I'd get a set of wires for it right away too. Definitely get a quality set though...There's a lot of real junk in spark plug wires polluting the shelves of the parts stores. Personally on these engines, I go right to Ford for them. They're priced similarly to the aftermarkets, and you know you're getting a quality replacement. Otherwise, Carquest makes some excellent wires, as does NAPA. I would avoid the ones sold at AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts though. We've had numerous failures with the wires from both places.
Changing plugs on these is simple. Took me about a half hour, and I was taking my time. You need a long (2') extension, swivel joint and 5/8" plug socket to start. You may want a couple shorter extensions too, but I prefer a long one for all but one or two plugs. Just seems to make life easier. You're not busting your knuckles on all the things in the engine compartment this way.
You do them from the top.
Here's a tip: Take a boot from an old spark plug wire, and use it as an installation aid when putting the new plugs in. You can thread them in most the way by hand this way, and only need to give them their final torque with your ratchet and socket. Put a very small dab of anti-sieze compound on the threads of the new plugs before installing.
For plugs, I went with Autolite XP103 Iridium plugs. They weren't much more than the double platinums that are OEM installed, and since they were new, I thought I'd give them a try. Definitely go with Autolite plugs, regardless of which style you buy. Avoid any Bosch spark plug like the plague. Junk, plain and simple.
Might not be a bad time to toss in a new fuel filter too. If the plugs are original, chances are this is too.
