newbie MGM owner questions

[mercs]

I new to the 4.6 engine and anything to do with a mgm.
car is a 1997 MGM 82K aka "goldie locks"
my odometer and trip meter stoped working,bought the car with 79k it just stopped at 82,xxx. is this a common problem? is there an easy way to fix this or do i have to take off most of dash??
i also wanted to change spark plugs,which is reccomended? motorcraft??
i not looking for performance(mgm granny car:D)
any other tips/tricks to this engine would help
thanks...

[babbage]

You may find better answers here: http://www.crownvic.net
I suggest you make a post over there.

[mercs]

^thanks.....

[RF Overlord]

mercs, do you have the digital dash or analogue? Is it just the trip and odo that aren't working...IOW the speedo still works?

Removing the instrument cluster is not a big deal, but the guys over on CVN would have more detailed info for that year.

For spark plugs, Motorcraft or Autolite are preferred...(Autolite makes them for Motorcraft) Be sure to do this when the engine is COLD and use a torque wrench...these heads have only a few threads and are easy to strip if you get jiggy with it.

[mercs]

Its analog, the speedo still works. Its both the odometer on the trip that dont work.
motorcraft it is then, thanks for the tip on the heads ill take it easy on them.