Advice -- Changing Spark Plugs

[TomO]

I'm seeking any advice/tips etc. for changing spark plugs on an '89 Grand Marquis w/ 302. Stock.

For example, would any special tools come in handy other than the normal spark plug ratchet and socket? Are there any parts that should be removed such as the air filter housing etc.?

How do you know what temp. spark plugs to use? I'm assuming the parts counter guy will know. Anybody know what the gap is supposed to be?

I figured I'd just use Motorcraft plugs. Any other recommendations?

Any advice/tips would be appreciated. Thanks.

[87_crown_vic]

a 3/8" swivel, moving the air intake flat tube out of was makes it easier, and i gap at .050 since recommended at .048 -.052... it gets a lil tight around the a/c lines on passenger side, but it not all that hard after you do it a couple times

[88mercgrandmarq]

do you do a lot of highway driving or in town driving? I mainly do a lot of town driving with my car and I've had a lot better luck with using hotter plugs versus your standard copper plugs

[TomO]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I changed the plugs today and it wasn't that bad. I didn't remove or loosen anything. In fact, it seemed a lot easier than changing the plugs in my old '86 GT.

I ended up going with standard Auto-Lite Platinum plugs. They were a good price.

My driving is more or lessed mixed, with about half town driving and half on the freeway, but typically, my freeway driving is no more than about 10-20 miles.

Car seemed to run noticeably better.