02 4x4 engine replacement

[eyeontech]

My 02 4x4 having issues with one of the heads or cylinders, 145k miles, thinking about a new crated motor, or rebuilding. One of the cylinders has bad compression. I own the car and like it better than the newer models, any suggestions? Has a V8 I think the 4.6.

Thanks,
Justin

 

[Jason c]

Is it the spark plug threads? I have been reading a lot about the 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines in all models blowing spark plugs out. I guess they have only five (aluminum) threads on the heads for the spark plugs and strip out easily.