OK, I followed the threads on Ford-Trucks for how to get the old dipstick tube out. Mine was really rusty at the top and the dipstick would sit out abut 1/2". They eventually rust through creating even bigger problems.
So I got the old dipstick tube out (PB Blaster, cut it with bolt cutters and wiggled it the last 8" of it out of the block).
I can't get the new dipstick tube in. I removed the doghouse and MAF/air filter, but because of the shape of the dipstick tube, I can't put it in. I can barely get the end between the gap behind the exhaust manifold, but then it is rotated completely the wrong way to get down behind the oil filter mount and into the block. Obviously I don't want to bend it, because it will work-harden and snap.
Right now the only option I can see is to remove the LH exhaust manifold, and even then, success is not guaranteed. My exhaust manifold studs and nut are very rusty and removing them will create a whole new set of problems (removing broken studs etc.)
I'm an idiot for doing this two weeks before a big camping trip.
HELP!