New to the board.

Just bought my 2000 XLT ext cab. 52,000 on it. 3.0 V6 off road 4x4. It could use some plugs. But is it normal to have a rough time getting up hill in 4th?
If I'm cursing in Overdrive at 75-80 at a short climb, speed drop rapidly have to down shift and floor it. Any diagnostics that can help with out breaking me?
Changed the air filter and Oil change. Was thinking about having a compression test done. I'm at a little high altitude, just a Mile High.

 

Hello, welcome to FTE!

A clogged fuel filter and/or dirty fuel injectors could cause symptons like that. How about fuel system cleaner, do you ever use any?

You might want to pull your spark plugs out and take a look at them, clean and regap or replace them as needed, although you should be OK at 52K. If you replace the plugs, replace the wires. I recommend Motorcraft brand for both.

Also, because of your altitude, I would think that the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor plays a very important role in helping the computer adjust for the proper air/fuel mixture at that level. So, cleaning the MAF might also be something to think about. Here's how do do it: Cleaning Your MAF Sensor

Good luck, hope this helps!

 

Much appreciated I will take a look at these. Would you recommend platinum plugs? Is there another way to adjust the air/fuel mixture?

 

I recommend either Motorcraft or Autolite Double Platinum Plugs for your Ford.

There is no way for you to manually adjust the air/fuel mixture on your truck, nor can you adjust the timing. Those things are entirely up to the computer (along with the various sensors that provide it with data).

 

Thanks will have time after the holiday to work on this and will update.