I'm not sure about the Champion Copper ones, but I have heard nothing but bad things about Autolite Copper plugs, so I'm gunna assume Champions would be the same? Maybe try changing the plugs out for Champion Truck plugs, or Champion Iridium plugs, one of those two will be the closest to OEM

Look here, third post down. Hydrashocker talks about spark plugs

Another possibility, is did your husband gap the plugs before installing them?

 

the champion copper plugs are the perfect plug for these trucks, as long as they are gapped correctly leave them alone, the autolite coppers are on the approved list (as per this forum) as well, NEVER put any 'special' or long life plugs into these engines as they will not run correctly.

 

Autolite plugs ok?

Remember this thread?

But as for the Champion Coppers, I was unsure, but have recently read a couple posts where people were running them in the 4.7 with no problems, so samozaam, just make sure your husband gapped the plugs correctly

 

no i did not remember that thread, however the autolite coppers (typically in a heat range colder iirc) are actually pretty popular plugs in the 5.2/5.9l magnum engines, and i personally ran autolite copper core plugs in my 4.7 for 90k miles with 0 problems

 

The autolites are a range cooler, and I agree with the old magnum thing, I run autolites in my 93 Dakota with the 3.9 and I've never had an issue, but after reading that thread, I'd rather not take the chance in the 4.7, and I figure the OP would appreciate the info to make an educated decision

 

Sorry for the long delay in responding/updating. I've been busy at work & also busy at home fighting ants in our house.

Anyway, re: the spark plugs, I know my husband is not going to bother with replacing them again, so the Champion Copper are in there to stay. I asked him about the gapping, and he said he's pretty sure he gapped them correctly.

He's been busy too, so he hasn't had a chance to check/clean the IAC or check for cracks in any hoses. Hopefully he'll do that soon.

If it does happen to be a bad fuel injector, how easy is that to replace?

Oh, and BTW, it's now throwing both codes again -- 0302 & 0456. It hasn't wanted to stall, but you can tell idle seems a little low at startup, and even feels a little rough while driving...the best analogy I can compare it to is static on the radio. You pick up a station, and for the most part, you can hear it, but there's some slight static. Well, there's this slight "static" or "roughness" while driving. It's hard to explain....it's just not smooth like I think it should be.

Anyway, once the above suggestions are checked & done, I will update again. Thanks, everyone, for all the help & suggestions.

 

have you tried to reset your PCM?