Ignition Module Problem

[MarkyMakettle62]

I own an '02 E150, with the smaller of the two V8s (sorry I don't the recall the size offhand) with about 47K of mixed town/highway driving. It's in the shop as we speak having the number 7 ignition module replaced. This is the second unit since I bought the van new to be replaced, the first was covered under warranty, this one is out of my pocket, $240 parts and labor. So with that said I have these questions:

1) Is this a common problem with the econolines? Should I be prepared to replace these modules regulary?

2) How hard of a job would it be to change this myself?

Thanks