What plugs are you running? The Autolite Copper Core 764?

They should be APP764 Autolites for the Duratec.
Could you be melting them? Probably not.
They should say Autolite Double Platnium with the part number on the ceramic.
The shape looks correct against mine.
I see by Pic #2 you have Autolite 76xxx......





1996 2.5LT V6 Contour ATX My Tour+help/info pics E0 rims, Gutted Pre-Cats,CTA Custom Exhaust & Intake, Diablo Chip.