For a Ford 302 that is not the high outout ( HO ) 5.0 liter version :
The # 1 position on the distributor cap faces to the rear and slightly towards the drivers side
Start with the # 1 position and go COUNTERCLOCKWISE ( the distributor rotor turns COUNTERCLOCKWISE )
1 - 5 - 4 - 2 - 6 - 3 - 7 - 8
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The engine cylinders / spark plug locations are numbered :
firewall
4 - 8
3 - 7
2 - 6
1 - 5
front
check or change the spark plugs & wires
Many possibilities. Need more info like the year and make.
Start with distributor cap/rotor, spark plugs and spark plug wires.
On a 1996 Ford Explorer : Yes , the 5.0 liter ( 302 cubic inch ) V8 engine has ( 8 spark plug wires ) with ( 2 ignition coil packs )
No, they are in the engine block, not in the heads. Freeze plugs are a misnomer. They are actually casting plugs.
You've got the wires in the wrong order. Firing order is 15426378 Distributor rotation is counter clockwise # 1 is passenger front cylinder
The gap on the plugs is .034.
Spark plugs
No.
In my 1991 - 5.0 LX ( 302 ) there were ( 2 ) drain plugs in the oil pan because the oil pan was designed to clear the rack and pinion steering
You need to know the firing order to know where your wires go.
According to one of Fords websites : For a 1986 Ford Mustang , 5.0 L / 302 cubic inch V8 engine : The spark plugs are gapped at ( .050 inch )