Are you looking for the best spark plugs for a 5.4 Triton engine?
You've come to the right place!
In this ProperMechanic.com guide, you will learn:
- The best spark plugs for 5.4 Triton engines
- Tips for spark plug removal and installation
- Ways to enhance engine performance
And much more!
Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use spark plugs for 5.4 Triton engines.
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Our Top Pick
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Our Top Pick
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Motorcraft
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Best Budget
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Best Budget
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Bosch
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View on Amazon |
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Best High End
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Best High End
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Autolite
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E3
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NGK
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Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
(updated 6/17/2020)
Top Overall Pick:
Motorcraft takes the #1 spot for our favorite 5.4 Triton spark plug because it is the OEM part that was specifically designed for this engine.
Count on Motorcraft's American quality and specifically-designed engineering for the 5.4 Triton to get you on the road and where you need to go reliably.
Top 5 Best Spark Plug Kits For 5.4 Triton
How To Change Spark Plugs For Your 5.4 Triton?
Contact your Ford dealer before changing the spark plugs on your 5.4 Triton; there could be a recall on the OEM part that you might void by putting your hands on it.
When replacing spark plugs yourself, here are a few tools that you will need:
- ratchet/extension
- universal/swivel joint
- basic socket set
- spark plug gapper tool/feeler gauges
- torque wrench
- flashlight
- anti-seize
- spark plug socket
You can find any of these tools on sites like Amazon or at your local auto parts store.
First, you are going to want to pull the plastic engine cover off and get it out of the way to give you a good view of the engine.
Next, carefully unplug each electrical connector from the ignition coils.
A good technique to avoid damaging the electrical connectors upon removal is by spraying rubbing alcohol on them beforehand. Rubbing alcohol is great for cleaning up electrical connections and getting them to fit properly.
After you have the electrical connectors out of the way, you can remove the ignition coils with a simple socket set.
No, it doesn't matter which ignition coil goes where, so you can simply just set them aside. after you have them all removed.
Now you have access to the spark plugs. To be cautious you can spray PB Blaster down into each spark plug hole and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to loosen the plugs.
Stick your spark plug socket down into the hole, and carefully loosen and remove each spark plug.
If the spark plug breaks into two pieces on removal(a common problem this engine has), then you are going to have a fun time with an extractor set getting the other half of the spark plug out.
Inspect each spark plug. Hold one of the old spark plugs up next to one of the new ones; they should be about the same length from where the wrench fits on to the ground electrode tip.
Gap the new spark plug with either a spark plug gapper tool or feeler gauges to the specification of your specific 5.4 Triton engine.
Carefully install each spark plug by sticking the ceramic insulator end in the spark plug socket and installing it into the cylinder head.
Screw each spark plug tight with your hands, using the spark plug socket connected to the appropriate extension.
Torque down each spark plug according to the manufacturer's recommendation, which should be somewhere between 10-15 nm.
Note: Installing the wrong spark plugs can do a lot of damage to your engine heads and pistons. Verifying that you have the right part is key.
You can do this by physically comparing the old and new spark plugs, talking to your local dealer parts manager, or plugging your VIN into a parts search engine.
Are There Different Types of Spark Plugs For 5.4 Triton Engines?
Yes; There are plenty of different slight variations of the original spark plug.
For example, E3 makes a spark plug with a diamond fire ground electrode designed for higher performance and durability.
Bosch also has a variation that includes four ground electrode tips that are designed for the same reason. The more ground electrodes that the spark plug has, the longer it will last.
Another quality that makes spark plugs different from each other is by using a method called precious metal layering.
You will see iridium and platinum spark plugs that usually cost more than conventional plugs.
This is because there are precious metals layered on to the ground and center electrodes that are designed to burn hotter and stronger than regular spark plugs that are composed of a copper core and nickel body.
So, just to clarify; all spark plugs have a copper core, but manufacturers use precious metals on the electrode tips using precious metal layering to make the spark plug last longer.
Read More >> What's The Best Way To Clean A Spark Plug?
How Long Should My Spark Plugs Last In My 5.4 Triton Engine?
Ford recommends servicing the OEM spark plugs after 30 thousand miles because of a design flaw in the original spark plugs.
The cheapest and most conventional copper core spark plugs will perform for 10-20 thousand miles, and after that, you may start to notice a lack of performance and bad gas mileage.
Platinum and iridium plugs will last from 60-100 thousand miles, so d
Our advice? Install the nicest spark plugs you can get inside this engine, and perform the installation correctly by using anti-seize and torquing down the spark plugs.
Think about it; if spark plugs are known for breaking off inside the cylinder head and being a pain to extract, then you are going to want to eliminate the problem for as long as possible.
Read More >> How Do You Identify A Bad Spark Plug?
My Reviews Of The Best 5.4 Triton Spark Plugs
Pick #1: Motorcraft
These Motorcraft plugs are the OEM option that was designed specifically for this Ford Triton engine.
With a precision fit for maximized performance, Motorcraft plugs are recommended to be switched out every 60-100 thousand miles.
The platinum tip on this particular part has a high melting point to deliver a long-lasting product that maintains optimum engine performance.
So if you are looking for the recommended Ford part with a precision fit, these Motorcraft plugs are the way to go.
Pros
Cons
Pick #2: Bosch
It wouldn't be a spark plug write-up without mentioning Bosch.
Bosch is one of the first producers of the spark plug, and they are a reliable option for any engine you are looking to put them inside.
If you can find Bosch Iridium spark plugs that fit your vehicle, then there's no reason to purchase any other brand.
