Best parts 2000 explorer XLT 5.0 v-8

[Chris1973]

What are the best brands for plugs and wires and shocks and struts?

 

[J_C]

Just shocks on these front and rear, depends on what you want out of them. There are many topics and variables depending on how much harshness and control versus smooth but sloppy handling you want.

Bilstein or KYB Gas-A-Just would be my preference, are a little firmer than stock (when they were new) unless your rear end needs a lift, then if not replacing the leaf springs, instead Monroe Load-A-Just. If you are hauling or towing (or rough off-road then I'd sooner go with KYB Monomax, if at stock height still which I assume with no mention otherwise.

Any major brand wires should be fine, but it's easy to just suggest Motorcraft, or I have ACDelco Pro on mine and they've been fine, cost about half as much at the time. Similar goes for spark plugs, Motorcraft or another major brand double platinum or better.

Which engine? It would be good to list your engine in your profile vehicle description or put it in your sig.

Some people say some engines are picky about plugs but I noticed nothing bad about running NGK fine wire in my 4L SOHC '98. There are also topics about this.

 

[Chris1973]

Just shocks on these front and rear, depends on what you want out of them. There are many topics and variables depending on how much harshness and control versus smooth but sloppy handling you want.

Bilstein or KYB Gas-A-Just would be my preference, are a little firmer than stock (when they were new) unless your rear end needs a lift, then if not replacing the leaf springs, instead Monroe Load-A-Just. If you are hauling or towing (or rough off-road then I'd sooner go with KYB Monomax, if at stock height still which I assume with no mention otherwise.

Any major brand wires should be fine, but it's easy to just suggest Motorcraft, or I have ACDelco Pro on mine and they've been fine, cost about half as much at the time. Similar goes for spark plugs, Motorcraft or another major brand double platinum or better.

Which engine? It would be good to list your engine in your profile vehicle description or put it in your sig.

Some people say some engines are picky about plugs but I noticed nothing bad about running NGK fine wire in my 4L SOHC '98. There are also topics about this.

Have the 5.0 v-8.and I would like a comfortable ride and I don't tow or off-road

 

[Mbrooks420]

The ride in a second gen will always be harsh. There’s no real way to make the t bars ride nice.

Plugs and wires I’d go factory Motorcraft, especially with the V8.

 

[Chris1973]

The ride in a second gen will always be harsh. There’s no real way to make the t bars ride nice.

Plugs and wires I’d go factory Motorcraft, especially with the V8.

Thank you for the info.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

jmo, but the motorcraft wires have been great for me! been happy with the motorcraft plugs too, but not so much with bosch... the NGKs have been fine ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ as far as shocks, as mentioned by JC the Gasajusts are nice for stock, or the gabriel max controls afaik... but those are all slightly stiffer than stock, but they feel nicer (to me)... I hear the rancho rs9000s are nice, as they are adjustable and you can control how stiff you want them, but never used them ($$$)

 

[Chris1973]

jmo, but the motorcraft wires have been great for me! been happy with the motorcraft plugs too, but not so much with bosch... the NGKs have been fine ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ as far as shocks, as mentioned by JC the Gasajusts are nice for stock, or the gabriel max controls afaik... but those are all slightly stiffer than stock, but they feel nicer (to me)... I hear the rancho rs9000s are nice, as they are adjustable and you can control how stiff you want them, but never used them ($$$)

Thanks.i have heard a lot of people are using autolite iridium xp 104 plugs.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

never used them myself, but from what ive read, theyre pretty good

 

[Chris1973]

never used them myself, but from what ive read, theyre pretty good

Heard the same.thanks for all your advice.

 

[410Fortune]

motorcraft double platinum is the stock plug
Autolite double platinum is second runner up I hear autolitemmakes motorcraft plugs

For wires the stock motorcraft set fits very well and has been known to last over 200k miles

I run either motorcraft or Taylor spiro 8.8 wires

 

[donalds]

I installed factory shocks
still harsh but not so bad with the tires at 35 psi

 

[c96drumm]

OE plugs have a different part number for left and right. These are single platinum, but the platinum is on opposite electrodes for each side, or some damn thing. I've been using Autolite double platinums for many years and they've been very durable and reliable. I use Motorcraft wires. Recently put on a set of KYB shocks. No complaints there either.

 

[Chris1973]

OE plugs have a different part number for left and right. These are single platinum, but the platinum is on opposite electrodes for each side, or some damn thing. I've been using Autolite double platinums for many years and they've been very durable and reliable. I use Motorcraft wires. Recently put on a set of KYB shocks. No complaints there either.

Ok.thank you for your feedback.

 

[Mbrooks420]

OE plugs have a different part number for left and right. These are single platinum, but the platinum is on opposite electrodes for each side, or some damn thing. I've been using Autolite double platinums for many years and they've been very durable and reliable. I use Motorcraft wires. Recently put on a set of KYB shocks. No complaints there either.

I think the one bank was double platinum because of the wasted spark ignition, one bank will have twice the arcing wear.