I finished off today around 3pm, so another four hours cleaning and checking the COP units, installing them, remounting the computer and bracket, and couple other odds and ends. To those wondering, yes, I did use a torque wrench. They are a taper seal plugs and proper torque is necessary to make sure they seal. I threaded them in with a piece of rubber hose on the insulator, then torqued them to 27 ft/lbs per Ford spec, then loosened them and re-torqued them again to 27 ft/lbs, just be sure they're seated.
It stared right up and ran fine. I let it idle for a few minutes to let things update electronically, then took it for a test drive. It seems to run fine, though I'm not claiming any dramatic change in power output. For those of you asking was it worth it, I'm answering a definate "yes". The old plugs were badly worn. The end "stirrup" ground electrode was eroded almost half way through, and the tiny center tip was gone completely. I'm not sure how they measure gap but if the new ones were .070", the old ones were easily twice that!
I also cleaned the mass air flow sensor in the intake duct. It didn't appear dirty, but I used the special cleaner as per instructions. I'll have to check my mileage to see if it improves.
The next job, thanks to someone on here who reminded me to look at it, is the fuel pump pressure control module above the spare tire. I checked it today while I had the spare down to touch up the receiver and sure enough, it's corroded and cracked through. If you have an F-150, you should check yours too. This component is another "better idea" from Ford that is a known failure. The good news is, the replacement comes with a spacer kit to resolve the problem.
Gonna have to get on top of the rust starting underneath, too. Starting to become a full-time hobby. Anybody with specific questions about the plug change, or anything else I can help with, PM me and I'll give you what I know.
