2002 FORD F-150 TRUCK

I HAVE A 2002 FORD F-150 4X4, THIS TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED. I WAS ON MY WAY HOME AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE STARTED TO SPUTTER AND MAKE A LOUD NOISE, AFTER I WAS HOME I OPENED THE HOOD AND A SPARK PLUG WAS LAYING ON TOP OF THE ENGINE (5.4L). I HAVE CALLED DEALERS IN MY AREA AND THE FORD CONSUMER # IN DEARBORN. NO ONE KNOWS OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS ENGINE, WHILE SEARCHING THE INTERNET I HAVE DISCOVERED 5 STATES HAVE CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS PENDING AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE ESTIMATE TO REPAIR MY TRUCK IS $3400.oo. IF THERE IS ANYONE WHO CAN HELP ME PLEASE CONTACT ME. I NEED THIS VEHICLE AS I AM BEING DEPLOYED IN 2 MONTHS FOR IRAQ, AND MY WIFE NEEDS THIS AS TRANSPORTATION WHILE I AM GONE.

THANK YOU