My wife has a 2006 Explorer with the 4.6 3v and 85,000 miles. It has recently developed a high load, low RPM miss. I assume that a tune up is in order and want to know what the best plugs are. Are they Motorcraft double platinum? Also does this engine have any of the plug breaking problems of the 5.4s of this year?

Also had to have the oil changed at a Quikstop place as I was pressed for time. Since then it ticks really bad on startup. They used a Prime Guard filter vs the normal Motorcraft that I use. Anyone had any problems with this filter? The oil is full. Also can I just change the filter out without dumping oil everywhere?

 

I would change that filter out ASAP. Dumping oil out everywhere is a small price to pay when you compare it to your bearings drying out. Non-Motorcraft filters typically do not have the drainback valve, which sounds like the issue you describe. Without a drainback valve, the oil drains all back into the pan when you shut it off. You could be starting the engine with the cams dry.