98 Mustang GT dying

[ItsMason]

I’ve got a 1998 Mustang GT that’s been having an intermittent issue where the RPMs suddenly drop and the car loses power. Sometimes it catches itself and keeps running, but other times it falls flat on its face and barely responds even with the throttle to the floor. It feels like the engine is starving for fuel or losing spark under load.
I’ve already replaced the spark plugs, plug wires, and fuel filter, but the problem is still happening. The issue seems random sometimes it runs fine, other times it bogs badly, hesitates, or almost stalls altogether. Looking for ideas on what could be causing it or what I should check next. Thanks in advance I’m stumped

 

[squeak93]

Start with the basics.
Check all grounds/connections for wiring.
If those check out work on idle related items.
Clean the MAF (with maf specific cleaner).
Clean the Throttle body (with specific TB cleaner). Make sure the gunk around the blade (Carbon build up) is all gone.
Clean the IAC (idle air controller motor).

 

[roblabsn95]

I literally just spent the last month dealing with this. Intermittent hard starts, car would shut off sometimes but then letting cool down. It ended up being the pickup sensor in the distributor. As it was failing it was intermittent shut off at speed. Eventually died and wouldnt restart.