This isn't intended as the start of a flame war...only to get experienced owner's opinions on several aspects on various "consumables" for these vehicles.
Since I own a 6.2 gasser, I'm more concerned about that engine, but there may be some items that cross the line between gasoline and diesel, so they can be mentioned too.

Again...this isn't to start a war...I'm just searching for opinions. That said...here we go.

Oil.........I tend to use the synthetics because that's MY ENGINE and I want to do as much as I can to keep it running. My favourite brand: Mobil, of course in the 5W-20 grade. Might start buying some Amsoil a quart at a time and use it for the summer months when I tow.
Oil Filter..........After seeing MANY reviews and Youtube's....I choose the Mobil brand again, followed closely by WIX (or NAPA...same thing)...Motorcraft is a distant third but I will NOT use FRAM under any circumstance. Since there is so little room under there, I might even try the K&N type with the 1" nut....that would surely simplify removal.
Air Filter.........Here is where I will stick with the OEM offering, with WIX in second place. Again, I avoid FRAM at all costs.
Spark plugs...........NGK all the way. I've had CHAMPIONS that were bad, right out of the box. Autolite and ACDelco in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Does anyone run Iridium plugs or should I stay with the platinum as suggested in the OM?
Coolant.........Anyone using something other than Motorcraft coolant? This isn't on my radar yet, but I should prepare for the inevitable.
Transmission fluid.......Yes, it must meet the MERCON LV spec, but does anyone use something other than the Motorcraft version?


I'll add more as I think of it...
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oil, Mobil One, 100 percent synthetic.. 10w30 after my 6.2L passed 150,000 miles. ( currently at 167,000 miles )
been using synthetic.. AMZOIL / AMSOIL from 1973 to 2000,,, Mobil One full synthetic since then

oil Filter.. Motorcraft,, or Fram,,, but with Fram being sold again.. not sure of use anymore. ( I need to cut ( NEW ) one open )

Air Filter AEM... oil-free washable air filter. but they FIT Tight in the housing.

Spark Plugs... Motorcraft... or NGK

Coolant.. any Name brand 5 year fluid... non-silica

Trans fluid.. Motorcraft, or Valvoline

all others opinions will be different...
retired mechanic. if that has any value.

 

Oil: been using Mobil 1 in all my vehicles and race cars (except engine break-in) since the late 1980s

Oil Filter: Mobil 1 in every car except my F-350, which I use Motorcraft due to its exceptional quality and low price.

Spark plugs: Motorcraft. My Subarus and Hondas: NGK. My race engines (SBC) also NGK.

Coolant: I always use the manufacturer’s (had Subarus for past 14 years), except for my son’s old Civic where I use Peak as I get it for $6.00 (cheap). Plus I always use distilled water.

Air filter: always OEM but once I used a Cosworth (yes, THAT Cosworth) in my WRX (they used to make Subaru racing parts).

Trans fluid: Always, always from the dealer per the manual, all cars.

Differential fluid: Mobil 1 except my wife’s CR-V, as that needs special Honda fluid.

Chassis & wheel bearing grease: Krytox GPL (not the same grade for each component).

— Dave

 

I make it easy on my newer trucks... Motorcraft everything. Ford spec'd. Good stuff at reasonable prices. Guaranteed not to void any warranty. Now my Stang...

 

Is it safe/permissible to use Iridium plugs in these engines?

 

Nobody posted anything about Iridium plugs. And I don’t even think they are available for the 5.4/6.8 3-valve engines as nobody makes them.

 

I'm looking specifically for the 6.2....the NGK 6510, for instance.

https://www.rpgoffroad.com/product/n...rk-plugs-6510/

 

The best spark plugs for any vehicle are almost always the ones it had when it left the factory. You can step up or down a little in heat range to match other tuning changes, but I have never seen a car run better on different plugs and I have seen many that ran worse.

If it had Motorcraft, stick with Motorcraft. If it had Champion copper then stick with Champion copper. If it had NGK Iridium then stick with NGK Iridium.