These plugs have a seven-year satisfaction guarantee, are pre-gapped with a .6 mm double-iridium firing pin that is perfectly designed for any engine it is compatible with.
Pros
Cons
Pick #3: Autolite
Autolite was once owned by Ford and is the official spark plug of NASCAR.
You can't argue about racecar quality that was made in the USA.
These Autolite AP5325-4PK spark plug tips don't skimp on the use of precious metals, so you can guarantee your 5.4 Triton will be running problem-free in the spark plug category for a long time coming.
Change your spark plugs out for a price that isn't going to take a significant chunk out of your paycheck with Autolite plugs.
Pros
Cons
Pick #4: E3
Looking for a performance plug for your 5.4 Triton? Try E3.
These American made spark plugs are designed with colder heat ranges in mind to give you better performance at higher RPMs.
One unique part about these E3 spark plugs is that they have a diamond-shaped ground electrode that is secured to the shell with three legs for faster heat transfer and increased turbulence inside the combustion chamber.
Pros
Cons
Pick #5: NGK
NGK is one of the world's top spark plug producers that has a reputation for producing quality spark plugs while maintaining a reasonable price.
Verify that these are the right plugs for your engine beforehand by entering your vehicle's information into the search query, and take advantage of qualities like a platinum tip that lasts longer than a conventional spark plug.
Pros
Cons
Our Top Pick: Motorcraft
Motorcraft is the recommended OEM replacement for the 5.4 Triton despite a recall that happened early on with a two-piece spark plug that was known for welding itself inside the cylinder head and breaking off into pieces upon attempted removal.
The natural option for tuning up a Ford vehicle is installing Ford spark plug, and seeing as this is the spark plug that Ford recommends, Motorcraft is a great choice.
It would be wise to make sure you are getting the newly designed Motorcraft plugs that don't have a reputation of breaking off into the cylinder head upon removal.
Plus, it's an excellent value for the money! Check the low price now on Amazon.
Final Thoughts On Spark Plugs For 5.4 Triton Engines
What If The Old Spark Plugs Break When Being Removed?
This is a common problem for this specific engine because of a design defect in the original spark plugs.
If you find a broken spark plug upon removal, don't panic. This is a factory defect. The best decision is to contact your local Ford dealer to find out what they can do for you as far as reimbursement.
If the dealer leaves you in the dark without any help, you still shouldn't worry; purchase a lisle spark plug remover set that is made especially for this problem and take care of business.
You can start by spraying PB blaster into the plug hole and letting it sit for a minute.
And don't forget to blow all of the spark plugs hole out with an air hose after you have all of the sparks plugs free.
Is Gapping The Spark Plug That Important?
Some professional automotive technicians will tell you that you can
Check Engine Light Still On?
You must take into consideration that fouled spark plugs aren't the only reason your engine misfires.
After running a diagnostic check in the OBD2 port of engines like the Triton 3, here are some further procedures that will help turn your check engine off.
- Diagnostic check
First, you must run a diagnostic check on your engine to pull any codes.
Any local auto parts store should have an OBDII scanner, and it should be free to pull your vehicle into the parking lot and pull the codes.
The solution for some codes will be more obvious than others.
- Check ignition coils
One of the most common misfire problems that are mistaken for being a bad spark plug is when an ignition coil goes bad.
So how do you know that an ignition coil is bad?
You simply have to trade it with another ignition coil. For example, if the diagnostic code reads "misfire on cylinder 4" then you should trade the ignition from cylinder 4 with the ignition coil in cylinder 5, and perform the diagnostic test again; if it comes back with "misfire on cylinder 5" then you know the ignition coil is the problem.
Diagnosing ignition coils is easier than replacing a spark plug, so be sure to check them before ripping the spark plugs out.
- Engine air filter
Do you know where the engine air filter is on your 5.4 Triton? Locate it and check its condition if you haven't in a while.
Changing out or at least cleaning your engine air filter every 20 thousand miles or so will keep your engine running smoothly.
An air filter that is blocked with dirt or debris can cause an engine misfire due to a rich air/fuel mixture; it can even foul a spark plug because of excess fuel left inside the combustion chamber.
Get Better Engine Performance
As a vehicle owner, you want your engine to perform at its top potential.
And seeing as there are plenty of different ways to enhance/maintain engine performance, you can stay busy souping up your 5.4 Triton.
Here are a few ideas of ways you can get more horsepower and better fuel efficiency:
Installing a cold air intake will bring more air into your engine enabling it to breathe and perform better.
You can find cold air intake kits on sites like Amazon for super reasonable prices. Just plug in your vehicle's info to the search engine and search for 'cold air intake'.
Performance-enhancing chips/software upgrades are a sure way to greatly reduce horsepower and throttle response.
Countless companies have an upgraded solution for your 5.4 Triton, and price ranges will vary depending on quality and function. Check out this high-performance tuner chip that is compatible with the 5.4 Triton.
Performing basic maintenance on your vehicle is surprisingly one of the best ways to maximize efficiency and performance.
It might sound redundant or silly, but you would be surprised at the difference even just an oil change makes when analyzing engine performance. You can fail an emissions tailpipe test just because the engine oil is old and heavy.
So keep that oil and filter changed on time!
Proper Tire Inflation
Did you know that fuel economy significantly increases when your tires are inflated properly?
Stay on top of that TPMS sensor; you would be surprised at how your gas mileage suffers when your tires are deflated.
Good Luck and enjoy your Ford truck!
