Me and some buds at work were talking, and they brought up a few guys that they knew with a 1997 F-150 with a 5.0L (302) and two 1998 F-150s with 5.8L's (351) in them.

I was kind of astonished at this, especially since they said it wasn't all that hard to do. Don't get me wrong... I'm not planning on the swap-- I'm just wanting to know if all of this is valid.

I'm pretty sure that the bellhousing is the same on the transmissions, as the 1994 F-150 and 1998 F-150 that I have look to have the same transmission, minus the transfer case on the 1998. These are 4R70W's, ain't they?

The 1997 F-150 that they talked about was a 5-speed, and the two 1998's were automatics.

They said that the wiring harnesses were basically the same-- All you had to do was swap in the 302/351, plug it in, get the proper engine computer, and there you go.

I am seriously doubting this, but I guess it could be so...

Now, don't get me wrong... I know that this can be done, but I don't think that it can without alot of time, money, and sweat put into it. They make it sound like there's nothing to it.

I would like to believe it would be that easy, but I think I have some lying buds...

Nightrain

 

You buds are mistaken or seriously confused. While it is possible(anything's possible),the engine harnesses are totally different,and the transmissions are different as well. The old 5.0/5.8L's and the Modulars use different bellhousing patterns,and the engine mounts,etc,etc,etc are all totally different.
I'll bet they're thinking about the old square bodied F250's for '97-'98 before the super-duty new bodystyle was released.
JL

 

It can be done. The chassis is pretty much the same as the '80 to '96 models. They just updated the body. You'd need the wiring harness, computer, transmission, and motor mounts and frame perches.

 

Gotcha... I figured it wasn't as easy as they stated.

I know that they were talking about 97-98 F-150s. I also know that they were talking about the 5.0L and 5.8L.

I just wanted to clear it all up.

Thanks for ya'lls time, fellas!

Nightrain

 

Hmm... This has all got me curious!

How hard WOULD it be to swap over a 97-98 F-150 4x4 to a 5.8L?

If you had, say a 1996 F-150 4x4 donor truck in the back yard, just how bad would it be to do?

On the 97+ F-150, remove the radiator support and all front-end components, minus the fenders, and pull out the 4.6L and transmission together.

Then, figure your measurements for the 351, and either the 4R70W or E4OD that goes with it, change over the frame perches, adjust the transmission mount brace as needed, and set the 351 and transmission in place.

NOW, as far as the wiring goes...

If the 4.6L computer and harness were removed, and the 351 computer and harness installed in its place, would everything else hook up as needed, or would there be a WHOLE lot more to do to the wiring than what meets the eye?

I would figure as long as the computers and harnesses were swapped, the gauges and all would operate correctly, wouldn't they?

Also, will a 97+ 4WD 4R70W transfer case bolt to an older 4R70W or E4OD?

Just a thought!

Nightrain

 

Why would you not want a 4.6L or a 5.4L, that is the question. J/K

 

Exactly. Why would anybody want to go back to dinosaur tech pushrod engines that are less efficient,leak fluids,and make less power per cubic inch?
I've owned both,and you couldn't give me an older F150 with a pushrod windsor engine in it.
JL

 

I had a '96 with a 302, loved it. But after driving 130,000 with a 5.4 I wouldn't go back.

 

Not that I would want to... I love my 4.6L.

I was just curious about it...

Nightrain

 

I would trade my 4.6L for a 351W anyday! Can you say aftermarket? You can get 800HP out of the 351 without breaking the bank. It would take cubic yards of cash to get a 4.6 to do the same.

 

I know of a 97 f150 with a 408 stroker in it. Its a race truck only. It doesn't use the computer system. Its running carbs. I liked my 96 F150 with a 351. It was a good truck but it sure didn't have the power of my 97 with the 5.4. My son raced 97 against me in the 96. He gave me about a 200 yd lead on the interstate before we took off. He caught up & passed by me so fast it was hard to believe.

 

Yeah i dont know i sure love my 5.8L it dont get the greatest mileage but what truck does even with smaller motors and what not but i totally agree putting a 5.0 or 5.8 in one a 97-03 truck dont make sense i would just take a 4.6 or 5.4 those are just fine not much different..

 

Well...while we are on this topic, here is a '98 with a 472 stroker in it:

 

The basics shouldn't be hard. Rip out the old drivetrain (not just the engine), set replacement drivetrain in place, fabricate mounts, and hook up charging and ignition systems. Have driveshaft(s) made to suit. This would be a chance to gut the guage cluster and put custom gages in place. If you are going racing the pushrod motors make sense.
That stroker pic shows there is plenty of room.

 

I bet that 472 will tow better than my 5.4L