Best Spark Plugs For Ford Expedition

If you own a Ford Expedition, you know it’s a powerhouse—whether you’re hauling the family or towing a boat. But the Expedition’s impressive performance and fuel economy rely heavily on its ignition system. Recently, I tackled a slight hesitation on my older 5.4L model, and realized it was time for a spark plug refresh. Finding the best spark plugs for Ford Expedition isn’t just about the brand; it’s about choosing the right material and heat range for your specific V8 or EcoBoost engine. Below, I’ve broken down seven top-rated options, including dedicated kits that also replace those troublesome Ford coil packs, so you can maintain that strong performance.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Iridium Spark Plugs 8 Pack 7164 TR55IX Compatible with…	View on Amazon
	MAS Set of 8 Ignition Coil DG508 & Motorcraft Spark…	View on Amazon
	ENA Set of 8 Platinum Spark Plug and 8 Ignition…	View on Amazon
	ENA 8 Ignition Coil Pack and Iridium Spark Plug Set…	View on Amazon
	Iridium Spark Plugs 6 Pack 94374 LTR6IX Fit for 2011-2020…	View on Amazon
	Set of 8 DG508 Ignition Coils and SP479 Spark Plugs…	View on Amazon
	AULINK Pack of 8 Nickel Material SP515 SP546 Spark Plugs…	View on Amazon

Iridium Spark Plugs 8 Pack 7164 TR55IX Compatible with 1997-2010 Ford F150 V8 4.6 5.4, Ford Expedition Explorer Mustang, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC, Lincoln, Buick, Mercury Vehicles – 4.1-8.1L

This 8-pack of Iridium spark plugs is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a high-durability upgrade for older Ford V8 engines (4.6L and 5.4L) from the late 90s through 2010. Iridium is known for offering superior longevity and a stronger spark compared to standard copper or even platinum plugs, which is crucial for reducing misfires over time. This package provides direct, cross-compatible replacements for many common Ford reference numbers, making selection straightforward for those specific years.

Key features that stand out:
– Reference Number: 7164, TR55IX, 3403
– Offers extreme durability and consistent spark over longer intervals.
– Wide fitment for many Ford and GM V8s (4.6L, 5.4L, up to 8.1L).
– Iridium center electrode resists wear and oxidation.

Pros:
– Excellent lifespan and reliability.
– Iridium composition offers better throttle response.
– Affordable option for a full set of high-quality plugs.

Cons:
– These are plugs only; they don’t include new coil packs.

Best for: Older Expedition owners (1997-2010 V8) looking for a reliable, long-life spark plug upgrade without replacing the coils.

Expert Opinion: This plug is a tried-and-true performance upgrade for the classic Ford Triton engine series. The Iridium tip ensures peak performance even under heavy loads.

MAS Set of 8 Ignition Coil DG508 & Motorcraft Spark Plug SP479 Compatible with Ford 5.4L V8 DG472 DG457 DG491 Crown Victoria Expedition F-150 F-250 Mustang Lincoln Mercury Explorer

When you’re servicing an Expedition V8, the coil-on-plug (COP) system and the spark plugs often fail around the same time. This comprehensive kit addresses both issues simultaneously, providing eight brand-new coils and eight spark plugs. What makes this kit stand out is the inclusion of Motorcraft SP479 spark plugs, which provides the peace of mind of using a recognized OE (Original Equipment) quality part alongside new ignition coils.

Key features that stand out:
– Includes both 8 ignition coils (DG508) and 8 spark plugs (SP479).
– Coils are built to meet or exceed OE specifications for maximum dependability.
– Genuine Motorcraft spark plugs included for reliable ignition.
– High heat resistant compound used on coil boots for durability.

Pros:
– Complete ignition system overhaul kit (plugs and coils).
– Uses highly respected OE spark plug reference (SP479).
– Excellent value proposition versus buying parts separately.

Cons:
– The coils are aftermarket, which may not offer the same longevity as genuine Ford OEM coils.

Best for: Expedition owners with 5.4L V8s needing a full ignition refresh and prioritizing OE-quality plugs with new coils.

ENA Set of 8 Platinum Spark Plug and 8 Ignition Coil Pack Compatible with Ford Mercury Lincoln Crown Victoria Grand Marquis Town Car E150 E250 Expedition F150 4.6L V8 Replacement for FD503 SP493

If you own a 4.6L V8 Expedition and need a reliable, cost-effective maintenance solution, this ENA kit is worth serious consideration. This package provides Platinum spark plugs paired with new coils, offering improved durability and service life over standard copper plugs. It covers a specific range of 4.6L engines (generally 2001-2004 Expedition) and ensures your engine gets a consistent spark while eliminating potential misfires caused by old, weak coils.

Key features that stand out:
– Includes 8 Platinum spark plugs and 8 ignition coils.
– Platinum plugs provide good service life and reliable performance.
– Direct replacement for common reference numbers like DG508 and SP493.
– Specifically compatible with 4.6L V8 Expedition engines in the early 2000s.

Pros:
– A great balance of cost and performance.
– The platinum tip improves ignition efficiency.
– Comes with a 24-Month Warranty for peace of mind.

