I've been doing it for so long I can feel how tight they should be. If you use a torque wrench makes sure the head is supported and the socket is rubbing on anything. I have 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 torque wrenches, not cheap ones. I just choose not to use them for plug changes most of the time for various reasons. I have been using the socket set in post #20 for quite a few years

 

just replaced all mine in the same truck. (2003 v10) I just got the truck and it developed a misfire in number 5, and 4 was about to blow out (heard a tss,tss,tss and found it to be loose) so I went ahead and did all 10 plugs and COPs as well. 4 and 5 were the most inconvenient to get to, but they weren't that horrible. the driver side is all relatively easy as long as you take the intake tube off. In addition to the other advice here, I'd recommend an air compressor with a blow gun end. take off the COPs and before removing the plug, blow some air in each plug location. I did this in mine and all sorts of debris came out! 4 &5 were the worst and 5 had standing water! I assume thats what led to the misfire. make sure 4&5 and 9&10 are in straight. 1st time I did number 5 I didnt get the boot on very good because its the hardest to get too and the truck ran funny until I just re did it today. Seems to run fine now. I also tightened the plugs by feel because My torqe wrench doesnt go down that low, and is entirely way too big for 4,5,9,10. I gave them somewhere between 15-25 ft/lbs with nickel anti-seize. just fyi, if your COPs are going bad or aren't on correctly, they give you odd codes and electrical gremlins. Mine shot me p0720 and p0722, and the OSS was new. the truck also intermittently stalled when you put it in gear at idle. Just make sure to not hurry through it or it will be a headache later(like it was for me). good luck!

 

Thanks for your response horsetower.

I did blow out each hole and yes there was all kinds of stuff flying out!
I was able to use my 1/2" Harbor Freight torque wrench with a 3/8" reducer. It worked great and I was able to put 22#. I did not change COPs but did change all boots and springs with Denso. Fired up perfect first time!

I agree.....#4 and 5 were brutal.

My next project is adding a 6.0L trans cooler and servicing trans with fresh fluid and filter.

After that, a Double DIN stereo!

 

SoCalAngler, bought my truck almost 4 yrs ago with 68k and had plans on doing spark plugs. I now have 124K and the same plugs. LOL I have had the new plugs in the shop for almost 2 yrs now. Did get lots of practice on my son's 5.4L however.

Check ebay for a 2x4 lift. Should run about $50