When buying any part I tend to NOT want cheap---air filters I use nothing but NAPA's Gold line, about $20 each. Over the past 10 years those have worked perfectly, nary a sign of them failing---I do change them about 20K miles though.

Not sure who actually supplies MotorCraft with their filters but chances are its the low-ball guys. Wix and Baldwin are two names most associated with higher quality.

Here's something that might be new info about aftermarket air filters like K&N: http://dieseliq.com/aftermarket-air-filters

 

I ran a K&N for a bit and noticed after a trip to the beach sand went right past into the MAF, immediately replaced with a Motorcraft filter. Check out the video below of comparing OEM to cheap aftermarket filters.

 

I did the cleaning tonight and I've got to say, I don't think I've spent less money or less time getting a bigger grin. Over 199K and the truck has new life. No hesitation/stumble at acceleration and gear changes come quick and easy. If you've got a bunch of miles on the odometer and you haven't done this, you gotta try it. You'll be glad you did.

 

thanks for info maybe i need to do this, i have not used my van for awhile 2009 was last time it was on the road and now it has rough idle