Ford Repair: 2000 Explorer 5.0 Coil Pack, motorcraft spark plugs, autozone

Question
QUESTION: Hi Brian, thanks for taking my question.  I am replacing the coil packs.  Can I use an aftermarket replacement or is it imperative that I use the Motorcraft?  The Motorcraft is just so much more expensive.  Are they worth the increased cost?

ANSWER: no, not imperative. the after market one's work just fine.. i use them myself for the same reason, to save my customers money !! :)

if i can help with anything else, feel free to ask or let your friends and family know i'm here.

-b-

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Brian, thank you so much.  Here is what I'm dealing with:  Slight hesitation in overdrive under slight acceleration, and also under heavy acceleration with higher rpm.  Tried a trans fluid change at the dealer since it had not been done in about 5 years and 40K miles.  Still have the hesitation.  Dealer suggested I change the Beldin wires I put in from NAPA last year to Motorcraft.  Plugs are new in the last year.  Ran codes at Autozone - nothing came up.  Coil packs are original so I thought I would start there. I would really like to figure this out - Your help is GREATLY appreciated.

Answer
Since I'm not near the vehicle but, aware of common trends with this vehicle. replacing the coil pack can't hurt as you are probably experiencing a misfire. Although using an aftermarket coil won't hurt, I can't stress enough using motorcraft spark plugs in this engine as usuing any other brand can cause the concern your experiencing. So if you have anything other than motorcraft plugs in the vehicle now, I recommend changing them as well.

-b-