Checklist
First in absolutely no order, I'm not sure about the regulator, but some regulators are created more equal than others (Black?, orange or chrome). This is common knowlege among Moparists, but completely escapes me right now (done WAY too many fords recently.
The plugs should be fine, if you really want to make sure, pull them, run some 200 grit sandpaper through the gap, recheck the gap and re install them.
The way I like to flush the cooling system is to pour in some "radiator flush" (I think it's made by Prestone), follow the instructions. Some guys use draino, or laundry detergent, but I'm not brave enough for that. After you let it run through for the recomended time, disconnect one of your heater hoses, stick the garden hose in the radiator and crank her up. Let the water do the work. This way, you will not put too much pressure through, and you can tell if your pump is actually working. You can disconnect bothe heater hoses (with the engine off) and shoot the hose through one, then the other to get the gunk out of the heater core.
That's the way I do it, others may have a better way, but this works.
Also, not a bad idea to watch for leaks in the heater core after you clean it out. Sometimes the gunk is the only thing plugging a hole, but I'd rather find out about it in my driveway than on the highway.