Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Help with 5.8 swap

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 29, 2020 | 07:35 PM
  #1  
x_FordMan_x's Avatar
x_FordMan_x
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Davison
Help with 5.8 swap

truck info: 1996 F-150, 5.0, 4r70w, 4wd, OBD II

Doner truck : 1997 F-250, 5.8, Manual, 2wd OBD I

Ok, so my fault for not researching better, I didn't realize the HD trucks were still OBD I. So what do I do, can I use my OBD II computer with this swap? Do I modify/fab a new intake for the MAF sensor?

or do I use the computer in the doner truck? can I adapt the transfer case to the manual transmission?

do I still use the late 80's crown vic flexplate if I can use the 4r70w transmission?

any input or a direction someone can point me towards would be great. I've only started to tear apart the doner truck so if I have to wait and order parts i'm ok with that.

thanks
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2020 | 07:44 PM
  #2  
x_FordMan_x's Avatar
x_FordMan_x
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Davison
I apologize, I think I may have posted this in the wrong thread.
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2020 | 09:29 PM
  #3  
Conanski's Avatar
Conanski
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
No you are in the right place.

Yes you need the Crown Vic flexplate for a 351/AOD combo, but other than that nothing else. The 5.8 will plug right into the wiring harness with a few exceptions, there is no knock sensor on a 5.8 but that isn't a critical sensor and can be left out, but the crank sensor and tone ring will be necessary. Do not use any wiring currently on the 5.8, use only the 5.0 engine wiring,
 
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2020 | 05:49 AM
  #4  
My4Fordtrucks's Avatar
My4Fordtrucks
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,837
Likes: 2,437
The air box and intake hoses are the same for the 5.0 & 5.8 so reuse the 5.0 stuff you already have. According to RockAuto the same MAF sensor was used for both engines.
 
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2020 | 08:26 AM
  #5  
kenny nunez's Avatar
kenny nunez
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 303
From: Kenner,La.
Club FTE Gold Member
Question 5.8

I was wondering about the different firing orders. If the 302 is 15426378 and the 351 is 13726548 the injector wiring has to be adjusted to compensate. I know that the engine will run without changing the wiring because I put a 303 cam in a 302 and just re arranged the plug wires. It was years later someone pointed it out to me.
Correct me if I am wrong on this.
 
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2020 | 08:52 AM
  #6  
rla2005's Avatar
rla2005
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
Originally Posted by kenny nunez
I was wondering about the different firing orders. If the 302 is 15426378 and the 351 is 13726548 the injector wiring has to be adjusted to compensate.
1994 and up 5L engine (and earlier HO) share the same firing order as the 5.8L engine.


courtesy of Steve83

Spark Plug Wire Routing for '94-up 5.0L & all 5.8L
 
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2020 | 08:57 AM
  #7  
rla2005's Avatar
rla2005
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
Originally Posted by Conanski
but the crank sensor and tone ring will be necessary.
This is going to be a problem. Sourcing the 1996 only harmonic balancer with the tone ring is the biggest challenge. They are not made anymore. Not sure if the sensor from the 5L engine will bolt onto the 5.8L front timing cover, as well as the timing cover may not have a provision for it. Leaving these pieces off usually triggers a Check Engine Light (CEL) or in Ford terms Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).
 
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2020 | 05:35 PM
  #8  
x_FordMan_x's Avatar
x_FordMan_x
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Davison
Is it a crank sensor or misfire sensor?? I'm not worried about a MIL, will it still run or would it put it in a base loop?

I'll keep you updated if it's something I can machine up, probably take another week before I can get the 5.0 out of the daily driver. Thanks everyone
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-7

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jan 30, 2020 | 06:16 PM
  #9  
My4Fordtrucks's Avatar
My4Fordtrucks
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,837
Likes: 2,437
Originally Posted by rla2005
Not sure if the sensor from the 5L engine will bolt onto the 5.8L front timing cover, as well as the timing cover may not have a provision for it.
Looking up the timing cover online, it looks like they both use the same part number so put the 5.0L cover on the 5.8?
 
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2020 | 06:27 PM
  #10  
rla2005's Avatar
rla2005
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
Originally Posted by x_FordMan_x
Is it a crank sensor or misfire sensor?? I'm not worried about a MIL, will it still run or would it put it in a base loop?

I'll keep you updated if it's something I can machine up, probably take another week before I can get the 5.0 out of the daily driver. Thanks everyone
Misfire detection only. The engine will run just fine. My concern would be burning out the MIL lamp every couple of months and not knowing if something else is amiss
 
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2020 | 10:04 PM
  #11  
x_FordMan_x's Avatar
x_FordMan_x
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Davison
You guys are awesome, I really appreciate the info. This is the most time I have spent in front of a computer in a long time, and its probably the least I've gotten done in the garage.

The truck didn't come with the MIL installed, so bbn I figure the previous owner took it out for weight reduction... lol

Thanks again everyone
 
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2020 | 06:55 AM
  #12  
jackietreehorn's Avatar
jackietreehorn
Cargo Master
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 217
From: Northern VA
Maybe you could drill and tap a port for the knock sensor on the 5.8?
 
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2020 | 11:26 AM
  #13  
Conanski's Avatar
Conanski
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Forget about the knock sensor it's not important, the connector can just be left empty.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2020 | 06:02 PM
  #14  
x_FordMan_x's Avatar
x_FordMan_x
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Davison
just a little update

waiting on parts from Rock Auto. Just doing a decent inspection before I yank the 5.0 out and making sure I have all the bases covered.

noticed a crack in the passenger side exhaust manifold. nothing drives me more crazy than hearing a ford with a busted manifold.

EGR tube was broke just sitting in the heat sock...

I can't even budge the bolts for the AC pump, the plan is to replace front and rear crank seals, I got a new oil pan and gasket, front timing cover gasket kit. ignition tune up stuff. valve cover gaskets.

when looking into the timing cover's for the misfire sensor, I am unable to find the same part number for the '96 5.0 and the '97 5.8, so I'm probably just going to let that connect hang around, unless I can fab something up.

Parts start arriving on monday, but i should have everything cleaned up and ready to start putting things back on.

once again i appreciate everyone's help on this projet
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2020 | 06:17 PM
  #15  
jackietreehorn's Avatar
jackietreehorn
Cargo Master
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 217
From: Northern VA
The 5.8 didn't have knock sensor. Since I am a bit of a perfectionist, I would would see if I could tap a fitting for the knock sensor or use the 5.0 cover.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:48 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE