My Expy was a shining example of why you should do this yourself. The rear four plugs, which are the hardest to change were all ORIGINAL MOTORCRAFT PLUGS. THE FRONT FOUR WERE AUTOLITE. Now what this means is the previous owner brought the Expy to shop for service and the shop told her she needed the plugs changed, THEY ONLY CHANGED THE FRONT FOUR AND LEFT THE REAR FOUR ALONE AND CHARGED HER FOR DOING ALL EIGHT. IT MAY BE TIME CONSUMING BUT THE PEACE OF MIND IS WORTH IT. Just keep that in mind if you farm this one out to a shop. I installed Bosch Platinum +4 Plugs Model # 4459.

Ok guys here we go:

TOOLS:
Socket set
5/8 U-joint spark plug rachet head (sears $9.99)
Boot Protector Lube
Thread Anti-Seize


1) Budget about 3-5 hours depending on your skill level.
2) Remove the ENTIRE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY. The bolts are all 8mm. (take it out of the engine compartment)
3) Blow out the area you will be working in with compressed air to remove all the dirt and debris.
4) Remove the 2 fuel rail bolts on each side all are 8mm.
5) Remove the coil pack from the top of the plug you are working on. It is held down by a 7mm bolt.
6) Before you remove the plug, again with compressed air blow out the hole that the plug is in.
7) Remove the plug.
8) Apply Anti-Seize to the plug, Install, tighten to 15lb/ft.
9) Clean the coil pack with compressed air and a dry cloth.
10) Apply boot protector to the inside of the coil pack and reinstall.
11) Repeat until finished

Now I would suggest beginning with the hardest ones which are the rear 2 on each side. The entire passenger side is harder than the drivers side. If you are going to replace your injectors this would be the time to do it. I found that the U-Joint Spark Plug head from Sears is an indispensible tool when performing this maintenance. Ok, well good luck if you undertake this project. Remember PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE

P.S. For amazingly simple/clean oil changes I would DEFINITELY RECCOMMEND THE FRAM SURE DRAIN.

 

Thanks for the update....great step-by-step details. I've always intended to change my plugs myself, but just don't have quite enough miles yet.

How do you like the Bosch plugs? Any appreciable differnece in idle, throttle response, performanc, etc?

 

Absolutely a noticable improvement in acceleration. I just filled up the tank today and reset the mileage clock. I will post the results when I empty the tank. Like I said it is alot of work but worth it.

 

Also the Idle is ABSOLUTELY IMPROVED AS WELL.

 

99 XLT,
I'd agree 100% with you. I changed the plugs on my 98 EB 4x4 with Bosch +4's in May (@61k) and was actually able to get the tires to chirp afterwards. It took me around 8 hours to do all 8 plugs tho, I disassembled the main battery fuses to make the passenger side a little easier. I was watching my kids too . I haven't noticed any difference in gas mileage around town (+/-12.5mpg), but highway driving with AC is improved (16.6-16.8 mpg at 70). Later,
jrh

 

Well gang i am going to take on the task this weekend
i will let you know how it goes
Thank you for the step by step details




Sniper
2000 Expy 5.4 XLT

 

After you remove the fuel rail bolts you will need to remove the rail from the injectors. It might stick a little but it just pulls off. You will see a little gas spill but it will stop. You will have the hardest time with the passenger side rear 2 plugs. You will need to manipulate the fuel rail while removeing and installing plugs so remember to have that third hand...... well.............HANDY. When you are done the first time you start her up it might take a few seconds because of the lack of fuel in the rail and injectors but she will start. So dont panic.

REMEMBER............
NO SMOKING.........

After I removed the air cleaner assembly I installed a K&N filter.
Also after reading a few posts in here I ordered the Hellwig front and rear sway bars and Energy Suspension Links and Bushings from Summit Racing. They should be here around Aug 23. And my Flowmaster cat back should be coming tomorrow. I will keep you all up to date with the mods as I take them on. Good luck to all with all your mods.