I remember reading somewhere that Ford did not use gaskets on the exhast manifolds on the 5.0 in these trucks. Is this true? If so, why does Felpro sell them? I ask because i have a rather loud leak and its either the manifold, or the y pipe where it connects to the manifold. I got the gasket set from Felpro including the manifold gaskets, the donuts, and the flange gaskets. I want this fixed correctly. I do not want to have to do it again untill I install headers, if I install headers.

 

I recently had new exhaust manifolds installed on my 95 5.0 due to exhaust leaks. The shop did not use gaskets. I asked the same question you did and several guys said no gasket needed.

 

Have to make sure the manifold and block surfaces are absolutely flat.

 

No gaskets is how they came brand new...everything new....once you take them off, you need to either mill the manifolds (and sometimes the heads) or use gaskets, as more often than not they will not seal for numerous reasons all of which can be caused by 20 years of normal use.

Gaskets are the easiest and most cost effective option when dealing with them at this point. Use the gaskets, and don't lose any sleep over it.

 

Ok thanks guys.