Ford Repair: possible fuel pump failure, pitched whine, salvage yard

Question
Engine misses under acceleration more pronounced after refueling. Going to start with fuel filter, per your help from your answer for Steve on releasing the fuel pressure, and I Would like to say you gave an excellent and simple to understand answer. I have my doubts it is the filter, last changed about 25,000 miles ago and the size of it is unbelievable. My question: Is there anything less costly and more simple I'm over looking before I replace the fuel pump? I am thinking of dropping a 302 in, am I out of my mind? The truck has 150,000 miles and is a 1996 and a good sound Texas truck. I understand a totaled Mustang would be the best way to go. Your thoughts please. Thank You Doug

Answer
Doug-

  If the filter is only 25K miles old, there's not much chance it's clogged unless you got some REALLY dirty gas...and even then chances are slim.  You might run a bottle or two of fuel system cleaner through the engine.  Fuel pumps usually make themselves known before they give up...usually by way of a high pitched whine that gets louder until the pump just dies.  As for the 5.0L swap, no...you're not crazy (at least not for thinking about that).  It's a bit of work like any engine swap, but it's certainly possible.  A salvage yard Mustang would be a good source for the motor and wiring/computer/other engine parts, but that's about it.  None of the suspension parts you'd need would be available out of a Mustang.  You'd have to find another truck (preferably the same year as yours and definitely the same model) that came from the factory with a 5.0L and swipe what you needed from there.  Hope this helps.

Steve