I have a nice sel like new ford freestar but i have a 1 inch crack at the top right of this plastic insert where the tag goes i cant stand it but i cant seem to find this part and is there a way to prevent this in the future and also at 60,000 miles would you recommened a plug and wire change it is running like new at the moment will it help fuel economy thanks for any input

 

My original one was never cracked on my 2004 Freestar. However, due to being rear-ended in 2008, the body shop put a used rear hatch from a 2006 on the van. That insert is now cracked in two places. The body shop has repaired it twice (in two different places) under the repair warranty. Yet it cracked in two different places. I gave up on it.

As far as plugs/wires go, I would replace the plugs, wires and coil. I myself and a few others have experience an engine miss under load that appears around the 75,000 mile range. But a new coil would be your call since it's accessable when doing the rear plugs. I prefer the NGK Iridium plugs (TR55IX). Don't forget to use dielectrical grease in the wire boot ends to eliminate any chance of spark leakage.

I have 132,000 miles on my '04 (Installed the Iridiums at 30,000). Did plug wires and coil at 76,000 due to the non-logging Mis-Fire. I will be putting in a new set of Iridiums, wires and coil before my next road trip to AZ in May/June time frame.