2007 El Limited, 81K. I am very capable of doing mechanical work. Brakes, ball joints, tie rod ends, o2 sensors, window regulator to name a few. I am very concerned about all the messages about these 5.4's and the spark plug issues. I am considering taking it to my dealer and letting them change the plugs. Any questions I should be asking and about what price can I expect.

 

I've heard the engine has to be COLD COLD COLD!
Like room tempeture cold.

 

I reluctantly did it myself figuring if one breaks I will by the removal tool and go from there. I followed the procedure I found on this site, someone had posted a video link.
-first I did a seafoam induction hot bake.
-using my shop vac and some down sized tubing I picked up from HD I vacuumed all the dirt/sand that finds its way down by the spark plug. You will be surprised at whats down there. You certainly don't want that debris falling down into the cylinder.
-next using a ratchet I gave each plug a 1/4 to 1/2 turn followed by a good dose of PB blaster. Then I let it sit for 2 hours
-from there I used a mini electric impact wrench. The smallest one I could find as space is tight. It certainly took some fanageling on some of the plugs.

Every plug came out without a problem.

 

That IS good news! I'm really glad you took UR time and all went well.
What did the old ones look like? Did You dress the new plugs for next time?

 

I put anti seize all the way up the threads and neck of the new plugs. I have a pic of the old ones but for the life of me cannot figure out how to upload it.

 

That's some good info there.ill have to keep that in mind