Hi - Can someone please point me to the spark plug discussion? I know it's been had one here but I can't seem to find a thread about it. I searched and found a few things. Currently I'm leaning toward motorcraft for plugs and wires but I'd like to read the discussions on here first. I'm at 150K and it's time. Thanks.

 

I found what I needed... Not here but I found it. Thanks for viewing.

If anyone wants to chime in and tell me how many miles they put on theirs before replacing the wire that would be cool. I'm curious.

 

ive always done plugs/wires every 50k

 

I had original wires on for 280k and 18 years, didn't notice any improvement with new wires.

Yes, only Motorcraft spark plugs, my 4.0l eats other brands, they don't last as long.

I replace the spark plugs when I notice more random missing, so no real XX miles.

I put a can of Seafoam in the tank once a year, been doing this for quite a few years and it seems to make spark plugs last longer, also less random missing.

Over 300k now
Coil and all sensors and controls are original, I did just replace the O2 sensors but found out I didn't need to, lol.
I was running a little rich and couldn't find a mechanical issue, so I decided to replace the O2 sensors, the passenger side O2 sensor had unscrewed itself a little more than 1/2 way so it was sucking air in, that O2 sensor reported higher air in exhaust and computer was running that bank richer, lol, servers me right for not checking BOTH O2 sensors before buying new ones.

 

Yeah if the wires aren't torn anywhere just reuse them, its a waste of money if you buy new ones.

for plugs, Motorcraft double platinum plugs on the SOHC for sure.

 

Crap, I just ordered the wires. I guess I'll have an extra set. I did find motorcraft double platinums plugs but I couldn't find them locally. The guy at AZ said they were discontinued. Odd. Thank for the replies!

 

They're probably discontinued at AZ but not at Ford. I buy everything on rock auto or get it at cost through the dealership.

Rock auto wants $6.xx for a moog swaybar link and advance auto / autozone its 20.99 each lol FAIL

 

Cost at the dealership? Lucky! I got the plugs and wires from Rockauto. I'm not too upset about the wires as they were only $38.

RonD - What lube are you running in your diffs? I do use my truck for towing so I didn't want to cheap out on this. I've been leaning towards Royal Purple.

 

Yeah sometimes rockauto is cheaper though lol.

Its not a bad thing to have extra wires. May as well just replace them while you're at it, it wont hurt.

 

I have never strayed from Ford recommended fluids in the trans or differentials, but I am sure Royal Purple is fine to use.

 

The only reason I'm considering a different lube is the cost. The motorcraft stuff is $10 per quart more... Plus the additive.

 

For the length of time between trans and differential oil changes the fluid cost shouldn't be a factor, it is usually around 10-15 years(100k-150k miles), so like $3-$5 per year difference.

 

Here is the God's Honest Truth...OEM is and all ways will be best....I took both sets of E 3's out of my truck and car...they run better with the old oem plugs back in where they belong...as for oil... thats the one thing we will never agree on...ever. $$$$ is the climbing reason these days and the fact that I know I buy it by the case so having more then I need is always better (to ME ) than just going out for 5 quarts and a filter.

 

OEM isn't always the best.

Case in point: The new MOOG Sway links (I just put a set on after the dunes, go figure) are 10x better than stock.

Someone said something about gear oil too, Its been my belief that regular oil is regular oil. the only time brand matters is when you go to synthetic. which i've done neither of in my truck either. at 140k, its a bit late to switch to synthetic

 

I fairness to OEM I don't think that is a good example, a 4x4 truck is built for moderate off-road use, you are SUPPOSE to get 3rd party parts for your specific needs.

Manufacturer might sell models with packages for towing or off-roading but these are all "general upgrades" that they think they will sell enough of to buyers.

 

Well. I ended up going for the motorcraft synthetic gear oil. Ford gave me the best price on it and it was only about $15 total more than Mobil 1 or Royal Purple. I drained it all out and while it was dirty it was still in good shape after 150K. That's enough for me to think it was worth the extra few dollars for motorcraft. I could see wear on the gears were they mesh but I couldn't FEEL anything with my finger. Very happy to see the rear diff in good shape.

I ended up going all OEM parts for my tune up. The original plugs were extremely worn but I can't say I honestly can tell a difference. Of course I haven't driven it without a trailer after the tune up yet... I'll post a pic of the plugs tomorrow.

Next I need to replace the front swaybar endlinks and fix the leaky front axle seals (anybody got a write up for that?). Probably will go with Moog for the endlinks.

 

easiest way to remove the links is by cutting them off just an FYI lol