98 Ranger Spark Plugs (confused)

[Janik]

I'm needing to change plugs on a newly purchase 98 3.0 Ranger. After looking through spark plug threads, I'm deciding to stick with Motorcraft. Problem is, I'm getting different Motorcraft plug numbers depending on where I check. A couple of spots reference AWSF32PP as the OEM plug. This apparently is an older number/product and is not available. When I punch in my vehicle on Motorcraft.com, I get a SP413(32N). The SP413 is a nickel/copper plug, and I'm questioning how it can be a replacement for the original double platnum. Rock Auto takes me right to the SP432. When I check on Advance Auto, they come back with SP432 or SP413. If I search on the OEM plug number in Advance, they come up with a bunch of equivalents but none of them are Motorcraft. I'm thinking that the SP432 is the one to go with that is closest to what came originally, but it sure is confusing sorting through all this.

 

[Fast Eddie]

I'm needing to change plugs on a newly purchase 98 3.0 Ranger. After looking through spark plug threads, I'm deciding to stick with Motorcraft. Problem is, I'm getting different Motorcraft plug numbers depending on where I check. A couple of spots reference AWSF32PP as the OEM plug. This apparently is an older number/product and is not available. When I punch in my vehicle on Motorcraft.com, I get a SP413(32N). The SP413 is a nickel/copper plug, and I'm questioning how it can be a replacement for the original double platnum. Rock Auto takes me right to the SP432. When I check on Advance Auto, they come back with SP432 or SP413. If I search on the OEM plug number in Advance, they come up with a bunch of equivalents but none of them are Motorcraft. I'm thinking that the SP432 is the one to go with that is closest to what came originally, but it sure is confusing sorting through all this.

I can't speak to Motorcraft but my experience with Champion, NGK and Bosch seemed it can depend on whether it's platinum or standard. Something to consider.

 

[RonD]

Yes, on the 1995 and up 3.0l Ford used 2 different spark plugs on each year
3 on passenger side are different than 3 on drivers side of engine
That's because of the Waste spark system, same for 4.0l engines

Difference was platinum tip or platinum center, because its cheaper to used 3 of each vs double platinum on all 6

You should use 6 regular copper or 6 double, single will wear out on one side the same as regular copper

 

[cbxer55]

I use double platinum on all 6. Anything less and at least three of them end up with no center electrode after too short a time period. When I tried iridium plugs, three of them had no center electrodes after 5000 miles. I tried those E3 plugs and they were toasted after around 5000 miles as well. Stick with double platinums.

 

[Fast Eddie]

I run NGK. 8k, both sides, checked the gap, off by .002. Slapped them back in.