I don't want to beat the spark plug thing to death, but here goes. Is there any benefit to changing my plugs and wires at only 46,000? I know that we are supposed to get 100,000 miles before we need to, but would there be a benefit to do it now? Should I upgrade the wires and plugs if I do or use stock replacements? Also, I need my fuel filter replaced. Any MPG difference after that? Getting ready for a 3,000 mile round trip and want my truck to be at her best when I roll. Thanks as always for any help.

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98 F150 XLT
4.2 V6/5 Speed Trans.

Mods and Upgrades

Pioneer FHP8800 HU
Pioneer TSA6895 Compression horn 6x8's
Pioneer TSA6865
GMX542
MTX Stealth Box w/ 2 8in. subs... mild bass
Compustar SHF-2W-AS
alarm/remote start

Xtang soft cover
Airaid Intake System
Switched the 16 in. XLT
wheels for the 17 in' ORP's
35% Window Tint
Weather Tek Window Visors
(the kind that go in the grooves instead of on the outside)

 

changed my plugs at 25,000 showed a little wear on the electrodes. a friend of mine did the same thing on his and found 3 different brands of plugs. didn't change the wires because they told me a $100 for the wire set aftermarket. mines a 98 4.6 lt

 

I'd at least check them. I have the 5.4, and don't know how hard or easy the access is for the V-6, but I pulled the front four on mine at 63k because they were "easy" to get to and I have never left plugs in an engine for more then two years or 30k miles. The plugs were the original Motorcrafts and showed wear, but the gap was the biggest problem. It was huge!! Way over the .056 spec. I was able to fit the .060 feeler and still didn't touch. But then you could just argue that since "I have them out, might as well change em". Your wires should be fine. Probably change them next time you do the plugs.

I ended up getting the Bosch + 4's that don't require regapping since once I got the back four plugs out, I sure wasn't going to put old ones back in!! Took me over one hour to do # 4 alone!!