60-80k, generally wouldn't break. Over 80k was a crap shoot. My personal truck had 130k at first change with 0 broken. I've never stripped a 3v head. 2v heads are a different animal.

Nope. No torque wrench. On something like a spark plug, tight is tight. I simply used my long handled (12") ratchet and put them in tight. If I was to speculate, I'd say my elbow (calibrated with 20 years of professional wrench turning) "clicks" at 23 ft/lbs (+/- 3). I've never had a 3v plug exit the head. Again, 2v is a different animal, and even with a torque wrench they can, and do blow out. Can you put a torque wrench on them? Sure, but how do you access #4? #2 and #8 aren't much better... How accurate is a torque wrench with swivels and extensions?

Yup, alot of opinions, and alot of different techniques. What I have outlined does *not* follow Ford's recommendations, but it served me well for literally hundreds of plug changes.

 

Good info on the mileage and breakage---I've long thought that would be an aspect to consider when changing plugs is being discussed.

Can't argue with you relating to what torque is applied with swivels in place but extensions no longer than needed for most Modular Mtotors shouldn't affect those readings too much. Since I only work on E-Series I've had a straight shot at the plugs with extensions no longer than 6" with my torque wrench. In my case only #8 is the real challenge but having access to the back of the motor makes this a tad bit easier. Of course I also remove one of the front seats for maximum working room.

I too set them no more than 25 ft/lbs and even on the 2V heads have never had a blow out. Most of my vans are 250K + miles---me changing the plugs around 50K miles, never more than 60k--time dictates that.

Sure---same with me but I do this task pretty much the same way as you do. Its good to have a few different POV's and experiences to consider.

Thanks again Freek007!