This is the largest wrenching project I've ever tackled and I'm just looking for any tips/tricks or anything that might help. I've done some searching on google and haven't found a lot. If a DIY guide exists anywhere that would be awesome.

Truck is a 1990 f-350 with a 5.7L.

correction, 5.8L

 

Is the engine going back in the same as what is coming out? Meaning same year and everything? Or are you doing a different combo?

 

Take lots of picture for reference before you start and during the removal. Label everything very well, I use 2in wide blue masking tape and a sharpie pen. Get a bunch of lunch and freezer bags to place bolts and small parts in and label them with the sharpie pen.

 

another 5.7L is going in. good tips on keeping track of everything, thank you.

 

5.7? Ford's larger small block is a 5.8 liter (351 cubic inches).

 

right 5.8L shows you how familiar with ford i am

 

So another 5.8 going back in.. dame year or a different one?

The main thing is that you cannot use any wiring that comes with the donor motor, so remove the upper intakes on both motors and disconnect all of it.

Electrical connectors are mostly unique to the device they connect to so it's hard to get things mixed up even if you don't label them.

The motor will come out without removing the hood and rad but some guys pull those parts anyway, and it's easier to leave the trans in the truck if you have a 4x4.

 

I'll have to check but I believe it is the same year. Even if it is I have to swap all the electricals?

Also it is a dually flatbed, I don't think it's 4x4, does that change anything about what I should do with the tranny?

Do you know if I can pull the fan clutch w/o a special tool? Are there any other specialized tools I'll need?

 

to the top.

i read somewhere that i may need an incredibly long extension with multiple elbow joints to access the engine to transmission bolts. does anyone know if thats the case?

 

If you are removing the bellhousing bolts from underneath then yes, an assortment of extensions and u-joints come in very handy. I would not say you need multiple elbows, just the one on the end near the socket.

If you are coming in from the top, not very easy IMHO, then no.