Ford has had a problem with the Mass air flow sensors becoming dirty on these models that can cause the symptoms you describe. However, just by symptons I am not going to recommend you replacing a $150+ part.
I have heard of people having success by cleaning these sensors, but one mistake and you will have to buy a new one whether it was the problem or not.
If you decide to try and clean the sensor, you will want to use a electrical cleaning spray. It must be quick drying and non-residue. You do not want to blast this sensor. There will be 2 very tiny wires in the air stream of your intake. You only want to lightly spray these wires only. If you get the spray too close, it can break these wires and you are replacing the sensor. I would try and lightly spray these wires to try and dissolve the build up on them. The build up will be small, and the cleaning will be small also. Allow plenty of time for the chemicals to evaporate before attempting to start the car.
Usually you will get a too lean code latched in your computer, but maybe it hasnt gotten to a point inwhich the computer has picked up the fault.
Typically when I hear complaints such as yours, I think plug wire, or something in the ignitions system breaking down under a load. Another option you have is to buy one coil pack. Replace one of your coil packs and drive it. If not improvement, install the removed coil pack in another position. Continue until all coil packs have been tested. If after rotating them all thru the new coil pack, and the problem is not fixed, the only remaining ignition components are the PCM and the crank sensor. Both of which usually cause the car to just die and not start.
Good luck and if you dont have success, then you may have to take it to a mechanic and have them test it out on a diagnostic machine.
Tuesday, August 8th, 2006 AT 5:47 PM