Rough Ride - Engine misfire?

[cduke]

I have an '03 with the 4.6, that I've had for about 8 years. For quite some time (>2 years), there's been an issue where, when just cruising along, no acceleration, but with foot on gas, engine sputters, like all of a sudden, it's missing on two or three cylinders - really bad. Does not happen when accelerating, does not happen when foot is off the gas, coasting. Does happen when cruise control is on, but also when CC is off and just holding speed constant. Gas mileage is off badly. Used to get ~19+ combined, now it's <16.
A year or so ago, I took it to the dealership, the mechanic gave me a ration of **** for replacing the plugs with Bosch Platinum+4 Spark Plug; he said the resistance on those was so low that I'd screw up the coil packs if I used them. So in the end, he replied one coil pack, and reprogrammed the PCM, but said he couldn't duplicate the problem. Well, I've put up with the problem for all this time, and it is now time to do something about it.
The engine is not throwing any codes, the air and fuel filter have been replaced. MAF sensor has been cleaned, but not replaced.
My intention is to keep this vehicle for the foreseeable future, and would like to get this sorted out.
While searching the forums, found a post which pointed to u-joint being the cause of a somewhat similar issue. I had not thought of that, what do you think?
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Carson

 

[Number4]

I'll second for replacing the Bocsh +4's. They are a gimmick plug. Go with an Iridium plug.
I wouldn't chase anything else while this Bosch are still in it.

 

[rhyzmann]

have a 2005 explorer just got is doing the exact same thing runs great cept for this issue hope you find answer ill be watching