UPDATE: taking the plunge. F-150 spark plug change

Terryallan wrote:
Think about it like this. Pre 2004 engines spit out plugs. They fixed it. Now you can't get them out.

And in fairness to Ferd, they aren't the only ones to have suffered this ignominy. Honda has had some motorcycle engines that have spit out the plug. I have one, and the "only" way to fix it is to pull the head. Oh well.....all part of the fun and joy......