Alright, I'm getting ready to change the plugs and wires on my truck... Does anyone have any tips to make this process easier? Most of the plug holes themselves are hidden on my 4.6L... should I take the air cleaner off and remove what I need to remove to get to them?

Any help appreciated.

 

Yes, remove what is in the way and take your time. Going slow will yield long term success. Once you've done it you'll be able to do the next one in your sleep.

 

Ditto on Dan's suggestion. I would really suggest using the extra-deep snap-on socket or I think KD tools has one also. I replaced the wires also since they were the original set and I had it all apart. There is a great thread on this that had all the tips and tricks I needed.
It will take some time but it is not really that difficult. Good luck!

 

Remove everything in the way, take off the wheels and set the front end on some 4x4s or something similar. Get a old pillow to put on the radiator, and make sure you have plenty of swivels and extensions. USE ANTI-SIEZE on the plugs!
There are tons more tips in the 4.6 and 5.4 spark plug change thread.

 

Be sure to blow out the spark plug 'holes' with compressed air before removing the spark plugs. You dont want anything falling down into the cylinder.

 

Just blow out the plug holes so any debris won't fall into the cylinders. I just removed the upper PS reservoir to access #5. The rest are not as bad as they look. I have a 5.4L with COP's and it only took me a little over an hour. Be sure to use anti-seize on the plug threads before installing them.

 

i also found this magnet that works nicely to remove the plugs....its cylindrical and hanging on a wire...so you just wiggle it around until it drops down into the head and then pull on the wire and it brings the plug up with it.

as for putting them back in...there is a black hose on the drivers side of your motor that you will need to remove to get at the plugs....i just used this and stuck it over the top of the plug.....put it down the hole and screwed it in until the hose started slipping on the plug....then went to it with my combination of ratchets and crazy things...haha

there is a thread kicking around here somewhere to that explains it nicely with pictures.

THNX
Duggy