Look for rust. Look for obvious signs that body work or repainting has been done. Make sure all of the electrical systems work properly. You'll most likely want the computer and trans from the donor vehicle. Check the brakes and suspension components.

Cost will depend on shop hourly rates. Someone with the right tools and equipment can probably do it in about 10-12 hours. But most shops use a Parts and Labor Guide which I don't have access to.

Answered by rivermikerat (expert)
5,495 answers provided

Thanks, it is a California vehicle (Inland Empire) so no salt, no rust. So I gotcha on the motor switch = about 10-12 hours.
1. Should I expect probs from bolting up the 5.0 in place of the 5.8?

2. Also concerned about the high miles on trans, i.e. what is labor hours of trans rebuild?

3. What is labor hours on swapping transmissions from the donor?

Thanks!

Response from mike maynard
1 question asked

Inland Empire, San Berdoo/Rialto/RC/Redmond/Riverside. Ok. Just over the hill from the back of Pendleton where I'm at.

The 5.0 is a 302 and the 5.8 is a 351. They use the same basic block, as long as the 351 wasn't/isn't a Windsor or Modified, so no, there shouldn't be any major issues.

Pulling the trans from the donor is negligible if the engine is already out of it. It's like 3 bolts and let it down slowly. Wait, 5 bolts, because the differential may have to be disconnected. And a couple of clips to disconnect the linkage.

Labor cost depends on the shop. Most would recommend you just buy a reman C-4 trans.

Answered by rivermikerat (expert)
5,495 answers provided