my plugs this past summer thinking that the miss-firing I was experiencing was due to old plgs (70K mi.). I spent the majority of a Saturday 5-6 hrs. It was a real experience in how well I could contort my arms into very tight spaces. Espcially the last two rear plugs. In retrospect I should have also replaced the wires at the same time as this was the real culprit. But it's done and works like a champ again!

 

The location of the plugs relative to the engine design and placement of the engine within the vehicle is the same for both engines, so you will need the same tools that are necessary to reach the plugs on a 5.4. Your pre-2000 4.6 engine doesn't have the coil-on-plug system, relying upon two coils perched in front of the cylinder heads, so the coil removal issue is not your concern.

Find an old couch cushion to rest upon when removing the plugs, unless the top of the engine looks comfy to you.