first,your list of problems could and probably is focusing on way to many things at one time.if your trying to check all of this out at home your best bet is to test out different things one by one and just keep track of the results from the individual tests.if it is something electrical you may be able to pin point it with a diagnostic test,probably cost ya $50 bucks but it beats paying hundreds,possibly thousands replacing things that don't need to be.second,the thing about the plugs.if your asking a guy from a ford or mercury dealership they will always tell you to use motorcraft.personally i use bosch,as long as they are gapped out correctly and the firing order is correct you'll be alright.if you want to spend $15 bucks,go to an autoparts store and pick up a hayne's or chilten's manual,possibly even your library.i'm no expert on cars,i have my own headaches with my 98 contour at times but i do all my own work(on the basic stuff,i leave the rest to mechanics),but at 115,000 miles my car runs like new so i'm doin something right.hope this helps
mike in cleveland
