What do you think about this chassis?

[bluedog225]

May want to google "triton spark plug defect." Not sure what year they got that fixed in the vans. Also, may want to check the price to have the plugs replaced by the dealer. I hear it is impressive.

[dhally]

I had thought the spark plug problems were with older vans, but after googling it appears that the problem wasn't totally fixed until the 2008 model year. Here is what I could glean from my searches:

- Triton engines through about 2005 didn't have enough threads in the head and plugs would blow out, stripping the threads
- On Triton 3-valve engines through 2007 the plugs would tend to seize in the head, usually discovered at 100,000 miles when the plugs are supposed to be changed. I think the van has a 2-valve head?
- It isn't clear if 2-valve heads from 2005-2006 had problems

In any case if I buy the van it might be a good investment to inspect the threads and use a torque wrench to re-install, maybe every 20-30,000 miles... I'm sure the plugs are easy to access

[carringb]

Originally Posted by dhally

I had thought the spark plug problems were with older vans, but after googling it appears that the problem wasn't totally fixed until the 2008 model year. Here is what I could glean from my searches:

- Triton engines through about 2005 didn't have enough threads in the head and plugs would blow out, stripping the threads
- On Triton 3-valve engines through 2007 the plugs would tend to seize in the head, usually discovered at 100,000 miles when the plugs are supposed to be changed. I think the van has a 2-valve head?
- It isn't clear if 2-valve heads from 2005-2006 had problems

In any case if I buy the van it might be a good investment to inspect the threads and use a torque wrench to re-install, maybe every 20-30,000 miles... I'm sure the plugs are easy to access

Threads were increased to 8-threads in 2000. The manufacturing process defect that allowed some threads to mis-aligned, was fixed in 2003.

Vans never got the 3-valve motor.


The problem is rare in the early years, even more rare after 2000, and not a problem after 2003. Changing plugs at less than the Ford specified interval is not necessary, unless you run a programmer (these increase spark.... my plugs only last about 65,000 miles with the Predator). You are more likely to cause damage changing them out more frequently. The boots and coil connectors don't like being pulled apart.