do the newer 5.0's have hyper. rods as well?

I can tell you, at least, that all 79-93 5.0 mustang motors had forged steel connecting rods.

The hypereutectic pistons were a mid year change in '92 an no, they did not have crappy rods. That's why the block splits before the rest breaks up.....even with hypereutectic pistons.

I know Ford pushrod engines from the late '50s all the way to around 2000 came with forged rods. Some better better than others, but none were "bad." Heck, I think flatheads had forgings too.