Cons:
– Platinum plugs don’t offer the extreme lifespan of Iridium, requiring slightly sooner replacement.

Best for: Expedition 4.6L V8 owners seeking a high-value, all-in-one coil and spark plug maintenance package.

ENA 8 Ignition Coil Pack and Iridium Spark Plug Set 2005-2008 Compatible with Ford Expedition Explorer F150 F250 F350 F450 F550 Super Duty Navigator Mark 5.4L 4.6L Replace# DG511 SP515 SP546

This is the premium performance combo kit. For those running the notoriously complex 3-valve 5.4L and 4.6L engines (2005-2008), this ENA set pairs new coils (DG511 style) with Iridium spark plugs (SP515/SP546 reference). Using Iridium in these engines is beneficial because it helps maintain a strong spark, which can be critical for avoiding misfires often associated with this engine platform. Crucially, ENA notes that this kit only fits coils with black, straight boots.

Key features that stand out:
– Iridium center electrode for maximum spark consistency and durability.
– Specifically engineered for the 3-valve 5.4L and 4.6L engines (2005-2008).
– Coils and plugs engineered to reduce misfires and improve fuel efficiency.
– Plug-and-play design for easier installation.

Pros:
– Top-tier Iridium plugs included in the kit.
– Ideal for tackling both coils and plugs in one go on the 3V Triton engine.
– Engineered for consistent high-voltage output.

Cons:
– Strict compatibility requirements (must check original coil boot type before ordering).

Best for: Owners of 2005-2008 Expeditions with the 3-valve V8 engine who want the best combination of performance and longevity from both their coils and plugs.

Iridium Spark Plugs 6 Pack 94374 LTR6IX Fit for 2011-2020 Ford F150 3.5 V6 Expedition Explorer Flex Taurus Transit-150 250 & Lincoln MKS MKT Navigator 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Modern Ford Expeditions (2015-2023) primarily use the high-performance 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine. This engine runs high boost and requires a plug that can handle extreme heat and pressure. This 6-pack of Iridium plugs (LTR6IX) is tailor-made for these V6 EcoBoost applications. Iridium is essential here, providing the durability needed to resist erosion in turbocharged environments, ensuring optimal performance and reliable ignition across all speed ranges.

Key features that stand out:
– Set of 6 plugs, specifically designed for V6 3.5L EcoBoost engines.
– Iridium construction minimizes electrode wear under high boost conditions.
– Addresses ignition issues like misfiring and poor fuel economy in modern engines.
– Long replacement intervals suitable for EcoBoost maintenance schedules.

Pros:
– Essential plug type for turbocharged V6 engines.
– Tested to ensure reliability and engine stability.
– Direct fitment for 2015-2021 Expedition 3.5L.

Cons:
– Higher initial cost per plug due to the Iridium material.

Best for: Owners of modern Ford Expeditions (2015+) with the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine seeking peak performance and durability.

Set of 8 DG508 Ignition Coils and SP479 Spark Plugs For 5.4 V8 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Ford Expedition F150 F250 F350 Mercury Grand Marquis FD503

If you’re driving an older (pre-2005) 5.4L V8 Expedition and your budget is tight, this DG508/SP479 kit provides a very strong value proposition. It includes a complete set of eight coils and plugs designed to match OE specifications. Beyond just being a replacement, the manufacturer claims these new coil packs provide 15% more energy than the original equipment, potentially offering a slight boost in ignition performance and efficiency compared to worn-out factory parts.

Key features that stand out:
– Complete kit (8 coils and 8 plugs) for a full ignition refresh.
– Highly conductive copper wire used in coils for better connectivity.
– Direct fitment for popular 1997-2004 5.4L V8 Expeditions.
– Claimed enhanced coil performance leading to improved engine response.

Pros:
– Extremely cost-effective solution for a full tune-up.
– Designed to directly resolve misfire and hesitation issues.
– Backed by a 24-Month Warranty.

Cons:
– The quality and lifespan of generic aftermarket coils can sometimes be inconsistent.

Best for: Budget-conscious owners of early model 5.4L V8 Expeditions needing a full replacement kit to resolve immediate misfire issues.

AULINK Pack of 8 Nickel Material SP515 SP546 Spark Plugs For Ford Expedition Explorer F150/F250/F350/F450/F550 Super Duty Mustang,Lincoln Mark LT Navigator,Mercury Mountaineer 4.6L 5.4L 6.8L V8 V10

Unlike the other plugs reviewed here which focus on Platinum or Iridium, this AULINK pack utilizes Nickel material for the plugs. Nickel is a reliable, traditional electrode material known for its excellent resistance to corrosion and cost-effectiveness. This is a plug-only replacement kit for the 2005-2008 5.4L/4.6L 3-valve engines (using the SP515/SP546 reference). It offers a straightforward, economical solution for a spark plug replacement if your coils are still functioning well.

Key features that stand out:
– Nickel material construction ensures good corrosion resistance and service life.
– Direct replacement for the problematic Motorcraft SP515/SP546 plug reference.
– Compatible with a wide range of V8 and even V10 Ford Triton engines.
– Focuses on better fuel economy and lower emissions.

