l1tech,
I don't know if Ford is the only auto maker who used the 2 piece plugs, but there was a recent episode of Motor Week where Pat Goss was discussing the proper way to remove 2 piece plugs, and even said that even when using the proper technique, the plugs can still break, leaving the threaded end in the cylinder head...:cry:
His method involved cracking each plug loose only about 1/8th of a turn, then spraying around the sparkplugs with penetrating oil and let it sit for about 30 minutes or more. Then screw the plug in an out a little at a time (like you are tapping threads) to clear the debris until you can back the plugs out without much resistance. Is that the method you use?
He did not mention any particular auto maker, but seemed to imply that other automakers were using 2 piece spark plugs....or perhaps there are 2 piece replacement plugs for those that came from the factory with the older style 1 piece plugs??? I have no clue who would want to switch...:grin:
If I recall correctly, he mentioned the use of anti-seize compound, but only a small dab at the tip of the threads because, like you he did not want it to effect the grounding of the plug.
That makes perfect sense to me on the 2 piece plugs.
...Rich