Pros:
– Highly economical choice for routine plug replacement.
– Nickel provides long-term corrosion prevention.
– Simple, direct OEM replacement fitment.

Cons:
– Nickel plugs offer the shortest lifespan compared to Iridium or Platinum options.

Best for: Owners of 2005-2008 V8 Expeditions who prefer a simple, cost-effective replacement plug and do not need to replace their coils yet.

Comparison Insights: Choosing the Right Plug Type

When you’re trying to select the best spark plugs for Ford Expedition, you need to consider three main factors: engine type (V8 or V6 EcoBoost), plug material, and whether you need new ignition coils.

• V8 Engines (4.6L/5.4L): Most of the reviewed products (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7) fit the V8 models. If you have an older 2-valve engine (pre-2005), options 1, 2, 3, and 6 are generally compatible. If you have the complex 3-valve engine (2005-2008), you must stick to options 4 and 7, which use the critical SP515/SP546 design.
• V6 EcoBoost Engines (3.5L): If you have a newer Expedition (2015+), you absolutely must use the plugs in Product 5 (Iridium Spark Plugs 6 Pack). Turbocharged engines require Iridium to withstand the extreme heat and pressure they generate.
• Iridium vs. Platinum vs. Nickel:
  • Iridium (Products 1, 4, 5) offers the longest service life and most robust performance, making it ideal for high-mileage drivers or turbocharged engines.
  • Platinum (Product 3) provides a good service interval at a lower cost than Iridium.
  • Nickel (Product 7) is the most basic and economical option but requires the shortest replacement interval.
• Coil/Plug Kits vs. Plugs Only: Given that Ford Expedition coil packs are a common failure point, choosing a full kit (Products 2, 3, 4, 6) is usually the most practical and cost-effective approach if your vehicle has over 80,000 miles and the coils haven’t been replaced.

Final Verdict: Our Top Recommendations

Choosing the right plug depends on your specific Expedition year and engine type. Here are our recommendations tailored to different owner needs:

For the Modern V6 EcoBoost (2015+):
The winner is clear: Iridium Spark Plugs 6 Pack 94374 LTR6IX. Iridium is non-negotiable for turbocharged performance and longevity.

For the Best All-in-One V8 Kit (2005-2008 3V):
If you have the tricky 3-valve engine and want maximum reliability, go with the ENA 8 Ignition Coil Pack and Iridium Spark Plug Set. Pairing high-performance Iridium with new coils will drastically reduce the chances of misfires.

For the Best Value V8 Kit (Pre-2005 2V):
For older V8 models needing a quick and reliable full tune-up without breaking the bank, the MAS Set of 8 Ignition Coil DG508 & Motorcraft Spark Plug SP479 offers the perfect blend of new coils and reliable Motorcraft OE plugs.

FAQs About Best spark plugs for a Ford Expedition

Q1: How often should I change the spark plugs in my Ford Expedition?

A: The replacement interval depends heavily on the plug material and your engine type. For V8 engines running standard copper plugs, replacement is usually recommended every 30,000 miles. However, Iridium or Platinum spark plugs for Ford Expedition, which are found in most modern replacements, can last 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Always check your owner’s manual or follow the guidance for your specific plug type.

Q2: Why are some Expedition spark plug sets 8-pack and others 6-pack?

A: The difference corresponds to the engine. Older Ford Expeditions (roughly 1997-2014) primarily used the Triton V8 engine (4.6L or 5.4L), which requires 8 spark plugs. Newer Expeditions (2015 and later) use the EcoBoost V6 engine (3.5L), which requires only 6 spark plugs. Ensure you buy the correct quantity for your engine configuration.

Q3: Do I need to replace the ignition coils when I replace the spark plugs?

A: It’s highly recommended, especially on V8 Ford models (4.6L and 5.4L). The coil-on-plug (COP) system on the Expedition is known for coil failure over time. Replacing the coils at the same time as the spark plug replacement prevents misfires caused by a weak ignition system and saves you from having to take the intake apart later to replace a failed coil.

Q4: What are the symptoms of bad spark plugs or coils in a Ford Expedition?

A: Common symptoms of ignition system failure include a noticeable loss of fuel economy, the engine shaking or vibrating violently (especially at idle), slow acceleration, hesitation when speeding up, and the Check Engine Light flashing due to an engine misfire.

Q5: What is the difference between the SP479 and SP515/SP546 spark plugs?

A: The SP479 is the plug typically used in the older 2-valve 4.6L and 5.4L Ford engines (pre-2005). The SP515/SP546 references are for the longer, more complex plugs required by the 3-valve 5.4L Triton engine (2005-2008), which can be prone to breaking during removal. Always confirm your engine type before purchasing these specific replacement plugs.

Q6: Does plug gap matter, or are these pre-gapped?

A: While most high-quality aftermarket Ford Expedition spark plugs come pre-gapped, it is crucial to always check the gap before installing them, particularly for high-performance or turbocharged engines (like the 3.5L EcoBoost). Refer to your specific engine specifications (typically around 0.043″ to 0.054″ depending on the year and engine). Improper gapping can lead to misfires or poor engine performance.